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| Sunday, 9 February 2003 |
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Crunch comes early for Kiwis by JULIAN LINDEN BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa, Feb 8 (Reuters) - New Zealand's hopes of improving on their semi-final appearance at the last World Cup will be instantly put to the test when they take on 1996 champions Sri Lanka on Monday. The first-round clash is crucial to both team's chances of advancing to the second stage but especially for the Kiwis, who are considering forfeiting their Group B match against Kenya over security concerns. While team officials have still not made a firm decision on whether they will make the trip to Nairobi, New Zealand's players are acutely aware of the importance of their match against Sri Lanka, in which defeat would leave them facing an uphill battle to qualify for the Super Six phase. New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, speaking after his team's win over South African province Gauteng this week, said he was confident about their chances. "We usually start tournaments well," Fleming said. "We're going to do well because we believe in the squad we've got." New Zealand go into the match as slight favourites after demolishing India 5-2 at home and easily winning their two warm-up games in South Africa. All rounder Chris Cairns has played in the past three World Cups, making the semi-finals in 1992 and 1999, but said the current New Zealand squad was the best he had ever been involved with. "In the last two tournaments we had a good side and thought we would do well, but this one here, with the side we've got we're quietly confident," Cairns said. "The preparation's been fantastic and it's the best unit I've been involved in, that's for sure." The unpredictable Sri Lankans finished last in a triangular warm-up series with Australia and England, but showed glimpses of their best, including a one-off victory over World Cup favourites Australia, to remind everyone they remain a serious threat on their day. They received an early boost before the match against New Zealand when off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, the third highest wicket-taker in limited-overs international history, was cleared to play. There was some doubt about him taking part after he tore a thigh muscle in Australia, but he ended doubts about his fitness when he helped Sri Lanka to a comfortable win over Free State on Thursday. "Since it was the World Cup we were a bit cautious about how soon to play him, but he came out well on Thursday and I see no reason why he will not take the field on Monday," Sri Lanka physiotherapist Alex Kontouri told reporters. New Zealand have been one of the big improvers in one-day cricket in recent years. After making the World Cup semi-finals in 1999, they went on to win the ICC Champions Trophy in 2000 and knocked Australia out of their own triangular tournament a season ago, ultimately ending the one-day international career of Steve Waugh. |
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