South Africans are called chokers and failure to yet again win a World Cup knockout just strengthened the tag. New Zealand can be pretty close to being South Africans if the record of 5 semifinal without a final, gives 6th such incidence also in 2011. For the record, they now share the record of 6 World Cup semifinals with Australia and Pakistan.
Previous World Cup Performances of 2011 World Cup Semifinalists
New Zealand have always been a mediocre side full of allrounders, never termed as favorites, never sidelined as weak side. Probably, in 2011 they started as the no-hopers and weakest side, for the first time in World Cup history. Yet, they have reached their record 6th Semifinal. But, can they finally enter a World Cup final now!!
World Cup Semifinals
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In 1975, they lost the semifinal to West Indies, who later became champion, and they lost by 5 wickets, easily.
In 1979, England defeated them by the narrowest of the winning margin in World Cup final, 3 runs.
In 1992, they lost to Pakistan in Semifinal by 4 wickets. Later Pakistan emerged champion.
In 1999, they again lost to Pakistan, but by huge 9 wickets margin.
In 2007, Sri Lanka defeated them in semifinal by 81 runs.
In 2011, Sri Lanka defeated them by 5 wickets.
But, after already being defeated comprehensively at Group Stage by Sri Lanka, nobody expects them to break their semi-final jinx, at least in 2011 World Cup.
Sri Lankans Eyeing Kiwi-Feast En-route To 3rd Final
Yet, they have already created one of the biggest upset of World Cup history by knocking out South Africa. They came to this World Cup without any expectation even from home fans. Now, playing without pressure, they are just one more upset away from grabbing their first-ever Final spot in Cricket World Cup.
Vettori, Oram, McCullum Brothers, Guptill, Ross Taylor, Southee must give their best to be the part of New Zealand history.
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