Christchurch, Feb 8 (IANS) New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor Sunday exuded optimism about his team's chances for the World Cup, having hit upon a rich vein of form in the build-up to the mega tournament by beating sub-continental powerhouses Sri lanka and Pakistan.
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka 4-2 in a seven-match series and then defeated Pakistan 2-0 in a two-match series to emerge as one of the early contenders for the World Cup they are co-hosting with Australia.
"Everyone's going in with a bit of form. The batters and bowlers, and the way we've fielded has been outstanding and got better as the series went on," Taylor was quoted as saying by nzherald.co.nz Sunday.
New Zealand's final World Cup preparations start with a practice match against Zimbabwe Monday followed by another tune-up game against South Africa Wednesday at the Hagley Oval ground.
Taylor said his team was itching to get going and continue with the same momentum they have gained playing against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
"Talking to a few of the players, it would be nice to get straight into it without the warm-ups, to be honest," the experienced batsman said.
"But it is what it is. The boys have been playing good cricket for a while. Come February 14, a lot of hard work will have gone in and we'll see how we go. I'm very excited at having the World Cup in our own back yard."
New Zealand take on Sri lanka in the curtain-raising match of the competition Feb 14.
India and Britain will further strengthen security relations, British Foreign Minister David Lammy met PM Modi and Jaishankar.
After the formation of the Labour Party government in Britain, whatever little uncertainty there was regarding its relations with India ended. Britain's new Foreign Minister David Lammy, who arrived
International Nurses Day 2023: Why celebrate International Nurses Day on 12 May? Know History and Theme
International Nurses Day 2023: During the Corona period, when people all over the world were suffering due to the virus, the role of nurses along with doctors became very important. During the Kovid
Heat Wave Death: A severe heat wave continues to wreak havoc in the country, more than 200 people died in UP-Bihar; 19 people died in a day in Odisha
Severe heat and heat waves have been wreaking havoc across the country for the past several days. Meanwhile, the rising temperature during Nautapa has created a crisis for breathing. More than two
Gadar 2: Director Anil Sharma's reaction on Seema Haider and Sachin's love beyond borders, said- The border should be removed
Gadar 2 Director Anil Sharma Talks About Seema Haider- Sachin Meena: Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel's film Gadar 2 is about to release in a few days. The team of the film is busy promoting these days.
India successfully test-fires cruise missile, alarm bells for China and Pakistan
India has successfully test-fired a cruise missile developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). This test has been done in Balasore, Odisha. During the test, the missile
Cruise Drugs Party Case: Aryan's bail hearing continues in the sessions court, NCB said - Khan influential person, can tamper with evidence
Shahrukh Khan's son Aryan's bail application is being heard in the sessions court. Earlier NCB filed its reply in the Special NDPS Court. In this, NCB opposed Aryan's bail saying that the role of one
'If we make laws, it will create social instability in the country,' Owaisi warns the government on the Waqf Amendment Bill.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has warned the government on the Waqf Amendment Bill-2024. He said that this will create social instability in the country. He
Is Israel going to cause massive destruction in Iran? Netanyahu's entire plan was revealed; America said - we do not support
Israel is preparing to give a strong reply to Iran's missile attack. Israel says that this time Iran will not be given a chance even to handle it. Israel is preparing to attack Iran's air defense
SCO-NSA Meet: SCO-NSA security advisors meeting begins in Delhi, Doval welcomes top officials
India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval received top officials at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) level NSA meeting in Delhi on Wednesday. India is the current chair of the
Glad to get some runs: Hashim Amla
Canberra, March 3 (IANS) Opener Hashim Amla is glad to have scored a scintillating century which helped South Africa win their World Cup Pool B match against Ireland at the Manuka Oval here on
