Cricket: Vettori doubtful for South Africa clash

Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori is likely to be rested until the opening Super Eights match against Bangladesh. Photo / AP

Captain Daniel Vettori is unlikely to play New Zealand's inconsequential World Twenty20 group match against South Africa on Wednesday (NZT) as he nurses a shoulder injury.

Vettori took a minor part in team training at Lord's early today but the spinner, who injured his bowling arm at practice on the eve of New Zealand's seven-wicket win over Scotland, seems certain to be rested until the opening second round Super Eights match against Bangladesh on Friday (NZT).

New Zealand confirmed their progression from the group stage when a blazing batting performance atoned for some poor bowling against the unfancied Scots at the Oval on Saturday night.

New Zealand, who conceded 89 after rain reduced the match to seven overs per side, reached their 90-run target with an over to spare.

Vettori's canny change of pace and variation was sorely missed against one of the tournament's minnows but he should be ready to take part against Bangladesh in Nottingham.

On a positive note, seam bowler Kyle Mills took a major part in training for the first time since arriving from South Africa with a back strain.

Mills, who was not required by his Indian Premier League side Mumbai during the tournament's second edition in South Africa, might be considered to play against the Proteas.

His experience could be useful despite his recent lack of match play given that New Zealand's pace bowlers were plundered by the Scottish top order.

Vettori admitted the bowling effort against Scotland was "exceptionally poor."

"We didn't cope too well with the pressure of playing seven overs against a team we should beat."

However, Vettori was impressed with the calmness the batsmen displayed in running down a steep total with relative ease.

"To chase 90 in six overs is ridiculous really."

Vettori said although the result against South Africa - 130-run winners over Scotland today - was irrelevant, the bowlers needed to improve markedly against a top quality line-up featuring Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers and JP Duminy.

"They're probably the tournament favourite at the moment," said New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor.

"Theoretically our game against South Africa is a dead rubber but Twenty20 is all about momentum."

- NZPA