New Zealand grounded despite huge win

Vettori said his team must not lower their guard against tougher opposition after an easy 10-wicket win over Kenya.

CHENNAI: New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori said his team must not lower their guard against tougher opposition after cantering to an easy 10-wicket win over Kenya in the World Cup on Sunday.

Kiwi fast bowlers skittled the hapless African nation for 69 in 23.5 overs before knocking off the required runs in just eight overs at the Chidambaram Stadium for a winning start to their campaign.

"We didn't expect that the game would get over so quickly," Vettori said. "It was nice. We are happy with how we performed. But we don't expect all other matches to be this easy.

"I think bowling full and straight is going to be the key in this part of world. We will keep the same intensity for every game."

Hamish Bennett grabbed 4-16 off five overs while Tim Southee and Jacob Oram chipped in with three wickets each.

The emphatic nature of win will set the Kiwis up nicely for their next match against defending champions Australia in Nagpur on February 25.

"To be able to bowl this well and allow the batsmen to have such a small chase is always pleasing," Vettori said.

"It's pretty important for us to stand up there and perform. Australia is one of the favourites for the competition so if we do well there we know we are in good stead."

Bennett, a late replacement in the playing eleven for first-choice seamer Kyle Mills, hoped his performance would be taken into account by the selectors.

"It feels pretty good," said Bennett, who turns 24 on Tuesday. "Any chance you have to play for New Zealand you just have to try and take it and play it like it's your last game.

"So to have the result I had today was good and hopefully I'll keep pushing my selection for every game."