Mills not taking Zimbabwe lightly despite Kiwis being heavy favorites

Tucson Post (ANI) Sunday 5th February, 2012

New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Mills has said it wouldn't be wise for his team to take Zimbabwe lightly ahead of Monday's one-day international in Whangarei.

Kiwi fans will be expecting a one-sided contest between the two teams following New Zealand's 90 runs win over Zimbabwe in the first ODI at Dunedin.

The Black Caps had humiliated Zimbabwe as they won their only Test match against them by an innings and 301 runs.

Despite the colossal difference between the performances of both the teams, Mills thinks it wouldn't be sensible to take their opponents lightly.

"Absolutely, they will (get better). That's the general theme in most series around the world," Stuff.co.nz quoted Mills as saying.

Mills believes that as the series progresses Zimbabwe will get better since they would get used to the conditions in a better manner.

"The waters are tested in the first game but as the series progresses, both teams get a better read on each other and what they're trying to do and get a better understanding of individual strengths and weaknesses," he added.

He also said that he had no doubts that the African minnows would come back stronger in the next ODI.

"There's no doubt they are going to come back a lot better, harder and stronger in Whangarei.

"It's a must-win game for them and they did that up in the series in Zimbabwe as well - they progressively got better," he added. (ANI)