The Black Caps go into the World Cup on the back of a series-losing streak, including a whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh, and the New Zealanders would like to set the tone with a dominating performance against the lowly Ireland in their practice match here on Saturday.
Immediately preceding the World Cup, the Kiwis lost 4-0 to Bangladesh, 5-0 to India and 4-1 to Pakistan.Coming to New Zealand's performance in World Cups, they come in with five semifinal appearances under their belt since the inaugural tournament was contested way back in 1975. So the Black Caps must be wondering if they can go that extra mile when the 10th edition gets underway in less than ten days' time.
Both skipper Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum would like to hit form quickly to revive teams' chance in the biggest tournament of all.
Ireland may be considered minnows but their skipper William Porterfield warned the oppositions not to take them lightly, citing any team can perform well on a given day.
Ireland had shocked Pakistan by three wickets in the group stages and were responsible for the latter's first-round exit from the 2007 World Cup, hosted by the West Indies.
The European team also surprised everyone by making it to the super-eight stage on their debut during the prestigious quadrennial event, where they defeated another sub-continent team Bangladesh by 74 runs.
Porterfield said the team's batting was strong but the bowling line-up too should not be taken lightly
Both skipper Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum would like to hit form quickly to revive teams' chance in the biggest tournament of all.
Ireland may be considered minnows but their skipper William Porterfield warned the oppositions not to take them lightly, citing any team can perform well on a given day.
Ireland had shocked Pakistan by three wickets in the group stages and were responsible for the latter's first-round exit from the 2007 World Cup, hosted by the West Indies.
The European team also surprised everyone by making it to the super-eight stage on their debut during the prestigious quadrennial event, where they defeated another sub-continent team Bangladesh by 74 runs.
Porterfield said the team's batting was strong but the bowling line-up too should not be taken lightly
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