After Ireland win, Kiwis believe this will be their year
New Zealand's Shane Bond bowls to Ireland's batsman William Porterfield during their Super Eight Cricket World Cup match at the Guyana National Stadium in Georgetown, Guyana on Monday. AP |
New Zealand kept their unbeaten record intact when they whipped debutants Ireland by 129 runs here on Monday to post their sixth successive victory in the tournament, including three in the group.
Defending champions Australia and New Zealand are the only unbeaten sides with eight points from four matches. One more win will assure them of a place in the semifinals.
"We know we are capable of winning it. I think we are better prepared this time. We are in the semi-finals or close to it by winning one more game. We've got three tough games," said Fleming.
New Zealand are now just one short of equalling their 10-match winning run of 2004, having already beaten Australia three times at home before the World Cup.
Fleming said his team were close to solving their fitness problems ahead of a heavy schedule.
New Zealand are sweating over batsman Ross Taylor who has missed the last four games due a hamstring injury, sustained during his half-century against Kenya in a group match.
"The fitness of the side is quite good. We are getting guys who are quite close. I think Taylor is close (to regaining fitness)," said Fleming.
"We are getting back to full fitness at the right time. We have a heavy schedule now, with three games against three top sides. We have our work cut out for us, but it has been a good run so far," said Fleming.
New Zealand will now meet Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia in the last three games in Grenada.
Fleming said he was pleased with his team's power-hitting on a slow track at a crucial stage against Ireland.
"That is our positive and it has been a strength for some time. Our ability to hit the ball at the death period of an innings has been very strong," said the New Zealand captain.
"It was another example of how it can get you out of trouble and win you matches. In that five-over period, I think we put on about 50 runs, which in most games is going to leave you in a pretty good spot."
New Zealand were struggling for runs before wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum and lower-order batsman James Franklin put on a brisk 71 for the eighth wicket to help their team post a challenging 263-8.
McCullum hit a 37-ball 47 and Franklin a 22-ball 34 not out as New Zealand plundered 45 in the last three overs.
"The fact that we got to 263 is a testament to our power-hitting and McCullum's ability to hit the ball over the rope and into the gaps at the death," said Fleming.
"He is a good hitter of the ball. We've got some good hitters down the order and we just need to make sure we get into a position where we can use them properly."
Ireland captain Trent Johnston, meanwhile, urged his team to learn fast and finish their first-ever World Cup campaign on a high note, saying improvements will help them in the future.
Seeking positives
"It's disappointing to lose the first three matches, but a lot of positives have come out and we can use them for the game against Australia and in the next two to finish on a high," said Johnston.
"Australia are the best team in the world, so we need to have motivation for that game and be competitive."
Ireland, who upset former champions Pakistan in the first round, have had a torrid time in the Super Eights, losing to England by 48 runs and by seven wickets against South Africa.
"You can say that it's inexperience but we must learn with each opportunity and do better and better," added the captain.
Ireland's best chance to score two points in the Super Eights remains against Bangladesh who they meet in Barbados on April 15.
However, Bangladesh's win over South Africa and their determination to qualify for the semifinals will make Ireland's task more difficult.
"We have certain areas to improve, like we need to bowl the death overs better than we have done and play the spinners well," said Johnston.
AFP
(China Daily 04/11/2007 page24)
