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.

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

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

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 Black Caps have beaten India by 24 runs in the first ODI in Napier today.

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.

Ronchi rises to occasion as skipper has eyes on stylish series win in Wellington.

The Netherlands and Kenya will start favourites to advance when the cricket World Cup qualifying tournament starts in New Zealand today.

The 2014 Indian Premier League will be a buyer's market, meaning New Zealand cricketers need to take care when considering their reserve prices for the auction on February 12.

Daniel Vettori's contract for his new role coaching in the Indian Premier League is thought to be worth US$450,000 ($542,000).