Five ways New Zealand went for the jugular

Deivarayan Muthu27-Mar-2015Attack-first approach: New Zealand’s strategy to contain runs? Get wickets. The field shown in the picture was not at the start of the innings nor was it with the opposition in shambles – it was in the 14th over of the semi-final as New Zealand relentlessly attacked, even when the option was there to spread the field.•ICCTrent Boult: Need a wicket right now? Call Boult. His mastery of swing and his consistency have played a pivotal part in New Zealand’s progress. On his way to toppling Geoff Allott’s New Zealand World Cup record of 20 wickets, Boult took 5 for 27, studded by a spell of 5-3-3-5, in the trans-Tasman tussle in Auckland. Boult has bowled out six times in eight matches compared to Tim Southee’s three and Daniel Vettori’s four and has six wickets more than Southee and Vettori, who are level with 15.•Getty ImagesIntensity in the field: … And the bowlers have been backed up by some sharp fielding. McCullum has led by example there as well, often leaping, sliding, diving, flinging and prowling at the covers. Vettori also stepped up and matched McCullum’s reflexes when he backpedalled, leapt and pulled off a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Marlon Samuels in the quarter-final against West Indies.•Getty ImagesBowling depth and readiness: Adam Milne picked up only five wickets in six matches, but his extra pace and lift meant he was preferred over the experienced Kyle Mills and Mitchell McClenaghan, New Zealand’s most successful ODI bowler in the last three years. Even when Milne sustained a heel injury ahead of the semi-final, New Zealand went for the rookie Matt Henry, who wasn’t even in the World Cup squad a couple of days before the big game. McCullum explained the selection: “We have just gone for the aggressive option. A wicket-taking option. Best first-change option. When in doubt, go for the aggressive option.”•Getty Images