For Kiwi media, defeating 'wobbly world champions' India like winning World Cup
New Zealand media has hailed the national team for decimating India 4-0 in the ODI series, describing it as the best in the nation's cricketing history.
Describing India as the "wobbling World Champions", the New Zealand media on Saturday, hailed the Black Caps' comprehensive 4-0 win over the visiting side in the just-concluded five-match ODI series.
India slumped to their worst ODI series defeat in New Zealand after their crushing 87-run defeat in the inconsequential fifth and final ODI on Friday and the media here basked in the glory of a rare triumph by their national team. (Also read: Dhoni at a loss to explain defeats vs New Zealand)
"The rout was completed in style. New Zealand's most complete one-day cricket series performance against quality opponents ended with some capital punishment in Wellington," a report in the 'Dominion Post' said. (Suggested read: McCullum claims ODI series win vs India 'ground breaking' for Kiwis)
"If games one and two were eye-rubbing upsets, then this was acceptance that New Zealand had blown the wobbling world champions off the park, sealing the series 4-0 with one tie," it said. (Related: After ODI triumph, New Zealand hunt for Test glory vs India)
A report in 'New Zealand Herald' described the 4-0 rout of India the best in the country's cricketing history.
"Tales of New Zealand cricketing triumph tend to be rare. The 4-0 one-day international series victory over world champions India is the best in the sport's shorter forms since the 3-0 Chappell-Hadlee trophy defeat of then-world champions Australia in February 2007," the report said.
"The crowd's euphoria rained upon Brendon McCullum and his team, and deservedly so. Standing ovations were the order of the evening; fans know quality when they see it. The smiles were indelible."
India play a two-day practice game against New Zealand XI from tomorrow at Whangarei before the two-match Test series begins in Auckland from February 6.