David Trist, the late New Zealand cricket coach who famously led the team to their record-breaking win in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, now hailed as the Champions Trophy, has died at the age of 77, reports ESPNcricinfo.
Trist’s cricketing life started as a fast bowler with Canterbury, where he had a 14-year first-class career before turning to coaching. His coaching career took him through many countries, including spells with Canterbury, South Africa, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands. In 1999, he replaced Steve Rixon as coach of the New Zealand national team.
While his time with the Blackcaps only lasted for two years, Trist left a lasting legacy by guiding New Zealand to victory in their first major ICC tournament. His team secured a memorable four-wicket win over India during the final played in Nairobi. Chris Cairns was the hero of that game, scoring an unbeaten match-winning century that was one of the finest moments of his own career.
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Speaking in a 2017 interview with ESPNcricinfo, Trist remembered the tense mood of the final. “Cairns was magnificent and played an innings to remember, because it won us the game,” he said. “The belief was there we felt we had to win it. Even though there were a few nervous moments, especially with some early wickets, the attitude in the dressing room was that we could do it.”
Looking back on Cairns’ performance, Trist said, “It was perhaps his best innings. He had the power to turn a game strong technically, not intimidated by pace, and positive against spin. Toward the end of the innings, you felt the momentum change. The Indians went from knowing they had it sewn up to thinking, ‘Oh no.’ Chris getting to his century put the icing on it.”. It was a marvelous effort and one of the most significant innings in the history of New Zealand cricket.”
Trist also called the tournament victory a country moment of pride. “It was special for the players, and for New Zealand as a whole. We played only three games, but they were terribly demanding—beating Zimbabwe in their home conditions, then beating two of the great global cricketing powers, Pakistan and India. It was one of the great upsets in one-day final history.
Following his service with the national team, Trist remained involved in the game, becoming coaching director with Old Collegians Cricket Club in Christchurch. He also passed on his coaching skills in both England and India.
In a formal statement, New Zealand Cricket stated:
“NZC is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of former Blackcaps coach David Trist, who died in Christchurch yesterday, aged 77. NZC extends its heartfelt condolences to David’s family and friends.”
Trist leaves behind a legacy marked by leadership, resilience, and one of New Zealand cricket’s most cherished triumphs.
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