Cricket: Vettori calls for special effort

New Zealand are on a roll after yesterday morning's win over Pakistan in the semifinals of the Champions Trophy cricket tournament and captain Daniel Vettori is asking for one last big effort from his side for the final.

New Zealand will play defending champions Australia in tomorrow morning's final.

After a big loss to South Africa in their opening match, the Black Caps rebounded to defeat Sri Lanka and England in the remaining group matches and followed that with a five-wicket win over Pakistan.

"We know Australia will play well and we know they have great players but we have to think about what we are going to do," said Vettori, who scored 41 runs and took three wickets against Pakistan.

"Hopefully the team that has played for the last three games turns up and gives us a chance of winning. We have not played well lately, until this tournament. But there is a belief in this team now."

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Younus Khan blamed his team's defeat on a poor batting display.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan could muster only 233 for nine in 50 overs.

"Our batsmen got a couple of good starts but were not able to cash in. Yet again in this tournament we did not take advantage of our powerplays," he said. "Daniel's all-round performance was fantastic. He makes a real difference to the New Zealand team."

Vettori set the win up when he promoted himself up the order when New Zealand were at a shaky 126 for four in the 30th over.

He put on a 104-run partnership with all-rounder Grant Elliott, who scored 75 not out despite playing with a broken thumb.

Vettori said Elliott's thumb would be in a splint for six weeks when the tournament ended. "Grant played an innings of such character. He had his thumb injected and he couldn't feel it and just gutsed it out. It was an outstanding 75."

WHAT: 2009 Champions Trophy final

WHO: New Zealand vs Australia

WHERE: Centurion Park, Johannesburg

WHEN: 1.00 Tuesday morning (NZ time), Sky Sport 1

- NZPA