Kiwis will need wings to fly

New Zealand will also need to finish ahead of either Australia, Pakistan or the West Indies to qualify. Three wins in the preliminary rounds almost guarantees entry into the `Super Six’ unless Scotland or Bangladesh do them a big favour by upsetting a favoured team.

If New Zealand can qualify for the Super Six, they will gain in confidence andstature. Their overall one-day win ratio is currently 43.46, having played 319 matches. There crucial game will be against Australia who will always be difficult to beat because of their competitive and confident attitude. The Aussies also have a decisive overall advantage winning 51 of the 73 matches, or 62% wins over New Zealand.

However, in 1997-98, New Zealand were 2-nil down in the series and fought back to square the series two-all. English conditions should also favour New Zealand, so this game remains in balance on May 20 at Cardiff.

Pakistan too have a better record against them and the West Indies are still a dangerous, though unpredictable team. The odds do not favour the Black Caps but on their day they may create a flutter.

New Zealand do have some strengths. They are a team of hard workers who play within their limitations and stick to their basics. There are several hard hitting batsmen in Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan and Chris Cairns, with the elegant Stephen Fleming also being apotential match-winner. `Mr Consistent’ Chris Harris revels in battling and pressure situations with the bat, especially with 10 overs to bat and he bowls his nagging slow medium pace deliveries to good effect.

Whenever Astle scores well, the team invariably wins. The bowling attack, guided by Gavin Larsen, who has a world class economy rate of 3.7 runs per over, is steady without being totally threatening. It is vitally important that Cairns can reproduce his form with the bat and the ball because he is the impact player. The Black Caps will be very competitive on the field.

The weakness in the side centre around the poor opening partnerships that puts so much pressure on the top and middle order batting. The problem has plagued the team for the last nine years, hence there have been unsettled opening combinations. Recent injuries to Stephen Fleming (groin operation), Crag McMillan (broken bone in his hand) and Chris Cairns (pulled calf muscle), means that those players have had little cricket in recenttimes.

The bowling lacks fire power and penetration, but Simon Doull is a genuine swing bowler and should bowl well in English conditions. Carl Bufin will add the extra pace that is desperately needed but in his first two one-day internationals, he was wayward and expensive.

The spin attack has not made a big impression recently but with the addition of Matthew Hart, Daniel Vettori will have some added pressure to produce good results to keep his place in the team.

The big question is, “Does New Zealand have the mental toughness needed to win a major tournament when it really matters?” History says, “No,” so now it is time to stand and deliver and for several players to make a big impact on the world’s central stage.