NIALL EDWORTHY, Headingly | Saturday 6.00pm.
HIGH-FLYING Zimbabwe, short on superstars but strong on team spirit, take on New Zealand in the cricket World Cup in Headingly on Sunday knowing that one more victory should see them into the semi-finals.
The Africans have already made history in getting as far as the second round.
Having beaten India and pre-tournament favourites South Africa in the first phase, Zimbabwe already have four points going into the Super Six, a feat matched only by Wasim Akram’s Pakistan.
New Zealand, however, are also riding high after beating Australia and edging out 1975 and 1979 trophy winners West Indies to reach the second phase.
The Kiwis also know they have won all three of their World Cup meetings and 13 of 17 one-dayers against Zimbabwe.
Rival coaches Steve Rixon of New Zealand and David Houghton of Zimbabwe expect an evenly-matched contest.
“We have great respect for Zimbabwe,” Rixon, the former Australian wicket-keeper said. “They are very good in these conditions.”
Houghton, meanwhile, has told his side that they are on the brink of a major breakthrough.
“We are better placed than many other teams and should take advantage of that,” Houghton said. “This could be the World Cup we were waiting for.”
Zimbabwe had won only three of their 25 Cup matches before this tournament. They have already equalled that in five games here.
Alistair Campbell’s team had already had a memorable season before arriving here, winning their first Test series abroad against Pakistan and making their first one-day final in the Sharjah Cup last November.
Neil Johnson, whose 76 and three for 27 secured Zimbabwe their first win over South Africa last week, is confident the team can go far.
“We have no superstars and we have to fight for each other,” the former Natal all-rounder said.” It’s one big happy family.
“We know if we play like we did against South Africa, we can beat any side.”
The Kiwis, World Cup semi-finalists in 1975, 1979 and 1992 only made the Super Six on run rate.
Skipper Stephen Fleming said: “The games will be tougher now but we are ready. I think we are peaking at the right time.”
One man the Kiwis will be looking to score is opener Nathan Astle, who has made 22 in five matches so far. — AFP