IPL HAS HELPED US UNDERSTAND THE WEST INDIAN PLAYERS, SAYS DANIEL VETTORI – CRICKET NEWS UPDATE

IPL has helped us understand the West Indian players, says Daniel Vettori – Cricket News Update

Geared up for the challenge against West Indies in the Super 8 stage of the ICC World T20 2012, Daniel Vettori, New Zealand’s left-arm spinner, believes that having played alongside the Caribbean players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is going to be an advantage for the Kiwi players.

New Zealand and West Indies will be up against each other today in their last Super 8 fixture, as both the teams desperately look for a semi-final berth.

During Ross Taylor and men’s tour of West Indies earlier this year, the home team outclassed the Kiwis in all three formats, which is the reason why West Indies are rated as favourites for victory.

Since IPL’s inception in 2008, players from all across the world have been playing together for different franchises; hence, getting to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses closely.

"Having a more intimate knowledge of players through the IPL has helped. I know our scouting is more intense and specific. Hopefully tapping into such knowledge helps," believes Vettori.

West Indies were one of the pre-tournament favourites because of a star-studded batting line-up, including Chris Gayle, Dwayne Smith, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard. It is surely going to be a massive challenge for the relatively inexperienced New Zealand bowlers to stop the Caribbean onslaught.

However, the former Black Caps’ skipper claims that his side understands the West Indian players and they will give them a tough time.

"For instance, I can input into how to bowl to Chris Gayle [Vettori played with him at the Royal Bangalore Challengers]. Tim Southee's played with Dwayne Bravo in Chennai and Brendon McCullum has regularly kept to Sunil Narine at [defending IPL champions] the Kolkata Knight Riders," the left-arm spinner mentioned. "You get some intimate information from that, plus the fact we've come off six weeks playing them at home."

Having lost their initial two Super 8 encounters, it is imperative for Taylor and company to dismantle the Caribbean men, if they are to keep their hopes alive in the competition.

The two teams to qualify from Group 1 will be finalised after the evening match between Sri Lanka and England.