Cuttack, Nov 05: Comprehensively outplayed by world champions Australia in Mumbai, India need to fire on all cylinders to bolster their chances of reaching the final by prevailing upon a winless New Zealand in a day night encounter of the triangular cricket series here tomorrow. With Australia having already assured themselves of a place in the title round by gleaning 18 points from four matches, the Kiwis and the hosts are now in the race for making it to the majestic Eden Gardens - venue for the grand final on November 18 - though the home side look superior on current form.

India, culling eight points from three outings are in the second spot, while the black caps have only four points in their kitty from three games. However, India's build up for the first-ever day-night encounter at the Barabati Stadium hit a speedbreaker when leggie Anil Kumble opted out following the demise of his father, prompting the selectors to rope in Sairaj Bahutule as the replacement in the 14-member squad.

Indian coach John Wright has indicated that left-arm-slow bowler Murali Karthik stood a bright chance of making it to the playing eleven as the spin partner of off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

"Kartik did a good job against the West Indies, and he has always done well given a chance," Wright said. Bureau Report