Run rate, not Scots, is key

With Pakistan already assured of a super six spot, today8217;s key match between Australia and West Indies will have a bearing on deciding the other two qualifiers from the group.

The Caribbeans have six points from four games and a win today will propel them to the next round, while a victory for Australia will peg the two teams along with New Zealand, if they expectedly beat Scotland, at six points each.

Net run rate will then decide who move in to the super six stage and only a massive win against the Scots will serve New Zealand8217;s cause as their run rate is lower than those of bothAustralia and West Indies.

To give a boost to their run rate, the Kiwis would need to emulate West Indies who skittled out Scotland cheaply and then reached the target in less than 11 overs.

New Zealand started their World Cup campaign with an easy six wicket win over Bangladesh and then upset their trans-Tasman rivals Australia to turn the group equations upside down. But their hopes of a smooth cruise to the next round went for a tailspin when they were outplayed by Pakistan and West Indies. Putting up a big total on batting first and then bundling out the Scots for a paltry score will do a world of good to New Zealand8217;s run rate and might bring them back into contention, a fact which will surely be in Fleming8217;s mind.