Cricket

New Zealand cricket has reached unprecedented heights in an extraordinary week, etching its name in the annals of history with two landmark victories. Within a span of seven days, the Black Caps secured their first-ever Test series win in India, while the White Ferns claimed their maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup title.Black Caps End 69-Year Wait with Historic Test Series Win in IndiaThe week of glory began on October 20, when New Zealand's men's team ended a 36-year winless streak in India with a commanding 8-wicket victory in the first Test in Bengaluru. It was New Zealand's first Test win on Indian soil since 1988 and only their third in history. The victory marked the start of their first-ever series triumph in India in 13 attempts since 1955.Under overcast conditions, India's batting crumbled under the pressure, posting just 46 runs in their first innings - their lowest Test total in Asia. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry spearheaded the demolition, taking 5 for 15. In response, New Zealand amassed 402 runs, taking control of the match. India showed fight in their second innings, with Sarfaraz Khan's 150 helping set a target of 107, but the Black Caps chased it down with ease.The second Test in Pune was even more dramatic. New Zealand fought back after being bowled out for 259, with Mitchell Santner delivering a match-winning performance, taking 7 for 53 to dismiss India for just 156. New Zealand set India a challenging fourth-innings target of 359, and despite Yashasvi Jaiswal's blistering 77, India folded for 245, giving New Zealand a 113-run victory and their first-ever Test series win in India. This also ended India's 12-year unbeaten run in home series.White Ferns Make History with Maiden T20 World Cup WinWhile the men's team was making history in India, the New Zealand women's team, the White Ferns, achieved their own momentous victory by lifting their first-ever ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai on the same day as the Bengaluru Test win (October 20).Entering the tournament as underdogs, the White Ferns stunned the cricket world by defeating India by 58 runs in their opening game. Despite a setback against defending champions Australia, New Zealand reached the semifinals with wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan. A narrow 8-run victory over West Indies in the semifinals set up a final clash with South Africa.In the final, the White Ferns posted a competitive total and restricted South Africa to win by 32 runs, claiming their first T20 World Cup and second ICC trophy, following their 2000 Women's ODI World Cup win.Seven Days of Glory for New Zealand CricketIn just seven days, New Zealand cricket achieved historic feats that have redefined their legacy on the world stage. The Black Caps' first-ever Test series win in India and the White Ferns' maiden T20 World Cup triumph represent the pinnacle of New Zealand cricket's red-letter week, marking a period of unprecedented success that will be remembered for years to come.

New Zealand's cricket teams have etched their names in history with remarkable victories over the weekend. The men's team triumphed in their Test match against India, securing their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years. Meanwhile, the White Ferns claimed the ICC Women's T20 World Cup title, their maiden triumph in the tournament.Men's Test Victory:In the Test match against India in Bengaluru, New Zealand's bowlers dominated, with Matt Henry and William O'Rourke dismantling the Indian batting lineup. India was bowled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings, giving New Zealand a significant advantage.Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Tim Southee contributed crucial runs to New Zealand's total of 402/10. Despite a valiant effort from India's batters, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Sarfaraz Khan, they could only manage 462/10 in their second innings.New Zealand chased down the modest target of 106 runs comfortably, winning by eight wickets. Ravindra was named 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding performance with both bat and ball.Women's T20 World Cup Triumph:The White Ferns made history by defeating South Africa in the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. After being put in to bat, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 158/5, thanks to contributions from Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Brooke Halliday.South Africa's chase started promisingly, but they lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually restricted to 126/9. Kerr and Rosemary Mair were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, with Kerr earning the 'Player of the Match' award for her all-round performance.

Jacob Oram, the former New Zealand all-rounder, has been appointed as the bowling coach for the New Zealand Men's cricket team. Oram will fill the role vacated by Shane Jurgensen, who stepped down after the T20 World Cup earlier this year.Oram has previously worked with the New Zealand team as bowling coach during last year's Test tour of Bangladesh, the T20I series against Australia, and the T20 World Cup. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having played 160 ODIs and 33 Tests for New Zealand."I'm really excited to have the opportunity to be involved with the Blackcaps again," Oram said. "To be back involved with a team that means so much to me and has been a big part of my life is a real honor."Oram will work with a New Zealand attack that includes some newer faces, including exciting pace duo Ben Sears and Will O'Rourke. He is eager to share his knowledge and experience to help prepare them for the challenges of international cricket."There's a fresh new wave of talent coming through in the Blackcaps bowling ranks and I hope that I can share my knowledge and experience to help best prepare them for the challenges of international cricket," Oram said.Oram began his coaching career in 2014 with New Zealand A and then worked with New Zealand Women as bowling coach from 2018. He was named head coach of Central Hinds last summer, leading the team to the Super Smash final. Oram has also been an assistant coach in the Abu Dhabi T10 and bowling coach of MI Cape Town in the SA20."Jake's a great operator," said head coach Gary Stead. "His career as a player and his experiences as a coach speak for themselves. He brings a deep understanding of the international game, but also experience in franchise cricket which will be worthwhile in understanding the modern player and the changing landscape of the modern game."Oram will begin his role on October 7, shortly before the start of New Zealand's three-Test series in India.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has once again showcased its innovative and heartwarming approach to engaging with fans. Following the charming squad announcement video featuring kids Angus and Matilda, NZC has released a touching farewell video as the Blackcaps depart for the T20 World Cup 2024.The video captures the heartwarming moments between Angus and Matilda and the cricketers at the airport. The duo interacts with the players, wishing them well and expressing their excitement for the tournament. The video highlights the close bond between the team and its young fans.NZC's unique approach to squad announcements has garnered widespread praise. Last year, the board enlisted the help of players' family members to unveil the ODI World Cup team. This innovative style has set NZC apart and has been lauded by fans and experts alike.The T20 World Cup 2024 will be held in the West Indies and the USA from June 2. The Blackcaps, led by returning captain Kane Williamson, will be aiming to make a significant impact on the global stage. The team boasts a strong squad with a mix of experienced players and rising stars.

Colin Munro, the explosive New Zealand batsman, has bid farewell to international cricket after failing to secure a spot in the Black Caps' T20 World Cup squad. Despite expressing his availability and impressing in franchise cricket, Munro's hopes of adding to his 123 caps were dashed.Munro's international career spanned over a decade, during which he played one Test, 57 ODIs, and 65 T20Is. He made a significant impact in the shortest format, scoring three centuries and setting several records. His 47-ball hundred against West Indies in 2018 was a New Zealand record at the time, while his 14-ball half-century against Sri Lanka remains the fourth fastest in T20I cricket.Munro's aggressive batting style and calculated risk-taking revolutionized the way short-form cricket was played. He was one of the pioneers of the 360-degree batting approach that has become commonplace in modern cricket.Despite not playing for New Zealand since 2020, Munro remained hopeful of a return. However, with the announcement of the T20 World Cup squad, he has officially closed the chapter on his international career."Playing for the Black Caps has always been the biggest achievement in my playing career," Munro said. "I never felt prouder than donning that jersey, and the fact that I've been able to do that 123 times across all formats is something I will always be incredibly proud of."New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink praised Munro's contribution to the team. "Colin was one of our first players to embrace the aggressive, 360-degree style batting that is now accepted all around the world as best practice," Weenink said. "He was one of the pioneers of the new game, an innovative batsman who took calculated risk-taking to a new level, and led what was to become a revolution in the way short-form cricket was played."Munro will continue to play franchise cricket, but his international career has come to an end. He leaves behind a legacy as one of New Zealand's most innovative and exciting short-form batters.