New Zealand March On
- By Adam Currie on March 12, 2011 22:43 GMT
Both New Zealand and Canada enter Sunday's fixture on the back of wins and with team-confidence at an all-time high.
New Zealand could have had a few difficult moments in progressing given their poor form heading into the World Cup, but they already stand on six points after the impressive victory over Pakistan.
The Black Caps were ruthless in a 110-run win, largely thanks to the batting heroics of stand-in skipper Taylor and specifically a sensational final four overs of the innings.
Canada has also had their moments so far this tournament and New Zealand will be wary of this.
Their new-ball attack of Henry Osinde and Harvir Baidwan can create problems with early movement; with Baidwan showing his talent against an impressive Pakistan.
Even though the Canadian XI will be heading out looking for the upset, even a narrow loss will add some respectability to a minnow side normally on the end of severe losses.
New Zealandwill have their line-up shaken by Vettori's absence, who not only provides leadership but tidy bowling and handy runs. His likely replacement is Woodcock, who has only played two ODI’s so far and is yet to take a wicket.
Canada is likely to stick with the same side that defeated Kenya, their only win for the tournament so far. Davison looked to have recovered from a groin problem when he played in that win, while fast bowler Khurram Chohan is likely to miss out again.
Canada (probable) 1 Ruvindu Gunasekera, 2 Rizwan Cheema, 3 Zubin Surkari, 4 Ashish Bagai (wk), 5 Jimmy Hansra, 6 Tyson Gordon, 7 John Davison, 8 Harvir Baidwan, 9 Parth Desai, 10 Henry Osinde, 11 Balaji Rao
New Zealand (probable) 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (wk), 3 Jesse Ryder, 4 Ross Taylor (capt), 5 Scott Styris, 6 James Franklin, 7 Nathan McCullum, 8 Jacob Oram, 9 Luke Woodcock, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Tim Southee
After the Kiwi’s severe trashing of an in-form Pakistan, Ross Taylor is once again the man to back for the men in black. After 131 in his last match he is on the rise and has had his confidence boosted by gaining the captaincy
The Canadian’s will be buoyed by the form shown by Hanvir Baidwan who has been consistent throughout the tournament, with nine wickets at 20.22 and an economy rate of just over five. New Zealand's top order has shown inconsistency and it will need to be careful not to take Baidwan lightly.
This will be Mumbai, the venue that will be hosting the tournament’s final, first fixture of the tournament. The morning start suggests there could be some help for the seamers, with the groundsmen laying extra grass on the net surfaces.
The Black caps will win this clash comfortably.
