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On July 14, 2019, New Zealand came close to winning their maiden ODI World Cup title. They didn't actually lose to England in the final at Lord's, London. The game progressed to the super over which was tied and the winner was decided as per boundary count. After the game, debate over boundary count rule continued for a long time. As T20 World Cup 2026 group stage match between Afghanistan and South Africa was decided via a double super over, Jimmy Neesham wonders what could’ve been several years ago when he almost took the BlackCaps over the line.
"It's good now that you had the opportunity to play a second Super Over when the first one's a tie," he said after New Zealand’s group stage defeat to South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. "That would have been nice…"
After Ben Stokes' unbeaten 84 helped England tie the game, England set a target of 16 runs. For New Zealand, Neesham and Martin Guptill walked out to bat. Eoin Morgan handed the ball to Jofra Archer who started off with a wide. On the next four balls, Neesham ran three twos and hit a huge six. On the penultimate ball, he took a single. Opener Guptill couldn't find the gap and was run out. Both England and New Zealand scored 15 runs each in the super over but the hosts ended up winning their maiden ODI World Cup title due to now-abolished rule.
Heartbroken after the loss, Neesham took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and posted: "Kids, don't take up sport. Take up baking or something. Die at 60 really fat and happy."
ALSO READ: New Zealand pacer leaves T20 World Cup 2026 squad after South Africa loss due to this reason
How AFG vs SA double super over led to a delay
Neesham revealed that New Zealand’s team bus was delayed because players were busy watching the double super over encounter between the Proteas and South Africa. He hopes there are more close games going ahead in the tournament.
"It [Afghanistan-South Africa] was obviously a great watch the other night. We were travelling here [Ahmedabad], waiting to leave for the airport, and everyone was around the TV in the hotel, delaying the bus, so it was pretty cool to watch. Hopefully there are some more good games like that in the rest of the tournament."
New Zealand lose to South Africa
Meanwhile, New Zealand suffered a comprehensive loss to South Africa. Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 44-ball 86 helped them chase down the target of 176 with seven wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare.
Neesham was impressive even though Kiwis lost the game. Batting at no.8, he scored 23 runs from 15 deliveries. With the ball, he conceded 15 runs from two overs and got the wicket of an in-form Ryan Rickelton.
However, the loss hasn’t dented New Zealand’s chances of reaching the Super 8 stage. They are scheduled to take on Canada on February 18. A win will guarantee a spot in Super 8s.
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