Fleming inspires Kiwis to new heights
Posted on Oct 27, 2006 at 13:22 | Updated Oct 27, 2006 at 13:49
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Tags: cricket, champions trophy, new zealand
Mohali: From being a bits-and-pieces unit to one of the best One-Day teams, New Zealand reached dizzying heights when they won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2000.
And as the first to reach the semi-finals this time around, the Kiwis owe a lot to their inspirational leader.
Ten years as skipper, a winning record of about 50 per cent and also the most runs scored as the skipper, Stephen Fleming has led New Zealand admirably.
At a time when the game is littered with colourful personalities, he is the man who has quietly guided New Zealand to be more than just a force to reckon with.
Be with his leadership skills and his elegant blade, New Zealand's longest-serving skipper has always led from the front.
On Thursday he overtook Arjuna Ranatunga as the most-capped One-Day skipper.
In the match against Pakistan his cover-drive made known his intentions as Fleming took the Pakistan attack to the sword.
And after his 45th ODI half century he helped the Kiwis to the highest score in the Champions Trophy so far.
Then it was time for the skipper to rattle the Pakistan batsmen and the way he rotated Shane Bond, Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram to first stifle, and then strangle the opposition was just spectacular.
The Kiwis have won 86 of the 194 ODIs under Fleming, and the skipper himself averages over 42 in matches won.
What more could one ask from the man who signed off the win in style snapping up Kamran Akmal.
(With inputs from Nishant Arora and Sanjeeb Mukherjea)
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