We knew we could do it

Katrina Keenan

December 27, 2000

On Saturday 23rd December we experienced one of the greatest moments of our lives and our cricketing careers.

It was the most sensational and enthralling cricket match.

184 was a fair target. The loss of some key wickets early in our innings meant the middle order had to graft it out.

Sitting in the dressing room prior to taking the field it was pretty quiet - I think we all realised that we were short of our intended target and that it would take a very very special effort in the field to win this match. Still, having said this we knew that there were runs on the board and if we could make early in roads into the Australian top order we could have a chance.

In an unbelievable start, CricInfo Player of the Tournament Lisa Keightley was out in the first over and Karen Rolton followed after a sensational fielding effort from Helen Watson. Australia were 2/2.

Belinda Clark consolidated with the left-hander Cherie Bambury and put together a strong partnership. But the game took a further twist when Bambury holed out to Debbie who was fielding at extra cover off the bowling of Rachel Pullar.

Drummy's excellent captaincy saw us attack the new batsmen at every opportunity and a false shot from Clarke across the line turned the match ever so slightly our way with just a handful of overs to go.

The game continued to "see saw" with some resistance from the lower order but the Clear White Ferns were equal to the task with tight bowling and some outstanding fielding. Helen Watson again featuring with a direct hit from side on to remove McGregor.

The crowd was electric. We have played in front of some big crowds before - but this was something else. As I walked out to deep backward square for the final over, in which Australia required just 5 runs for victory with one wicket in hand, I was rehearsing in my mind the possible scenarios. If I was to be involved some how whether it be a run out opportunity, taking a high catch or backing up an overthrow, I wanted to see myself executing things well. I spied a young boy in the crowd, with his hands clasped together saying "please, please, please". I don't think I have ever wanted anything so much before. We had worked so hard to get back in the game and I was not remotely interested in coming second or reading in the papers the next day what a remarkable game of cricket it was and how victory was snatched from us in the final over - no way.

Then.....Mason was caught behind off Clare on the first ball of the over ....

"We've done it - we've won the World Cup"

At that point I'm not quite sure exactly what happened. All I know is that I was fair sprinting into the middle to join my teammates.

It was an emotional moment for all of us as we were swamped by families, friends and supporters who poured onto the field to share the victory - it was pretty amazing to see the effect our performance had on people.

A couple of days have since elapsed and on Boxing Day New Zealand Cricket flew the team to the Test Match between The Clear Black Caps and the Zimbabwe side in Wellington. During the lunch interval we were introduced to the crowd who stood to applaud us. We then enjoyed a lap of the ground stopping to sign autographs, display our medals and trophies and have photos taken with the public - it was a fantastic feeling.

We knew we could do this - we really believed it and it was no surprise we succeeded given our preparation, our commitment to the campaign and the brilliant environment that was created for us by Mike, Cate, John, Marion, Warren, New Zealand Cricket and our fantastic sponsor Clear Communications.

It was a huge team effort.

Finally I would like to acknowledge CricInfo who have given us the most brilliant opportunity to promote women's cricket to the world. It has been fantastic and we are extremely grateful.

© Cricinfo

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