WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s preparations for the World Cup will step up a gear when they open a two-match series against Pakistan here at the Basin Reserve on Saturday.

The Black Caps ended a seven-match ODI rubber against Sri Lanka with defeat in Wellington on Thursday but New Zealand had already won the series, which ended 4-2.

Confidence is growing in New Zealand ahead of the World Cup, given their side’s impressive depth and excellent recent record in ODI cricket.

They have won seven of their last 11 completed ODIs and appear well-placed for a tilt at ODI cricket’s greatest prize.

Thursday’s game was played at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, a venue that will be used during the World Cup, and Kane Williamson said his side could take plenty from the match, despite defeat.

“Our middle to lower order all had good time in the middle,” he said at the post-match presentation.

“We kept pushing the game forward, but unfortunately we were unable to get over the line. In the field we were very good [though].

“There are a lot of things to take from the surface. It does have a bit of dew that comes in later so we will have to consider that going into the World Cup.”

Pakistan played a warm-up against a New Zealand Board President’s XI in Lincoln earlier this week, losing by one wicket.

Captain Misbah-ul-Haq (88 not out) and Umar Akmal (77) both spent valuable time in the middle but a bowling attack missing injured Junaid Khan could do nothing to stop home opener Michael Pollard, who smashed 153 off 132 balls.

The New Zealand side won with one ball to spare in a thrilling conclusion, and the tourists will need to improve.

Junaid is still battling a thigh injury and has already been ruled out of the short series, with Bilawal Bhatti having been drafted in as his replacement.

New Zealand and Pakistan battled it out in an ODI series as recently as December last year, with the Black Caps’ 3-2 win in the UAE seen as a significant sign of progress.

Meanwhile, New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has received the full backing of his coach ahead of crucial two innings for his hopes of playing a prominent role in the World Cup.

Guptill goes into the Pakistan ODIs as the Black Cap under the most scrutiny just a fortnight out from the tournament. In 12 ODI innings this season, Guptill has passed 50 just twice.

Guptill has four innings; two against Pakistan then warm-ups against Zimbabwe and South Africa, to find form before the World Cup begins and coach Mike Hesson remains staunch.

“Gup needs to keep batting and he’ll find his rhythm sooner rather than later, I’m sure. He’s a quality player,” Hesson said. Captain Brendon McCullum return to action on Saturday after taking a rest for the final game of the Sri Lanka ODI series. Fast bowler Adam Milne is also set to return after missing the past three games with a side strain.

“He’s going well and he’ll be considered for selection. He’s bowled three times the last five days so we’re pretty pleased with where he’s at,” Hesson said.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2015

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