David Trist, the former New Zealand national cricket coach who famously led the Blackcaps to their first-ever ICC title at the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy (now Champions Trophy), has passed away at the age of 77 in Christchurch, according to ESPNcricinfo. His death was confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday.
Trist, a former pace bowler for Canterbury, enjoyed a 14-year first-class career before transitioning into coaching. His coaching journey spanned teams in South Africa, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Canterbury, before he succeeded Steve Rixon as the head coach of New Zealand in 1999.
His two-year tenure saw a historic high point in Nairobi when New Zealand defeated India by four wickets in the final of the 2000 ICC KnockOut. That match, highlighted by a Chris Cairns century, remains one of New Zealand’s greatest cricketing triumphs.
“Cairns’ innings was one of his greatest, if not his greatest… it basically won the only thing New Zealand had ever won,” Trist said in a 2017 interview with ESPNcricinfo.
“In the latter stage of that innings, the Indians went from ‘We’ve won this’ to ‘Oh shit!’”
New Zealand’s road to the final included wins over Zimbabwe and Pakistan, with Trist recalling the challenge of playing in African conditions and facing traditional powerhouses of the game. He labeled the campaign a “huge upset” in the history of one-day international cricket.
“They were very testing matches… but we caused one of the bigger upsets in one-day cricket finals,” he reflected.
Following his stint with the national team, Trist remained deeply involved in cricket, notably serving as coaching director at Christchurch’s Old Collegians Cricket Club and taking up assignments in India and England.
New Zealand Cricket mourned his loss in an official post:
“NZC is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of former Blackcaps coach David Trist…NZC extends its heartfelt condolences to David’s family and friends.”
David Trist’s legacy is marked by his steady leadership, quiet influence, and the historic title win that paved the way for future Kiwi successes, including the 2021 World Test Championship victory. He leaves behind a cherished chapter in New Zealand’s cricketing story.