4 Oct 2009

Time to change the script and make a final says Vettori

9:19 am on 4 October 2009

The New Zealand cricket captain Dan Vettori say it's time for he and his charges to change the script and reach the final of a major tournament.

They have that chance when they play Pakistan in the semi finals of the Champions Trophy tournament in South Africa this morning.

Win and they'll play Australia in the final, after the defending champions trouned England in the first semi by nine wickets.

Having dismissed England for 257, Australia lost only one wicket in the run chase, with Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson both scoring centuries.

But to reach the final Vettori knows history's against them as there's an expectation that New Zealand will reach the semi finals in a tournament like this only to lose it and fail to make the final.

He says to lead a Black Caps side in the final of a Champions Trophy tournament would be a highlight of his career.

Meanwhile the indications are that allround Grant Elliot will play despite a chipped bone in his thumb.