Cricket: Nash the unsung hero

LEEDS - It is not entirely inappropriate that Dion Nash has arrived in the city of deep pockets and short arms.

Old wives' tales or not, people are not known for throwing their money around in these parts, which is a bit similar to the attitude Nash will carry into tomorrow night's World Cup cricket match between New Zealand and Zimbabwe.

Most of the attention directed at the Kiwis to date has centred around the wicket-taking exploits of Geoff Allott and a perceived fragility in the top-order batting, but the influence of Nash could quite easily end up the talking point of this match.

He comes to Leeds ranked the most miserly bowler still playing in the tournament after conceding just 137 runs in 48 overs at a rate of 2.84.

Only Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh managed less, but the West Indies failed to qualify for the second round.

Most impressively, two of his best spells were during losing efforts against the West Indies and Pakistan respectively, when the opposition batsmen were in reasonable control throughout and looking for the chance to attack.

While Allott has been the eye-opener of the tournament in terms of wicket-taking, much of his success - and a fair proportion of the team's, as well - can be attributed to Nash's outstanding form through the five Group B matches.

His stock leg-cutter has repeatedly flown past the outside edge of flashing blades, and if his bowling has not been rewarded in terms of wickets taken, it certainly has proved difficult to score off.

"I feel I'm running into some good form," Nash said yesterday. "But I'd really like to take some more wickets. It's strange how it works out. On one hand you get frustrated because you're going past the edge so often, but on the other, you know you're bowling well."

The 27-year-old Auckland player gave up 30 runs against Bangladesh, 30 (off eight overs) against Australia, 25 against the West Indies, 36 against Pakistan and 16 against Scotland, and knows his form needs to continue at Headingley tomorrow night.

"The Zimbabweans seem very confident and happy with their form, and that positive attitude will be difficult to combat," he said.

"We're aware of how dangerous they are, and who wouldn't be after the first round. But we've beaten them in recent seasons and we know we can again."

New Zealand are almost certain to revert to the line-up who played in the first four games, with Gavin Larsen and Matt Horne returning for Carl Bulfin and Mat Hart respectively.

Coach Steve Rixon said his side were obviously keen to get some runs out of their top-order, but that people were perhaps getting carried away by focusing on that, rather than the areas in which they were performing strongly.

"I think the batting will look after itself, because guys like Nathan Astle and Stephen Fleming are looking good in the nets, and are due to fire.

"The bowling's been strong throughout, the catching and ground-fielding's been solid - we're looking forward to the game."

He believed the Kiwis had developed a tougher edge during the past couple of days courtesy of the media, many of whom are suggesting Zimbabwe will beat New Zealand and secure a semifinals berth.

"That's great to hear - I hope they write us off completely," said Rixon. "Our guys have been interested to hear what some people are saying about us, because we've got a pretty good record against Zimbabwe.

"Hopefully we'll make our statement on the field on Sunday."

New Zealand (likely): Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Matt Horne, Craig McMillan, Roger Twose, Chris Cairns, Adam Parore, Chris Harris, Dion Nash, Gavin Larsen, Geoff Allott, Daniel Vettori.

Zimbabwe (from): Alistair Campbell (captain), Grant Flower, Neil Johnson, Murray Goodwin, Stuart Carlisle, Andy Flower, Guy Whittall, Andy Whittal, Eddo Brandes, Heath Streak, Henry Olonga, Adam Huckle, Paul Strang, Mpumelelo Mbangwa, Dirk Viljoen.