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GEORGETOWN, Guyana - After a comfortable win over Ireland today, Stephen Fleming finally voiced what cricket World Cup observers have been harping on about for weeks -- New Zealand are genuine title contenders.
A 129-run victory over amateurs Ireland at Providence Stadium today may not give much credence
to New Zealand's chances of lifting the Cup for the first time in Barbados on April 28.
Upcoming Super Eights matches against Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia will be more relevant.
But the unexpectedly emphatic victory did promote them to competition leaders -- on run rate over Australia -- and continue their unbeaten run after six matches in the Caribbean.
New Zealand's progress has been so relentless even the usually circumspect skipper had to acknowledge his players were believing they can perform the victory lap at Kensington Oval.
"We know we're capable of winning it, it just comes down to how we play on the day and how we let the opposition play," Fleming said.
"We're close to the semis -- we only need to win one more game -- and then it's going to come down to two games of cricket to win the World Cup.
"That's an exciting prospect for everyone, but also a scary one.
"We've got three tough games now, in which we all have to remain in form and try to be smart in our assessment of the conditions."
Pitch assessment was not New Zealand's strongest suit today after Fleming won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first.
Peter Fulton apart, the top order succumbed to a series of over ambitious shots that left the opener as the only significant contributor before Brendon McCullum (47 off 37) and James Franklin (34 off 22) orchestrated a scintillating 71-run stand for the eighth wicket after New Zealand were struggling at 187 for seven in the 43rd over.
New Zealand's 263 for eight was always going to be more than sufficient, and despite contrasting innings from Kevin and Niall O'Brien, who scored a rapid 49 and patient 30 respectively, once the brothers fell, the end was nigh.
Daniel Vettori (four for 23) and Jeetan Patel (two for 32) snared the last six wickets to fall for the addition of just nine runs as Ireland were routed for 134 in the 38th over.
While pleased with his spinners' ability to effect a quick kill after Shane Bond advanced his wicket haul into double figures by removing both openers, Fleming was dissatisfied with a batting approach he perpetuated with a loose cut to point.
"What we did was keep Ireland in the game for a long time," he admitted.
"We couldn't get partnerships working, their captaincy and field placings put us under pressure and we succumbed at key times.
"We didn't do the little things well, not out of a lack of respect for Ireland but because of a lack of respect for the conditions. We're a bit disappointed with some of the positions we got ourselves into."
The top order, starting with Fleming, were all guilty of playing too extravagantly before playing themselves in against a willing Irish attack.
"I just thought we were trying to go at a 350-run pace when we batted and, apart from Pete, we didn't respect the basics like getting in and getting a partnership going."
None of the first four partnerships was worth more than 40, a damning statistic against a side featuring just three professionals.
However, the lower order again came to the rescue, particularly Franklin who had not faced a competitive ball since the Chappell-Hadlee finale in Hamilton on February 20.
He cracked two fours and a six to prove net sessions for the under-utilised tail had hit the spot.
"That was a positive and has been for some time," said Fleming, after the pair clubbed 45 off the last three overs.
"It was another example of how it can get you out of trouble and win you a match."
New Zealand head for Grenada tomorrow where they will face a stern examination against the third-placed Sri Lankans on Thursday (1.30amFriNZT).
Two days later, they meet South Africa and have a five-day break before facing the reigning champions.
A win against either opponent will assure them of a semifinal berth with 10 points.
Meanwhile, although New Zealand have motored past a succession of soft opponents -- plus England and the West Indies -- Fleming denied the team were effectively starting their campaign against Sri Lanka.
"We've done everything that's been asked of us so far and in some ways the pressure and anxieties in doing that have been just as high," he said.
- NZPA