New Zealand wary of Kenya
Two one-sided matches at the World Cup on Tuesday, on paper at least, as South Africa and New Zealand face lowly opposition. But after what happened to Pakistan, no one will be taking anything for granted
Simon Cambers
19-Mar-2007
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New Zealand were pretty comfortable winners against England in their opening match and victory over Kenya on Tuesday will ensure their place in the Super Eight stage.
However, Kenya are probably one of the stronger "minnows" in the competition and their batting, certainly, should be respected.
The Kenyans' stated aim at the start of the World Cup was to beat Canada and one Test-playing nation and the way they cruised past Canadasuggests that the latter goal is not to be sniffed at.
Bet365 make them just 8/1 (9.00) to cause the upset while New Zealand are 1/20 (1.05).
All that said, New Zealand still deserve to be big favourites as they are a sound one-day team who generally play above themselves when it comes to the World Cup.
Victory is also important to them just in case Kenya go through instead of England, as then the Black Caps would have two points to carry through to the next stage regardless of who progresses with them.
Fleming favourite
Captain Stephen Fleming is 5/2 (3.50) favourite, just ahead of Lou Vincent at 3/1 and Ross Taylor at 4/1.
Captain Stephen Fleming is 5/2 (3.50) favourite, just ahead of Lou Vincent at 3/1 and Ross Taylor at 4/1.
Scott Styris, who looked in good form against England, is 5/1 while Peter Fulton is 11/2 and Craig McMillan and Jacob Oram are 7/1 and 8/1 respectively.
For Kenya, captain Steve Tikolo is favourite at just 5/2 after his impressive unbeaten half-century against Canada, while Ravi Shah is next at 9/2.
Opening batsman Maurice Ouma, who also hit a half-century against Canada, is 5/1, while David Obuya is 11/2.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's betting correspondent