A six-wicket win with almost 14 overs to spare barely acknowledges the gulf in class between the hosts and Afghanistan, but for those New Zealand players who needed a greater workout, it was a worthwhile outing
Andrew McGlashan in Napier08-Mar-2015A gentle day in the Hawkes Bay sunshine for New Zealand. It was never likely to be much else, but it was not a match without some value despite the overwhelming margin of victory. That looked a distant prospect when Afghanistan were 59 for 6 before a fightback that will not have done the home side any harm.Brendon McCullum’s preferred approach to this match was taken out of his hands when Mohammad Nabi won the toss and batted first. McCullum had declared his hand the day before the game, but instead the first task went to his bowling attack. And we know how that script is going at the moment.It was about being as professional as they could be – and the drop by Martin Guptill to reprieve Najibullah Zadran will no doubt get a cross in Mike Hesson’s notebook – but apart from points in the bag there would have been little gain from Afghanistan being rolled for 80 as looked likely. A six-wicket win with almost 14 overs to spare barely acknowledges the gulf in class, but for those in the crowd as well as those New Zealand players who needed a greater workout, it was a worthwhile outing.Before the match, Adam Milne’s limited workload (25.2 overs in four matches) in the tournament so far – courtesy of the three bowlers operating ahead of him – was pinpointed by McCullum as one of the major reasons behind an unchanged team for the fifth game running. In the longer-term plan drawn up before the World Cup, this could well have been a match he was earmarked to miss. Instead, rather than resting it was thought he needed the mileage.As it transpired he utilised his 10 overs across three spells of five, four and one over. It was a performance that confirmed what is known: quick, but raw. There was a lot of short bowling – a little too much – and his wicket came with a slice to third man. But he touched 150kph. Speed on its own can be more a hindrance than a help, but there are clearly the basic attributes for him to develop although it is a shame he will not be under the tutelage of Shane Bond for much longer.New Zealand have not been afraid to back him in this World Cup. He is a luxury item for them, one they can afford because of the form of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Daniel Vettori. However, a World Cup quarter-final will be pressure he has never experienced before. And barring injury he will be there. But he will not always be able to come into the attack with the opposition in no real position to attack him; England were on the back foot at 43 for 2, Australia were extraordinarily nine down before he had a bowl and Afghanistan were 46 for 3.We will only really know if the confidence in Milne is misplaced, or another astute call from the New Zealand management when, or if, he is called on by McCullum with the score 60 for 1 after ten overs. However, his place in this side is not solely down to his bowling. The catch he took to end the innings, running from long-on, was a reminder of the athleticism he brings and is significantly ahead of what Kyle Mills or Mitchell McClenaghan would offer in the field.Quality of fielding is also a discipline which helps increase the value of Martin Guptill to the one-day side, notwithstanding his drop in the outfield today, although he remains a polarising player due to his tendency to mix dreamy shots with dim ones. This innings, made on a friendly pitch against an honest attack with no run-rate pressure, was largely a no-win situation for him but he found a promising balance to his attacking and defensive game. He was also outstanding inside the ring.He was 9 off 16 balls when a groan went around McLean Park as McCullum dragged one onto his stumps for a typically blistering 42 from 19. That became 9 off 22 when he played out a maiden from Hamid Hassan, but two drives and a pull in Hassan’s next over were crisp and clean. His last boundary, over the off side, was McCullum without quite the brute force. But, just as it was appearing he would get a neat red-inker he misjudged a run into the off side.Ross Taylor’s innings was far less convincing. Although he was unbeaten, it was a battling 76 minutes at the crease which started with a flat-footed waft and did not exude confidence. It is rare that an entire XI is in form at the same time, but No. 4 is a pivotal position. New Zealand are refusing to talk in terms of ticking boxes as the group stage draws to a close but if they could have one performance from the match against Bangladesh it would be runs for Taylor. After that it is the knockouts, and no more second chances.
