Thaindian News

London, Nov. 9 (ANI): New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori is hoping that his inconsistent team performs consistently just one more time to win the third and final one-day cricket international against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

“We look for more improvement and will make sure that we head into this final game with more confidence and looking to put more pressure on Pakistan,” The New Zealand Herald quoted Vettori, as saying.

A roller-coaster series hinges on the outcome after Pakistan romped to a 138-run on Wednesday before New Zealand hit back with a 64-run victory on Saturday.

Even though New Zealand has beaten Pakistan in seven of their last 10 one-days, the veteran skipper was wary of Pakistan’s hot-and-cold talents.

“We did well throughout the Champions Trophy as most of the games we played were must win games and we stepped up, so I hope the team does it one more time.”

“Pakistan can come back hard on us, so we must be ready for that. But I think there’s something left for us as well. A lot of guys, I suppose, need to perform on this tour and those who have performed need to do that once more,” he added.

Also under pressure is Pakistan captain Younus Khan, whose team have not won a one-day series since beating the West Indies last year.

Younus is also having a lean patch with the bat, scoring nought and 19 in the two matches - but coach Intikhab Alam backed his captain to come good when it matters.

“It can happen to any player,” said Alam of Younus’ wretched form which saw him scoring only two half-centuries in the last 18 matches. I am sure that he can come good anytime, maybe in this crucial, must-win game,” he said.

After the one-day series both teams move to Dubai where they play two Twenty20 matches on November 12 and 13. (ANI)