WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Black Caps fans are bracing themselves for an emotional journey when the Twenty20 World Cup begins next month in the United States and West Indies, looking forward to the tournament with a mixture of hope and fatalism.
That mixed outlook, leaning towards pessimism, is based on New Zealand’s experience of cricket’s limited-overs World Cups, many of which have taken fans on an emotional roller-coaster before ending in disappointment.
New Zealand reached the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup, losing to Australia in the United Arab Emirates, and the semifinals of the 2016 and 2022 tournaments. The Black Caps reached the final of the 50-overs Cricket World Cup in 2015 and 2019 and the semifinals in 2007, 2011 and 2023.
In total the Black Caps have reached the ICC World Cup semifinals seven times. But New Zealand’s only win in a major limited-overs tournament came at the ICC Knockout Trophy in Kenya in 2000.
Congo names third American in a foiled coup plot as mourners gather in Utah to remember plot leader
Maryland governor signs bill to rebuild Pimlico, home of the Preakness Stakes
2024 South Carolina General Assembly session may be remembered for what didn't happen
Jenna Dewan bares her bump in completely nude snap
Testimony at Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial focuses on his wife's New Jersey home
Travis Kelce responds to Jana Kramer's claims he's a bad influence on girlfriend Taylor Swift
Rangers get Chytil back in lineup for Game 3 against Hurricanes after lengthy absence
Saints sign their top draft choice, offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga
Caitlin Clark returns for 2nd half against Sun after apparent left leg injury in 1st half
US utility pledges more transparency after lack of notice it empowered CEO to make plant decisions
EU seals a deal on using profits from frozen Russian assets to help arm Ukraine
Day by day, China is slowly chipping away at our social fabric