Cricket: Kiwis aiming to turn up heat on Pakistan, says Fleming

Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming bats at the nets during a training session yesterday. Picture / Reuters

MOHALI - Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming wants to curb the natural flair of Pakistan in tonight's Champions Trophy match.

The 33-year-old, who will lead his side for the 194th time to break Sri Lankan Arjuna Ranatunga's record for most one-day internationals as skipper, said the Kiwis would try to put pressure on Pakistan.

"They tend to be inconsistent at times but that depends on how much pressure you put on them," Fleming told reporters.

"That's what we're looking to do. Try and deny the natural ability they have, players like Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq.

"Our batsmen are looking forward to it. The bowlers too are keen on the pace and bounce in the wicket."

New Zealand, who beat South Africa and lost to Sri Lanka, could be eliminated if they go down in their final Group B match.

"It's nice to achieve the (captaincy) record but I'll be more excited if we win the game, get ourselves to the semi-finals," said Fleming.

"Personal milestones are good but I'm looking to the team goal, winning tournaments."

Fleming was confident his batsmen would do well on a true Mohali pitch after failing to total 200 runs batting first in their two games on an under-prepared Brabourne stadium pitch in Mumbai.

"Coming out of winter, all our players are not adjusting at once," he said. "We're looking forward to playing on this pitch.

"We've enjoyed the bounce in Mohali in the past and that should help our fast bowlers and stroke players.

"It is a lot easier to go from a poor pitch to a good one," added Fleming. "We've worked hard on our techniques for slow tracks and that usually helps you on quicker pitches."

Pakistan have only played one match in the tournament, defeating Sri Lanka by four wickets.

* Champions Trophy, Live Sky Sport 1, 9.30pm tonight

- REUTERS