Tiffen hungry for more World Cup success

New Zealand captain says it’s difficult to predict a winner as all top four teams have an even chance She says ESPN STAR Sports’ involvement reflects the growth of women’s cricket and feels privileged to be part of that development process
Haidee Tiffen believes her team is well prepared for next month’s ICC Women’s World Cup and has vowed not to leave any stone unturned in an effort to emulate the achievement of Emily Drumm’s side which won New Zealand’s only World Cup nine years ago.

Tiffen was a member of Drumm’s side as a 20-year-old all-rounder and contributed 187 runs with the bat and took eight wickets with the ball in New Zealand’s historic campaign. She was also in the 2005 World Cup side which narrowly missed out on a place in the final to India but she had a modest tournament with the wood scoring just 89 runs at an average of 17.80.

At 29, Haidee is New Zealand’s second most experienced player ever after Debbie Hockley (118 ODIs) with 111 caps and its third most successful batter after Hockley (4,064 runs) and Drumm (2,844) with 2,640 runs.

“The victory in the 2000 World Cup is very special to me and is very close to my heart. It was a privilege to be part of that extremely talented side. Now we again have a world-class side which has all the credentials to regain the World Cup,” the captain said.

“It is difficult and unfair to compare the two sides. That side was amazing and had world-class players in Catherine Campbell, Drumm, Hockley, Rebecca Rolls, Anna Smith, Katrina Keenan, Kathryn Ramel and others while in the present team we have outstanding young talent in Amy Satterthwaite, Nicola Browne, Suzie Bates, Beth McNeill, Aimee Mason and others.

“Like any other player in the side, it’s my dream and wish to win the World Cup again. But for any dream to come true, it requires tremendous hard work and commitment which we have put in over the last couple of years.

“It is any sportsperson’s dream to be crowned as world champion. I know how it feels and would love to taste it again also because I am now the captain,” said Tiffen.

The New Zealand captain said the Rose Bowl Series against Australia (which Australia retained after the series decider was washed out) provided her team with an excellent opportunity to prepare for the World Cup. “It was an excellent opportunity to play against the world’s best side just before the World Cup. We can draw a lot of positives from that series, keep improving and learn to be more consistent.

“One of the positives from the series was that we reshuffled our batting order in almost every match to provide a chance to each player to take the responsibility and show what she has to offer. I am glad that every player rose to the occasion and performed which gives me the confidence that our batting not only has depth but is very flexible with every player capable of batting at any position and in any situation.

“Our bowling is decent and has shown it can not only contain batters but can also pick up wickets at regular intervals. However, we have to be more intelligent while bowling in PowerPlays and have to try to be as straight as possible.

“We also need to be a bit more consistent as victory is always nice and gives you the much required confidence. Such is the format of the tournament that if you are not consistent, you could be knocked out with one defeat. It is going to be a very tough tournament and consistency will be the key to success,” she said.

Tiffen said New Zealand’s tournament opener against Australia was crucial. “It is a very important match not only from a psychological point of view but also because of the carry-over points that the teams take to the Super Six stage.

“We have a couple of warm-up matches in the lead up to the tournament opener in which we will try to give final shape to our side so that we are best prepared for the match against Australia.

“South Africa and the West Indies are the other sides in our pool and though we haven’t played them in the recent past, it would be a fair comment to say we should qualify for the Super Six stage.

“In any tournament, you want to be in the best position and this tournament is no different as we would like to go in the Super Six stage with maximum carry-over points.

“But the task will not be easy as Australia is a tough team to beat and with the event being staged in its backyard, it definitely has an edge over its main rivals. I have been part of the team that won the tournament on its home turf and know what home advantage can do to your confidence and can bring the best out of you.

“I think Australia, New Zealand, England and India are of equal strength and any team can beat the other on its day. It is an open tournament with no clear-cut favourites. It boils down to the fact that the team which plays better on the match day will walk away winner.”

Tiffen, while comparing the previous two World Cups with next month’s event, said: “The previous two tournaments I have been involved with were outstanding events. But this is going to be special as it will be held under the auspices of the ICC and will not be held again until 2013. With Australia being the host country, it is certainly going to be one of the most exciting events.

“With ICC taking the ownership of the Women’s World Cup, it will certainly generate more media interest, already evident from the fact that seven matches will be covered live by ESPN STAR Sports. This reflects the growth and development of women’s cricket and I feel privileged to be part of that development process.”

New Zealand will play two warm-up matches in a lead up to the World Cup. The former champion faces Pakistan at Manly on Tuesday 3 March and then takes on India at Old Kings on Wednesday 4 March.

NEW ZEALAND – Haidee Tiffen (captain), Aimee Mason (vice-captain), Suzie Bates, Nicola Browne, Abby Burrows, Sophie Devine, Lucy Doolan, Sara McGlashan, Beth McNeill, Katey Martin, Rachel Priest, Kate Pulford, Amy Satterthwaite, Sarah Tsukigawa.

The event logo and more details on ICC Women’s World Cup 2009 can be found at: www.iccevents.yahoo.com