New Zealand's preparation for cricket's ICC World Twenty20 championship gained more traction at Lord's early today when a Daniel Vettori-inspired side inflicted a fourth successive defeat on defending champions India.
A nine-run victory in a warm-up match at Lord's in London continued New Zealand's encouraging buildup for the tournament proper,
which starts early Saturday (NZT) when hosts England play the Netherlands.
India may have dominated the one-day internationals and tests on their New Zealand tour in March-April, but the Black Caps continue to thrive against the sub-continent powerhouse in the Twenty20 format.
New Zealand's winning streak against India started at the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago, and continued when narrow victories were secured in Christchurch and Wellington earlier this year.
After accumulating 170 for seven in their 20 overs, Vettori's three for 24 and tight bowling at the death by Jacob Oram restricted India to 161 for six.
Ross Taylor, who topscored with 41 from 33 deliveries, acknowledged it was only a warm-up match, but said it still provided a confidence boost and might put rivals on notice.
"We're not getting carried away but reading a few of the papers, nobody's really mentioned us too much," he said.
"Winning this game, we might be talked about a bit more.
"We know we're a good side and that we can play competitive cricket.
"Hopefully we can prove a few people wrong."
Brendon McCullum blazed 31 from 19 balls at the top of the order after Mahendra Singh Dhoni sent New Zealand in and although Jesse Ryder (2), Martin Guptill (10) and Oram (5) made only fleeting contributions, Taylor and Scott Styris (29 from 19) added a brisk 42 for the fifth wicket.
Nathan McCullum (18 from 14) and James Franklin, who slammed 27 from just 10 deliveries, ensured India were set a competitive target despite pace bowler Ishant Sharma taking an impressive four for 25.
India were on track to make the 171 required when Suresh Raina (45) and Ravindra Jadeja carried the score to 126 for three but Oram and Vettori stemmed the run flow with crucial breakthroughs.
Raina holed out to Oram and once Vettori held a sharp return catch to remove the dangerous Yusuf Pathan, India's innings fell away despite an unbeaten run-a-ball 41 from Jadeja.
Openers Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma launched into New Zealand's opening bowlers when clubbing 42 from the first five overs but Styris, who conceded 15 from two, and Oram, one for 18 from three, then performed an admirable containing role.
" For us to do well in this tournament we will have to bowl like we did at the death today," Taylor said.
New Zealand were to play their final warm-up match against Australia at the Oval in London early tomorrow (4.30am NZT).
They open their group matches at the same venue against Scotland on Saturday night (9pmNZT).
- NZPA
New Zealand players celebrate the wicket of India's Rohit Sharma during this morning's Twenty20 World Cup warm-up match at Lord's. Photo / AP
New Zealand's preparation for cricket's ICC World Twenty20 championship gained more traction at Lord's early today when a Daniel Vettori-inspired side inflicted a fourth successive defeat on defending champions India.
A nine-run victory in a warm-up match at Lord's in London continued New Zealand's encouraging buildup for the tournament proper,
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.