New Zealand gung-ho for World Cup: Taylor

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.