New Zealand is abuzz with excitement as Kiwis hope to take flight with maiden T20 WC title

A classic T20 World Cup final is on the cards between New Zealand and India in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The Kiwis are flightless birds. They have indeed now found their altitude and are flying high.  They are rocking the cricket world and are looking to comfortably perch on the T20 summit. Their rivals and hosts India are on a roll too as they are looking to make history by winning back-to-back titles.

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As the Christchurch-bound Singapore Airlines took off from Singapore airport, a quick-nap then suddenly I remembered that the T20 World India-England semifinal was to start shortly. Initially, I felt I would miss all the fun and excitement that is associated with all the Indians. A little disappointed, I casually walked to the washroom and to my happiness, I could see a few of the passengers watching the live telecast from their seat monitor. I immediately strode to my seat and switched on the monitor. I could see Sanju Samson in full flow, with a late blitz from Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. Those incredible catches by Axar Patel and booming spell by once-in-generation Jasprit Bumrah was a treat to watch. Even though young Jacob Bethel sent shivers in the Indian camp, India had the last laugh.

On alighting from the SQ 297, there were the usual formalities like the immigration. In New Zealand there is the Traveller Declaration where passengers have to declare if they are getting food products into their country, particularly the plants and milk products. I had a few apprehensions. But all those doubts were dispelled at the food checking counter.

It will be a good contest, says Border Officer at airport

The Border Officer was very friendly and soon it developed into a good conversation. The first question was, are you a cricketer, I said no. But I said I was a retired sports scribe. There was a big smile and then the Border Officer said: “It is good New Zealand is meeting India. They are the two best teams. It is good Australians have lost. We have bitter rivalry with Australians. It will be a good contest.”

The writer is enjoying the pleasant weather in Christchurch ahead of the T20 World Cup final between New Zealand and India to be played in Ahmedabad on Sunday

There was a high-five before I made the exit from the airport. There is palpable excitement in Christchurch. As New Zealand is 6.5 hours ahead of India, the final will start at 3 am here. Cricket is quite popular and a good number of matches are played in the open grounds; some play white ball cricket.

Wish Santner and co silence India: Wright

As I walked in the Sunday Street market here, I tried to get feedback from the people. “It will be a tight match. The first six overs of powerplay will decide the match. The Indians need to be aware of our openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. Other day you saw how Allen destroyed the South African attack with a 33-ball 100. Yes, there is the Bumrah factor. He is incredible. In Samson, India have a devastating and in-form batter,” said Tim Wright, a student.

I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once, says Kiwi skipper Santner

“Truly, like Pat Cummins-led Australian team silenced the Indian crowd in the 2023 one-day final, we would like our captain Mitchell Santner to do the feat for our team. Actually, if you see New Zealand’s performances in red-ball or white-ball World Cup champions we have a better record than all the other teams, including the Australians, who always feel they are the best in the world. But we have silenced many teams,’’ Wright added.

Mixed feelings for Indians in New Zealand

The mood in the city and in the country is upbeat. With sizable Indians around in this country, there are a few feelings for the adopted country while some have a strong feeling for their ‘mother’ country.

The mood in Christchurch and in New Zealand is upbeat. With sizable Indians around in this country, there are a few feelings for the adopted country while some have a strong feeling for their ‘mother’ country

Amit Sanyal, who has been in New Zealand for more than 20 years, said he will support the Kiwis. “I have been here for so many years and so I am a Kiwi fan. Look at Rachin Ravindra or Ish Sodhi. They have been an inspiration to all the Indians settled here who dream of playing for New Zealand. We pride ourselves being New Zealanders,” said Sanyal, who plays local cricket.

However, Ashok Mudiraj, a local entrepreneur, said since his roots are from India, he will support the SuryaKumar Yadav-led team. “Whenever, India play here we come and cheer with Indian flags. Today, we as a group will see match in our friend’s house. We are all excited indeed.”

For sure, there is tremendous mutual respect among the New Zealand and Indian players.