New Zealand soon will have a better idea of whether it has what it takes to wrest the World Cup from Australia's grasp.
The Kiwis started a six-day break in the Super 8s following Monday's nine-wicket win over Bangladesh knowing that they will resume on April 9 with three games in five days.
Matches against Ireland, Sri Lanka and South Africa will determine whether New Zealand will match its previous best of reaching the semi-finals and get a chance of lifting one-day cricket's most prestigious prize for the first time.
PHOTO: AFP
Routine wins over England, Canada and Kenya preceded resounding victories in the Super 8s over West Indies and Bangladesh. New Zealand has made things seem easy so far and, tied atop the standings with Australia, looks like the team with the best chance to upset the defending champion.
"We've done everything we need to and more," captain Stephen Fleming said. "We're looking forward to being put under a little bit of pressure."
And pressure is what New Zealand will get, with South Africa and Sri Lanka also shaping up to be likely semi-finalists.
With a pace attack troubling opposition batsmen and the thoughtful probing of spinner Daniel Vettori, New Zealand should be confident of limiting the big-hitting Sri Lankans.
But, already plagued by injuries, the Kiwis lost opening paceman Michael Mason to a calf injury and first-change bowler James Franklin to a migraine on Monday.
"It's a concern and going forward we want to eliminate [injuries], but at the moment we've got depth and cover," Fleming said. "We've got another six days and that's giving guys time to recover."
Fleming was confident batsman Ryan Taylor and pace bowler Mark Gillespie will be fit to play the next match. Gillespie has missed every match so far, but made his return from a viral infection as a substitute fielder on Monday, while Taylor has had a hamstring strain.
Another concern is opener Peter Fulton, promoted to the lead spot after the first round because of an injury to Lou Vincent. He was Bangladesh's only victim on Monday, caught by Tamim Iqbal off Syed Russel for 15.
"We've asked him to do a role that's a little foreign for him but we've been forced into that with the injuries we've got," Fleming said. "It takes a little time to adjust."
His form is a rare blip in a strong batting lineup and there are no such worries over Fleming. The captain, renowned for his innovative tactics and strong leadership, hit an unbeaten 102 off 92 balls in his team's win over Bangladesh.
It took Fleming to 280 runs for the tournament, a tally bettered only by Australia's Matthew Hayden and South Africa's Graeme Smith, and could give the Kiwis an edge if qualification for the semi-finals has to be decided by run rate.
"I felt my form in this World Cup has been outstanding," Fleming said. "I'm striking the ball well, generating a good strike rate and it was good to push on from 40, 50, 60 and get something substantial."
New Zealand plays South Africa on April 14 and then takes another six-day break before facing up to Australia.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely