On October 20, at the Dubai International Stadium when New Zealand were getting close to their first-ever World Cup title, Martin was in the middle of the action. Not with a bat or her keeping gloves, but with her words.
“There it is, New Zealand have done it. They have claimed their Everest. They have etched their names in history. They have done it their way. They have done it with humility. This team has never stopped believing. They have had each other’s back all the way through. What a moment,” Martin just gave words to the emotions everyone was feeling at that time.
Once the emotions settled in, the record-breaking crowd went home with the memories of watching the newest T20 World Cup champion, the entire White Ferns team went on to the pitch and belted their team song loud and proud. Martin was of course part of it.
When the time came to leave the Dubai International Stadium, the famous omnipresent banjo company that became one of the attractions of the tournament started playing their version of “Congratulations and Celebrations”, every player of the victorious team enjoyed the ride. Bates and Martin, however, decided to dance their hearts out as the volunteers at the venue, along with a few remaining fans, cheered them on.
The joy on Bates’ face was infectious. Martin joined her best friend in the dance party while keeping the video evidence of it. Maybe to show future New Zealand cricketers how to celebrate a win.
Amongst the victory parade that lasted from dressing room to the team bus, Bert and Ernie were the last two to get on the bus. Celebrating the win. Celebrating the World Cup. Celebrating each other.
Officially, Martin was not part of the New Zealand squad for the T20 World Cup, but that did not matter. Bert won it for Ernie. Ernie found words to celebrate Bert.
