Fans meet their heroes

ALL SMILES: Hamish Cardno, (left) 9, and Alex Cardno, 11, from Napier, happy with a Brendon McCullum autograph. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

Hundreds of young fans and possibly some future Black Caps had the chance to meet their heroes on Friday in Napier.

The New Zealand World Cup squad turned out to sign cricket paraphernalia at the Sound Shell along Marine Parade before today's clash against Afghanistan at McLean Park.

Two lucky brothers, Hamish, 9, and Alex Cardno, 11, met their favourite players Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson.

For Hamish the signature of the Black Caps captain was made even more special when McCullum ripped off his imitation signature from one of Hamish's replica Puma bats.

"He actually took a bit of wood off, and he signed where the signature sticker was," Hamish's mother Karyn Cardno joked.

Later Central Districts player and Black Caps speed demon Adam Milne said he was excited to return to a province he was familiar with.

"We'd love for the crowd to get down and support us ... hopefully we will put on a good show for you."

He had no idea what his top speed would be tomorrow, preferring to focus on getting the ball down "nice and straight".

When asked if news of a punter placing a $40,000 bet on New Zealand to win added any pressure Milne laughed before adding: "No, we've got enough pressure from New Zealand and ourselves."

Later in the evening the Afghan team was welcomed to Hawke's Bay at the MTG Hawke's Bay with a powhiri from William Colenso College and greeting from Napier dignitaries.