Guwahati, Nov 08: Their confidence boosted after the win over India at Cuttack, New Zealand would endeavour to take a giant leap towards the final by outsmarting the awesome Australians in a crucial TVS Cup Tri-Series cricket match here tomorrow. But as the kiwi camp must surely be aware, it is easier said than done, as the Aussies -- who would be playing only for reputation having already reached the final -- simply do not have it in their character to let their opposition steal a march over them easily. Sitting pretty with 18 points from four matches, the world champions have a nine point cushion over their two competitors, one of whom they would be meeting in the final at Eden Gardnes on November 18. New Zealand and India, both on nine points, are in the race for the other final berth.

The New Zealand show at Cuttack has made the Tri-Series Open and a repeat performance on the morrow would put India's chances in serious jeopardy.

On the other hand, an Aussie victory would make India and New Zealand close contenders for a place at Eden Gardens.
"This is a must-win game for us," New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming said.

The scintillating victory against India from a hopeless situation is bound to inject a new vigour into the Kiwi campaign, which seemed to have failed to take off even before the November 6 game.


Bureau Report