New Zealand v Zimbabwe: ICC World Cup 2011- Match preview
After suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of defending champions, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/March-c74391.
The Kiwis must set a target of 300 plus runs for the tournament outsiders or win by at least eight wickets if they are to make a mark in the ongoing ICC 2011 World Cup.
Vettori’s side, arrived in the Subcontinent after suffering a 2-3 One Day International (ODI) series defeat at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kenya-c752.
However, the unsettled http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 side was outclassed by the four-time reigning champions, Australia, in their second match by seven wickets.
Zimbabwe have also lost one of their two games so far and Friday’s contest will have a bearing on the future of both teams in the mega event.
Daniel Vettori, the New Zealand captain, who has 268 One Day Internationals (ODIs) under his belt, also feels that the game against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045 is very crucial for them if they are to extend their stay in the Subcontinent.
However, the prolific all-rounder was confident that his team is well prepared for the clash.
“Yes, it's an important game for us”, he said. “This is a must-win game for us on where we go in the tournament. Zimbabwe have played pretty well. It's going to be a difficult game and a strong challenge for us”, added Vettori.
The top-order of New Zealand had struggled against the formidable pace attack of the mighty Aussies. Thanks to the likes of Nathan McCullum and the skipper, the Black Caps kept going and the side was able to post a decent total in the end.
It would be crucial for the top order to provide the line-up a solid start if they want to win the match by a substantial margin.
The Kiwi middle order has not done its full job since the tournament started. Ross Taylor, James Franklin and Scott Styris were all dismissed cheaply against Australia.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Elton-Chigumbura-c55937’s side entered the tournament with the status of minnows but after looking at their performance in their opening games, it seems they have the potential to scare any side on their day.
The side will be high on confidence after winning remarkably against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Price-c82662 had said on Wednesday.
"We respect them a lot as they have some good players who really connect well with the bat. I think it will be a challenge for me if Brendon McCullum hits the ball a long way. They have some good players and it is going to be difficult for me”.
Teams:
New Zealand (probable XI): Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, James Franklin, Scott Styris, Jesse Ryder, Ross http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Taylor-c92915, Jamie How, Daniel Vettori, Nathan McCullum, Tim Southee, hamish Bennett
Zimbabwe (probable XI): Brendon Taylor, Vharles Coventry, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Prosper-Utseya-c82728, Graeme Cremer, Ray Price, Chris Mpofu
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