Vettori puts milestone aside

Daniel Vettori's diverting the attention away from yet another career milestone.

The veteran spinner's four for 18 in the Cricket World Cup win over Afghanistan has seen the 36-year-old surpass 300 career ODI wickets.

Vettori's claimed 12 wickets in five World Cup games, and says it's all been a surprise.

"Honestly didn't bel i would take this many wicets in this fewer games so it'll be somet nice to look back on but i think we are caught up in the middle of a WC.

The Black Caps will show no signs of holding back the momentum for their final group match at the Cricket World Cup.

The co-hosts are guaranteed to finish atop Group A, but Vettori says they need to keep the intensity.

"If we get caught up in trying to work through a checklist of what's right and what's wrong to try and win a World Cup, it's not going to work.

"It's just purely about winning games and that's what we've been able to do so far and hopef continue in the important knock out stages."

Vettori says having the scheduling is strange.

"We're so used to playing every three days. To go from a quick start to the World Cup and then have six, seven, eight days off takes a bit to get used to.

"But I suppose it means you get to rest up and actually be fresh."

The Kiwi bowler says Afghanistan has the makings to be a major player in the future.

"Look at Afghanistan, I think that's the beginning of a very good team.

"I think the way that they balanced out, they've got firepower all through their batting order and their bowling lineup - and particularly their three fast bowlers - are particularly impressive."

Australia's beaten Sri Lanka by 64 runs in Sydney.

For more from the NZME. Team, visit www.cricketfever.co.nz