Fit-again Fleming to lead Kiwis

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming will return against Sri Lanka on Tuesday after missing two games of the triangular series also involving India with food poisoning.

Craig McMillan led the Kiwis to victory over India but the team lost to Sri Lanka in their last match on Thursday.

"I am fit now. I'll definitely be back tomorrow," Fleming told reporters after a team practice session on Monday.

New Zealand have won two of their four matches, Sri Lanka three and India one. All the teams could make the final with two games each to go.

"We have a good chance of reaching the final. We're confident because we can see things going our way," Fleming said.

New Zealand won both their matches against India by more than 60 runs but lost close games to the Sri Lankans.

"We lost one by 16 runs and in the other we had them struggling at 27 for four and then allowed Sri Lanka to chase 230-odd. That was unfortunate," Fleming said.

"We couldn't finish the job but if we are in a similar situation again, we're not going to slip up."

Fleming said his side had been batting well and believed it would keep them in good stead with the remaining round robin matches to be played at the high-scoring Sinhalese Sports Club rather than on the Premadasa Stadium's turning track.

"The wicket looks great. If (Nathan) Astle and the rest of the guys get a good start, we could get a huge total," Fleming said.

Opener Astle is so far the only player in the tournament to score a century.

But hosts Sri Lanka are also confident of winning on Tuesday to qualify for the August 5 final.

"Our objective was to make the final and now we're nearly there with six points already. One more win is all we need," coach Dav Whatmore said.

The Sri Lankans were unbeaten in the tournament until Saturday, when they lost by seven wickets to India after being bowled out for 183.

"That was just one bad game. Things can't go your way every day. But we can do the job," Whatmore said.

Mail Cricket Editor