GROS ISLET (St. Lucia): New Zealand is taking its World Cup Group C match with Kenya just as seriously as its opener with England. Just in case.

Both New Zealand and Kenya have won their opening matches and both want to carry points into the Super 8 stage.

New Zealand beat England, while Kenya defeated Canada. England rallied from its opening loss to beat Canada on Sunday, meaning now three teams are on two points.

"We have to win that match, just in case it's Kenya that qualifies because they're the other team with two points in the bag," New Zealand coach Bracewell said. "We've got a reasonable run rate to take through with us as well if it's England that qualifies, but we have to make sure we get our two points against Kenya."

High on confidence

Confidence is high in the New Zealand camp after its six-wicket defeat of England on Friday.

With the Black Caps' most important group game wrapped up, Bracewell may experiment. "The Kenya, Canada games we'll make sure probably the whole squad will get a run," Bracewell said.

That could mean a start for batsman Peter Fulton, who was left out against England. Although pace bowler Mark Gillespie is unlikely to play despite improving from the viral infection that was numbing the nerves of his bowling arm. He's back bowling but is still struggling to throw.

The other player to miss out against England was fast bowler Daryl Tuffey.

Bracewell has been briefed on Kenya by Andy Moles, who coached Kenya from 2003-2005, before former West Indies offspinner Roger Harper took over.

Belief on teamwork

Harper said his team relied on teamwork to beat Canada, but its seven-wicket win was guided by captain Steve Tikolo, who scored an unbeaten 72 and took two for 34.

"We played very well collectively and it was a good, professional performance," Harper said. "The squad is in very high spirits and really enthusiastic. There are areas that we know we need to sharpen on and we're working on that."

Kenya was a surprise semifinalist in 2003, and Harper didn't rule out a repeat.

"Our objective is to play our best cricket in each game," Harper said. "And if we can do that, the results will take care of itself."

The teams (from):

New Zealand: Lou Vincent, Stephen Fleming (capt.), Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Peter Fulton, Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Shane Bond, James Franklin and Jeetan Patel.

Kenya: Maurice Ouma, David Obuya, Ravindu Shah, Steve Tikolo (capt.), Tanmay Mishra, Collins Obuya, Thomas Odoyo, Jimmy Kamande, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Peter Ongondo, Hiden Varaiya, Tony Suji, Lameck Onyango, Rajesh Bhudia and Malhar Patel.

Umpires: Field: Rudi Koertzen and Billy Doctrove. TV: Peter Parker. Match referee: Mike Procter. — Agencies

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