The ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin in Australia on 16 October, and all 16 participating teams will be desperate to get their hands on the coveted trophy. Here, we take a look at New Zealand, a team that has been one step away from the World Cup title thrice but lost it on all three occasions.
New Zealand Independence in 1907
New Zealand is the neighbouring country to Australia, the host of the marquee tournament. They are also called Down Under because of their location on the world map.
New Zealand was one of the very many countries under the British at one time, but after gaining independence in 1907, New they made a name in the world of cricket. A report of the first match on their ground was recorded by Henry Williams. It is believed that the first match was played in December of 1832, surrounded by sea on all sides.
New Zealand Team International Debut
After their independence from the British, the county teams of England also visited New Zealand. The excitement of cricket increased in New Zealand and the team played their first international Test in 1930 against England in Christchurch.
However, from 1930, New Zealand had to wait 26 years to win a Test match, that too against a solid West Indies side in Auckland in 1956, where they registered their first Test victory. But, when it came to ODIs, New Zealand played their first one during the 1972-73 season against Pakistan in Christchurch.
How the Kiwis got their name
When New Zealand started performing well in Test and ODI cricket. This was followed by their new nickname, which quickly caught on — the Blackcaps — in 1998. Meanwhile, a bird called Kiwi which cannot fly is found in New Zealand. Fans also call the team of New Zealand by the name of this national bird.
New Zealand's performance in T20Is
The New Zealand team surprised everyone by winning the inaugural World Test Championship title at the Lord's in 2021. Kane Williamson's side landed defeat on the Indians in this final match. After that, they also reached the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup but lost to Australia in what was their third loss in a major final in four attempts.
Now this team would like to make a splash in the 2022 T20 World Cup. They played their first T20I fixture in 2005. Since then, the side has played 174 T20I matches. These include 89 victories and 72 defeats in their name. This team, which can still be one win away from the T20 World Cup title, will definitely give their everything in the shortest format of cricket under the captaincy of Kane Williamson.
New Zealand's T20 World Cup Schedule:-
22 October Australia Sydney 12.30 pm
26 October Afghanistan Melbourne 1.30 pm
29 October A-1 Sydney 1.30 pm
1 November England Brisbane 1.30 pm
4 November B-1 Adelaide 9.30 am
