The win against India in the first round match, which many fans treated as the match of the year, and a must-win from both sides, seemed a final of sorts. From the Pakistani fan’s point of view, this victory would be enough to hold an upper hand in cricket conversations until the next head-to-head between the two sides, which might fall in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in 2010. It was perhaps this need to stay on top in sport debates, that most fans wished the Pakistani team lose to Australia in the last group match, because that would ensure that India don’t progress.

Once through, the buzz around the cricketing circles was the likely clash of Pakistan and Australia in the final of the cup. Australia cruised to an easy victory over England in the semi-finals, but Pakistan failed to cross the seemingly easy hurdle of New Zealand, a side already weakened due to missing players Tuffey and Styris. Unfortunately, as things go, it wasn’t Pakistan’s day. Giving New Zealand a modest 233 to chase (that too with a 35-last wicket partnership!), Pakistan could not break the the slow and steady pace of the chasing Kiwi batsmen, although they seemed to have the ammunition to do so.

New Zealand’s record in all tournaments is just about impressive. No great accolades, no major cup wins, the Kiwis have always crumbled at the semis (read the team’s Wiki entry here). And perhaps, the Pakistani team expected that to happen again. On watching the match, I think the focus was more on what the game plan was going to be for the final. Where was Mohammed Asif, for example? Were they saving him for the final? And Boom Boom Afridi’s batting form in this tournament has been disastrous. For a team to so effectively beat India, and then give the Aussies a run for their money in a match whose outcome made no difference, to lose to NZ like they did last night leaves the fans a little disappointed. For the Kiwis, on the other hand, after the first match loss to South Africa, the team resurrected itself by beating Sri Lanka and England, and to now be playing in the finals for the second time (they won the tournament in 2000 by beating India), it really is a dream run. And not one of those that you see from an underdog team, where they are finally brought to a crushing defeat once it all goes to their heads. This New Zealand team, led by Vettori, is quite determined to be ranked amongst the top. Well, best of luck to them. Like most cricket fans, I hate the Aussies, and I’ll be wearing a black cap on Monday.