Kiwis need consistency while Zimbabwe looks for first series win away

It's been two seasons since New Zealand has been under pressure to win a One-Day International series at home, and tomorrow's decider against Zimbabwe at Eden Park has plenty hanging on it.

New Zealand needs to show Thursday night's success, after six successive losses, was not a flash in the pan. Several players in the CLEAR Black Caps are also under pressure to back up their performances to ensure a modicum of consistency which will allow New Zealand to then face the twin series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan with some confidence.

Zimbabwe in the meantime has the goal of winning its first ODI series against a Test-playing nation away from home.

A solid and competitive performance would also be suitable repayment to the New Zealand selection panel for its faith in players who were controversial preferences. Selection chairman Sir Richard Hadlee has faced a barrage and is now preferring to deal with selection comment via press releases.

Needing to maintain their impetus especially are: opening batsman Mathew Sinclair, all-rounder Jacob Oram, spin bowler Brooke Walker, all-rounders Scott Styris and James Franklin and, should he be named in the side, pace man Chris Martin.

Sinclair offered hope during his 85 on Thursday that his special talent can be developed to the future benefit of the side. He was disappointed he didn't score a century and that has to be a positive incentive for him going into the match.

Oram bowled only four overs are reasonable cost, but offered a huge presence in the field and is certain New Zealand has never had a taller fieldsman in the cover-point area.

Walker has not yet shown the necessary control he must have as a leg-spinner in ODIs. Styris came back from a hiding in Taupo on Tuesday with good performances with both ball and bat and should have another chance to work on his at-the-death bowling.

Franklin has been the revelation of the series and when asked to open the bowling on Thursday in Wellington, he was a cool and calm performer. Used sensibly and not worn down before his time, he looks a player with much to offer the country.

Similarly for Chris Martin who may find himself called into action in Auckland.

Reports are that the pitch which is a new one, should offer more life than is usual for Eden Park. It has grass on it at the moment and if does have bounce and carry a high-scoring spectacle could be in prospect.

Weather conditions for the game are expected to be fine and reports are that a crowd close to 15,000 could attend.

Both teams are without injuries and the Zimbabweans may be inclined to include Dirk Viljoen at the expense of Angus Mackay.