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Kenya Black Caps take Kenya seriously
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2007-03-19 08:12:03
New Zealand is taking its match with Kenya in Group C of the World Cup just as seriously as its opener with England. Just in case.
Both New Zealand and Kenya have won their opening matches and both want to carry points into the Super 8 stage. New Zealand beat England, while Kenya defeated Canada. England rallied from its opening loss to beat Canada on Sunday, meaning now three teams are on two points. "We have to win that match, just in case it's Kenya that qualifies because they're the other team with two points in the bag," New Zealand coach Bracewell said. "We've got a reasonable run rate to take through with us as well if it's England that qualifies, but we have to make sure we get our two points against Kenya." Confidence is high in the New Zealand camp after its six-wicket defeat of England on Friday. England posted 209 after being sent into bat, with fast bowler Shane Bond removing the key wickets of Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff in the space of four balls and all-rounder Scott Styris taking 2/25 before scoring 87 to help New Zealand to a six-wicket win. With the Black Caps' most important group game wrapped up, Bracewell may experiment. "The Kenya, Canada games we'll make sure probably the whole squad will get a run," Bracewell said. That could mean a start for batsman Peter Fulton, who was left out against England. Although pace bowler Mark Gillespie is unlikely to play, despite improving from the viral infection that was numbing the nerves of his bowling arm. He is back bowling but is still struggling to throw. The other player to miss out against England was fast bowler Daryl Tuffey. Bracewell has been briefed on Kenya by Andy Moles, who coached Kenya from 2003-2005, before former West Indies off-spinner Roger Harper took over. Harper said his team relied on teamwork to beat Canada, but its seven-wicket win was guided by captain Steve Tikolo, who scored an unbeaten 72 and took 2/34. "We played very well collectively and it was a good, professional performance," Harper said. "The squad is in very high spirits and really enthusiastic. There are areas that we know we need to sharpen on and we're working on that." Kenya were surprise semi-finalists in 2003, and Harper did not rule out a repeat. "Our objective is to play our best cricket in each game," Harper said. "And if we can do that, the results will take care of itself." SAPA Fixtures *SA Times
24/04/07 Sri Lanka v New Zealand - 16:30
25/04/07 Australia v South Africa - 15:30
28/04/07 Semi 1 v Semi 2 - 15:30
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1975 - Deryck Murray's innings against Pakistan The West Indies met Pakistan at the group stage and needed to win the match to secure a spot in the final four. |
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