Proteas plight irrelevant to Vettori

Daniel Vettori is focused on New Zealand's performances rather than South Africa's plight ahead of tomorrow's clash

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New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has dismissed the notion that eliminating South Africa from the Champions Trophy tomorrow provides extra motivation for his side.

Pre-tournament favourites South Africa slipped to a 55-run Duckworth-Lewis defeat against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tournament yesterday.

A second loss at the hands of the Black Caps at Centurion tomorrow would all but end the hosts’ interest in the competition, but Vettori said: “It doesn't make much difference to us.

“We will have to turn up and play very well to beat an exceptional South African side. We are under no illusions how hard it's going to be.”

England make up the second half of the draw and, given their record against New Zealand - just four wins in 17 completed one-day internationals - are seen by many as outsiders to progress to the semi-finals.

But a diplomatic Vettori said: “We know coming into this tournament, we will have to beat quality teams.

“They (England) are obviously coming off the back of a tough series against Australia. But when they have a settled line-up they are a real ask for any team.”

New Zealand will consider playing two spinners given the slowness of the surface yesterday.

Vettori has welcomed the intense nature of the compact eight-team tournament, reckoning it is the shot in the arm limited-overs cricket requires.

“It feels like every game is relevant,” he said. “In the past there have been some warm-up style games to get yourself into the tournament.

“In terms of relevance for one-day cricket right now, if you reduce the number of games that is the quick-fix solution.

“People get a bit sick of it with so many one-day games, so there is no need to tinker with the 50-over format. It produces some wonderful cricketers - you just need to give games meaning.”