Kiwis keen to consolidate position with win over Zimbabwe

Ahmedabad, Mar 2 (PTI/GNA) - With league matches against the tougher teams -- Sri Lanka and Pakistan -- coming a little later in the World Cup, New Zealand are keen to enhance their quarter-final chances by beating Zimbabwe on Friday. The Kiwis started their Cup campaign with a bang as they thrashed minnows Kenya by 10 wickets but were outclassed by defending champions Australia in the second match in group A. Since Zimbabwe have also lost one and won one match, Friday's clash will have a bearing on the fate of the two sides in the tournament.

Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori also feels that the clash has become very crucial for progressing to the knockout stage and said they are ready for it.

"Yes, it's an important game for us. 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," Vettori, a veteran of 105 Tests and 268 ODIs, said.

"We have seen a different set of tactics. Against Australia it was pace, we would see a lot of spin in this game. We are prepared for what they (Zimbabwe) have got, a variety of spinners. We have to be up for the challenge. For us to progress we need to play well here," he added. Vettori said experienced Raymond Price is not the only dangerman in the Zimbabwe side in Indian conditions. "It's important for us to counter all the spinners. Raymond Price does a good job at the top of the order. We have got to be ready for it," he said.

Asked whether he would open the attack against Zimbabwe with spin, Vettori said it would depend on the combination the team decided to go with.

"We had done that in the last 2 games (opening with spinners). The wicket here is pretty good. We played a Test match here not so long ago and so we know it's going to be a good wicket. It depends on what kind of combination of bowlers we are going in with.

"We played with two spinners for quite a while. (Nathan) McCullum and myself, gives us good balance as we can bat as well. It does not really affect us whether we play with two or even more. It's an easy balance for us. For teams not used to, it may be difficult," he explained.

The Kiwis are scheduled to play against Pakistan in Kandy on March 8 and will lock horns with Sri Lanka in Mumbai on March 18.

The Black Caps have been bolstered by the availability of speedster Kyle Mills for the match after he missed the first two ties because of a back injury.

"When Kyle Mills (who has recovered from his injury) comes back into the team he will likely get the new ball."