Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen wants the world to follow the sports model of New Zealand. His comments came after the Kane Williamson-led team defeated England in the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup.
New Zealand has a population of just 5 million and still, their cricket and rugby teams are qualifying for the finals of the big events.
“What is it about NZ? Population 5M! They’ve got the All Blacks and a cricket team that’s getting to major finals regularly. What is it? Might be a model for global sport to follow,” he wrote.
While New Zealand made it to the finale of the fifty-over World Cup in 2019, they defeated India in the final of the World Test Championship in 2019. After their latest win against Eoin Morgan’s team, the Kiwis are one match away from winning their first T20 World Cup.
Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham powered New Zealand to a stunning five-wicket victory with an over to spare against England on Wednesday, helping the Black Caps advance to their first Twenty20 Cricket World Cup final.
Needing 57 off the last four overs, Neesham clobbered 26 off just 10 balls before Mitchell anchored New Zealand to 167-5 with an unbeaten 73 off 48 balls.
New Zealand has done well in rugby as well. All Blacks are one of the best performers in this game.