Cricket: Mind games start ahead of final

HARARE - The key stage of tonight's tri-series cricket match between India and New Zealand here (7.30pm NZT) could be the first 10 overs of New Zealand's innings.

India's left-arm fast bowlers, Irfan Pathan and Ashish Nehra, have proved themselves to be lethal with the new ball, and the Black Caps' top order will have their work cut out to limit the damage.

Allrounder Jacob Oram had a novel idea on just how that might be accomplished.

"Maybe we should bat halfway down the pitch so we get the ball on the full before it starts to swing," he told a news conference yesterday, and at least half the reporters in attendance failed to spot the large lump of tongue in his cheek.

Then he let them off the hook: "... or we could just hope they pick up a stomach bug."

Putting on a more serious tone, Oram added: "The guys have been working on their alignment to left-arm swing bowling and you will see a better performance tomorrow."

The last time New Zealand faced Pathan and Nehra, in Bulawayo last Friday, they crashed to 36 for five in the 13th over.

They recovered to 215 and eventually won by 51 runs, but it needed Shane Bond's spectacular haul of six for 19 -- the best New Zealand one-day figures -- to pull the game back.

Bond's performance in the series so far, 10 wickets at the remarkable average of 5.10, separates him from every other bowler in the tournament.

But Oram was adamant the New Zealand's attack did not begin and end with the express bowler.

"If you looked solely in the wickets column you could say that," Oram said.

"But I thought Kyle Mills and Daniel Vettori bowled very well yesterday (in the 27-run win over Zimbabwe) and helped apply the pressure that made the wickets fall.

"Bowling isn't a one-man show, it's about partnerships."

India staggered to 44 for eight on their way to a total of 164 last Friday, but Oram wasn't holding his breath in anticipation of another disaster.

"There is so much talent and experience in their batting line-up that I don't think they will have taken too much notice of that display," he said.

Of course, today's match will not be graced by all the stars. With India and New Zealand already certain to square off in Tuesday's final, both teams are set to use the dead rubber to rest key players.

For example, New Zealand's top two bowlers have been left out of the 12 man line-up tonight.

Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori are being given a well-earned rest.

Chris Cairns faces a fitness test this afternoon before a decision will be made on whether he will play. James Marshall is on standby to take his place.

Scott Styris is included in what will be his 100th one dayer for New Zealand.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB