New Zealand looking pretty Decent unit

[Amjid Javed]

New zealand as far as history of ODI cricket goes have always seemed to have punched above their weight when its come to competeting in World cups. They have been branded by the nearly men on numerous occasions as they have reached 4 semi-finals and lost all 4.

Going back a few months the Kiwis looked a pretty woeful side and a disjointed one as the missed out to england in getting to the CB finals. However, things did turn around when they beat Australia 3-0 at home just before the world cup. The Kiwis then had a kick up the backside when the lost a warm up match against Bangladesh. Thus far New zealand have been quitely impressive in their games in this tourney.

However, as far as real tests go in this tourney we could ultimatley find out how strong the Kiwis challenge is. New zealand are yet to play sri lanka, South Africa and Australia.

New Zealand have a good skipper in fleming who is a good tactician and leader of his side. In Shane bond the have probably one of the best strike bowlers in the tourney. Ross taylor Looks a good find in the batting Ranks. In Oram and mcullum they have to good genuine middle-lower order all-round match winners. Vettori is also a very good spinner as well. There are some weak links in the team also which could be exposed (back up seamers and some of top order batsmen look a little flimsy). However ive been impressed up to now by the kiwis but the real tests will start when they meet Sri lanka in next game they play.

[ringo16]

Don't forget Scotty Styris, averaging 129 with the bat and 8 wickets @ 15.5 with the ball. Styris and Oram are the form all-rounders of the tournament.

[blackcap]

ITs going to be difficuilt. But against South Africa or Sri Lanka any team can win on the day. But with Australia its more likely Australia wins, but it is a slight possiblity to beat them.