CRICKET: The Return of the T

Tiger Taylor Roars!

Those that witnessed Taylor's 131 run onslaught are already calling it the most spectacular century ever scored at a World Cup, a statement hard to deny as his late boundary bombardment lead NZ to a winning target of 302 at the end of their 50 overs.  The strength displayed had massive effects on all involved as Pakistan crumbled through shock, as the Kiwis via McCullum and Oram joined in with equal devastation followed by a buoyed opening pace attack.  So inspired was the fielding unit, that not even the injury of Vettori, our best ODI bowler, could derail the track to victory.

The innings itself was like an exorcism of demons.  The start was ugly.  Taylor was let off the hook twice via dropped catches from the clumsy Kamran, but even after this act of kindness, it remained a struggle.  A man almost haunted, his collection of runs was slow and painful, yet he battled on.  Having clawed his way to the 80s, he made the call.  To swing with all his might and finally break the burden that had kept him without a century for 2 years.  Seven 6s later, vindication was met as he lead the amassing of an additional hundred runs in the last 5 overs of the game.  The  personal significance of the century was there for all to see.  After roaring with delight, he hunched down and tapped his bat on the ground, finding peace with the fact that he had done it.  Jake Oram (finally recalled!) walked over and gently patted his teammate on the head.  An appropriate acknowledgement of the moment's emotional importance by the big Monster, fully aware of his teammate's recent struggle.

The gesture that said it all

The team performance as a whole was very good, but it was all through the trickle down of Taylor's monumental effort.  The transformation of momentum now shifts hugely with the Black Caps as other teams now become aware of the potential and real threat that awaits them.  With new found belief and courage, the Black Caps will pursue a now plausible goal of gold that awaits them beyond the World Cup final.  In faith, not hope, we now believe.