(Photo) Daryl Mitchell’s promotion up the order bears fruit

Daryl Mitchell is suddenly a force to be reckoned with after his unbeaten 72 against England took New Zealand to their first-ever T20 World Cup final. Mitchell, initially picked as a finisher, was asked to open in their first warm-up game against Australia. He whacked the Australian bowlers for 33 off 22 balls before retiring, instantly compelling skipper Kane Williamson and coach Gary Stead to give him a longer rope at the top of the order. Scores of 27, 49, 13, 19 and 17 before the eliminator indicated the move was only a moderate success, but his knock against England has done enough to vindicate the punt NZ took.