Cricket: U19 coach's high hopes

Coach Chris Kuggeleijn hopes home advantage and his three first-class players give his New Zealand side an edge in a wide open under-19 cricket World Cup starting on Friday.

The former New Zealand batsman predicted between six and eight of the 16 sides had realistic chances of contesting the January 30 final, after group play in Christchurch, Queenstown, Napier and Palmerston North.

New Zealand, whose star was current test paceman Tim Southee, finished third in the previous world Under-19 tournament in Malaysia in 2008, where India beat South Africa in the final.

This time they go in with some hot and cold leadup form, a 1-2 home series loss to 2004 and 2006 champions Pakistan, a 36-run defeat to an impressive Bangladesh side and a five-wicket win over England yesterday.

"We got a few things right (against England) but we've just got to string it together," Kuggeleijn said.

"We've got to think how can we turn that around after such a bad performance the day before...but if we play to our potential and get things right, then we'll go pretty close."

The team's contracted first-class players -- Corey Anderson, Harry Boam and Doug Bracewell -- were the undoubted keys to their success, Kuggeleijn said.

Anderson and Boam, along with another of former national coach John Bracewell's nephews, Michael, were part of the 2008 side.

"They'll be key figures for us with their performances on the field and within the group. A guy like Corey, he's a fine talent and really clean striker of the ball who can take the game away from an opponent"

New Zealand were impressive in their dispatch of England yesterday, chasing down 157 in the 31st over with No 3 Jimmy Neesham (51 off 50 balls) and captain Craig Cachopa (31 off 30) the main contributors.

Being at home, rather than the heat of the subcontinent, was something else in his side's favour, the coach said.

Poor weather was forecast for the first week of the tournament and Kuggeleijn didn't mind some chill in the air to make it tougher for some of the visiting sides.

Having won the three previous tournaments between them, Pakistan and India were obvious title contenders but Bangladesh also loomed as a threat.

They toppled Australia by 20 runs in their final warmup match yesterday and showed the benefits of an extended buildup.

"They look very well prepared, a very organised team. They go hard early with the bat and play with a lot of intent, and we just couldn't pull them back," Kuggeleijn said.

New Zealand don't play their tournament opener until Saturday against Canada, a day after the Canadians face other group C rivals Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka are the toughest side in New Zealand's group, and the pair will likely fill the top-two spots and progress to quarterfinals against either Australia or South Africa.

Kuggeleijn was unsure who was stronger between South Africa and Australia, with the latter boasting some familiar names such as captain Mitchell Marsh (son of Geoff), Alister McDermott (son of Craig) and Nick Buchanan, whose father is former Australian coach John Buchanan.

The last time the tournament was played in New Zealand, in 2002, Australia beat South Africa in the final.

- NZPA