Today represents the sixth time in just over a year where New Zealand have the chance to seal a one-day international series.

The Virat Kohli handshake probably gave New Zealand opener Martin Guptill the best gauge of the impact his fifth one-day international century had on India last night.

If the Black Caps were to smash India in this series, the superpower would probably just shrug their shoulders and move on, writes Mark Richardson.

Sometimes it seems there has never been a sport capable of soiling its own nest as badly as cricket.

The Brendon McCullum-Mike Hesson regime is on the cusp of its biggest one-day international series triumph in today's third match against India.

Tim Southee joined a special club on Wednesday, becoming just the sixth New Zealander to take 100 wickets in tests and one-day internationals.

Pre-tournament favourites the Netherlands were squeezed out of the Super Six stage of the World Cup qualifying tournament in thrilling fashion at Lincoln yesterday.

Whiff of ambush as only three countries appear to be planning game's future.

The support of past players has flowed in for Adam Milne almost as quickly as the injured pace bowler's 150km/h-plus deliveries.

Risky tactic of concentrated short-pitched pace bowling at McLean Park shows ODI experts are vulnerable.

The wait has been worth it. An exciting series looms after New Zealand steeled their nerves last night to triumph over India.

Martin Snedden will be hoping he's more Henry Kissinger than Neville Chamberlain as he negotiates financial and touring peace for New Zealand Cricket.

The Netherlands are one of the favourites to advance to next year's World Cup out of the final qualifying tournament.

A Napier man will serve 300 hours community service, after he indicated he was interested in buying a plane, said he was a pilot, flew the aircraft - all without a licence.

The Adam Milne question didn't take long, and when it arrived, India's captain, MS Dhoni, had the perfect riposte.