Kyle Mills made an observation yesterday which tallies with the fervour beginning to sweep the country with the Cricket World Cup 11 days away.

It's time to apply some rugby terminology to the cricket World Cup preparations, like thinking in terms of a first XV rather than first XI.

With a career bowling average of 27 and an economy rate under five per over, Kyle Mills should be a guaranteed selection in the Black Caps' first-choice playing XI for the World Cup.

Pakistan's mercurial nature make them hard to dominate but New Zealand sustained control last night for all but the blip of a Shahid Afridi batting cameo in their seven-wicket victory.

Pakistan were dismissed for 210 in their opening one-day international against New Zealand at Westpac Stadium in Wellington this afternoon.

One sub-plot to the Cricket World Cup story arc is that it could double as Daniel Vettori's valedictory tour.

New Zealand has a problem at the top of their batting order.

Sri Lanka have kept the intrigue alive for the unofficial eighth match of their one-day international series to take place in Christchurch on February 14 at the World Cup.

The Black Caps seem unlikely to have their mettle tested against quality seam bowling until the World Cup.

Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum seems likely to be rested during one of New Zealand's next three ODIs before the World Cup.

The New Zealand cricket team have seldom had stronger form heading into a World Cup, but veteran Daniel Vettori has highlighted run outs as an area where they must exercise better judgment.

The New Zealand World Cup preparation juggernaut rolled on today with a 120-run win in the sixth one-day international against Sri Lanka in Dunedin.

The Decision Review System has failed in the sixth one-day international between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Dunedin.

Expect Kyle Mills to return to the bowling crease for New Zealand today in the sixth one-day international of the series against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan has sought to allay concerns about a Ross Taylor batting crisis and, if statistics are a guide, his drought of runs is near an end.

It's designed to answer that age-old cricket question of "who's winning?" - a question that has infuriated die-hard cricket fans for decades.

A record sixth-wicket partnership between Grant Elliott and Luke Ronchi has seen the Black Caps claim the fifth ODI against Sri Lanka.

The Black Caps have won the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka in Nelson today, chasing down the visitors total of 276 with four wickets to spare.

Two young cricket fans had the surprise of their lives when they returned to their Auckland home after a night away to find five Black Caps were ready to play with them.

You see the words "drink responsibly" everywhere. Fair enough too. It's great advice. I love drinking responsibly.

Kyle Mills came through what amounted to a New Zealand fitness confirmation trial in good shape as Auckland won a last-ball Ford Trophy thriller against Northern Districts in the sunshine at Eden Park yesterday.

Two young cricket fans were thrilled to find their front yard had been turned into a cricket pitch and five Black Caps were ready to play with them.