Return
to Story Page
To print: Select File and then Print from your
browser's menu
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
LEEDS, JUNE 5: Zimbabwe and New Zealand are branded mischief-makers here. And not without reason. Zimbabwe's upset win over South Africa turned the world upside down for England while New Zealand, by beating Australia at Cardiff set the Aussies back considerably.
The clash of these underdogs at Headingley on Sunday could be a hugely absorbing one. Zimbabwe, who have four points, need just one win to make the semifinals, and this match represents their best chance of doing it. On the other hand, New Zealand, with two points, could breath easier if they pull off a win in their opener.
Indian interest in this match will be sky high. They will closely follow the loser. India's hopes of a berth in the semifinal rest wholly on winning the next two matches and praying that the loser of this tie gets stuck at the same spot! Both New Zealand and Zimbabwe excel in the concept of team cricket. Neither has any outstanding player, but both have numerous players who know their role and fit in very well in the team'sscheme of things.
Zimbabwe, however, may have an edge over New Zealand, if only because they came through a tougher group and have an impressive win over the strong South Africans to boot.
Neil Johnson, the Zimbabwe all rounder is already touted as one of the heroes of this World Cup. The Leicestershire professional played for Natal and South Africa and is reckoned as one of the top all rounders in the game today. The Headingley pitch, which aids seamers, should be to his liking when Zimbabwe get a bowl. Challenging the African all rounder in a head-to-head is the powerful Kiwi all rounder Chris Cairns who already has a couple of telling knocks in this competition.
New Zealand have great depth in batting and bowling. They were branded the dark horses of the tournament. Thus far, they have not lived up to that promise, though that excellent win over Australia showed glimpses of their potential.
The Kiwis have an outstanding new ball bowler in left arm paceman Geoff Allott. His four for 37 destroyedthe Aussies. No team has been able to work him away consistently and New Zealand would be hoping that his spell on the batsmen continues in this tournament. The Kiwis also have greater batting flexibility but Zimbabwe have a better set of fast bowlers. Both teams have outstanding fielders who are capable of giving anybody a run for their money.
Leeds, the headquarters of Yorkshire cricket, has numerous Asians, particularly from Pakistan. Thus it remains to be seen what sort of support these teams enjoy here. The advance sale of Super Six tickets when the spectators were unaware as to which team would play where has caught a lot of them holding unwanted tickets.
The ground may not overflow. Nor will there be the sights and sounds that have thus far followed every Indian and Pakistani match. But, the notorious Western Terrace at Headingley, known over the years for colourful fancy dress, may come into its own as the spirit level increases. The spectators could still have their fill.
LEEDS: All rounderscould have a big say at Headingley. Sporting Index offers a spread on Chris Cairns' performance for New Zealand of 45-50 at one point a run, 10 points a catch and 20 points a wicket. The spread on Neil Johnson is 57-62. Meanwhile Total Sport offers 4/11 on New Zealand and 2/1 on Zimbabwe.
Early rain predicted
LEEDS:Rains are forecast for early in the day. The weather bureau, however, expects the rain clouds to move away later in the day, providing for sunshine. The early rain could freshen up the Headingley pitch always known to be friendly to seamers.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
------------------------------------------------------------
This story was printed from Net Express located at http://www.expressindia.com. Net Express provides a portal to India, with news from The Indian Express and The Financial Express along with sites on travel and tourism, the entertainment industry, the power sector, the environment and much more.
------------------------------------------------------------