WELLINGTON, 17 January 2004 — New Zealand will not be relaxing for the fifth and final One-Day International match against Pakistan today even though they have already clinched the series.
“It’s not just about the series but it’s the chance to be better,” New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming told reporters yesterday.
“We ended on the right side of it in Napier but we want to stamp some authority on the series and 4-1 would be a good way to do it.”
New Zealand lead the series 3-1 after an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the last game on Wednesday.
“Individuals have got to prove to themselves that competitively they can do the job,” Fleming said. “We’ve fluctuated in form in games prior to this through perhaps the relaxation of some individuals.
“You see great teams around the world, particularly Australia, who struggle when a series is already won. We’re in new territory in some ways, but it’s good to be on the right side.” Fleming thinks Pakistan’s performance in Napier, where they scored just 126 and New Zealand reached their target for the loss of only two wickets, was a one off.
