New Zealand confident of semis

After a strong start to their World Cup campaign, New Zealand are confident of reaching the semi-finals.

They carried through two points from their victory against England, and their triumph over West Indies has put them equal top with Australia. Captain Stephen Fleming believes two wins from their next four games, two of which are against Ireland and Bangladesh will be enough: “It’s still pretty hard to work out. Eight (points) with a good run rate could be enough but it could be a log jam. Ideally we need 10.”

Speaking to reporters, Fleming added: “If we continue the way we’re playing we’re not far away. I think that’s the exciting thing, each game you tick off it becomes one closer to the semi-finals but the final is what we’re after.”

The Black Caps have reached the last four on four occasions, but not once have they reached the final, and this has been touted by many as their best chance yet of lifting the trophy.

Fleming also commented on New Zealand’s injury problems with their batting: “It hasn’t been the usual suspects that have been injured, It’s been the bowling that has been hard to replace. But our bowling is pretty much sewn up. I much rather have it this way than any other way.”

Shane Bond of course, a bowler plagued with injury troubles over the years, has been excellent throughout this tournament, and he has received good support from the rest of the attack.