New Zealand relying on adrenalin in final clash

Published on Sunday 4 October 2009 23:37

ADRENALIN and desire will fuel tired New Zealand's dreams of beating Australia in the Champions Trophy final today, captain Daniel Vettori said.

"I wish we had another day before the final, to be honest," said Vettori. "It was exhausting on Saturday to get through the late game but once Monday turns up the adrenalin will take over and everyone will be pretty excited about playing in a final."

Vettori, the man of the match in the five-wicket semi-final victory over Pakistan on Saturday, said his team did not care that reaching the final was already a success in many people's eyes for New Zealand.

"We probably have achieved what we set out to achieve but once you reach that level you realise there is an immense desire to go all the way and I think there's no relief in the camp.

"At training today it was all about how we're going to win, as opposed to it's great that we've made it. It's pleasing to me as captain to hear those sorts of sentiments and we've got to make sure we put it into practice."

Australia captain Ricky Ponting, whose side have got to the final unbeaten, said his players would treat New Zealand with respect at Centurion.

"New Zealand play to their strengths and do it very well," he said. "They're a very disciplined and calculated side and they have been for a number of years. They might not be the most flamboyant players going around but you know they'll always stand up and give their 100 per cent, so it's important we match them in that department.

"The Kiwis have probably upset a few along the way. We know they are always a competitive team and few gave them a chance against Pakistan but they were obviously the better team yesterday," said Ponting, whose side crushed England by nine wickets in Friday's first semi-final.

Australia are looking to become the first team to defend the title while New Zealand want to be the first side to win the trophy twice.

"It's always been a great rivalry whether it be cricket, rugby or netball or whatever it is, the countries always seem to have some good clashes. It's one we're looking forward to," said Ponting.

&#149 Australia have been fined for a slow over rate during Friday's nine-wicket win over England in their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final.

Australia were ruled two overs short of target within the stipulated time.

Ponting was penalised 20 per cent of his match fee and other team members 10 per cent, an International Cricket Council statement said.