The BLACKCAPS can move a step closer to the ICC World Cup Super Eight series with victory against Kenya in St Lucia overnight.
The New Zealanders take on the Africans at St Lucia’s Beausejour Stadium after an opening Group C win against England.
Kenya’s victory over Canada and their recent move into the ICC ODI Championship top tier of international limited-overs cricket underlined their potential.
And after a number of shocks in the tournament so far, the BLACKCAPS are determined not to lose against the emerging nation.
Scott Styris, the match winner against England, maintained the team were well aware of the danger represented by Steve Tikolo’s side – but confident of victory.
He said: "As shown in this tournament already, if you don't respect these so-called minnows, you potentially face falling over against them.
"We have talked a lot about showing them the respect they deserve. They are here for a reason and, if we fall over, it will be very embarrassing for us.
"We know it's a big game and, if we do what we know we can, we should win. These days, the attitude is to take no prisoners. Other teams, when they play minnows, have talked about going out to try to hammer them.
"That is done to ensure when you do go into the game you are showing them the proper respect.
"You are there to play well and hard against them; if you don't do that, take them lightly and they get a sniff early then you are in for a hard day."
The BLACKCAPS have never played Kenya before, but defeated a Kenyan-dominated East Africa side in the inaugural World Cup 32 years ago.
The team have viewed footage of their opponents and used the knowledge of Andy Moles, the former Kenya coach now with State Championship finalists Northern Knights.
But Tikolo was confident that their victory in the recent ICC World League competition would help their tournament play.
He said: "I believe in my players, I do have confidence in them. They know this is the World Cup and this is the big stage.
"Our aim is to play each game as it comes, try to be as competitive as we can. We have been doing the little things right.
"We just had a tournament in Nairobi where we won the World Cricket League, which involved the associate countries, so we have momentum coming into this tournament. But it's not going to be easy so we mustn't lie to ourselves."
The BLACKCAPS may again look to chase at the Beausejour Stadium, with personnel changes possible.
Peter Fulton and Mark Gillespie are in full training after injuries, with captain Stephen Fleming having hinted at possible changes.
The team may employ an extra seamer – one of Gillespie, Michael Mason and Daryl Tuffey – or recall Fulton after he missed the England game with a fractured finger.
BLACKCAPS (from): Stephen Fleming (captain), Shane Bond, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Michael Mason, Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.
Kenya: Steve Tikolo (captain), Thomas Odoyo, Ravindu Shah, Tanmay Mishra, Collins Obuya, Peter Ongondo, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Morris Ouma, Malhar Patel, Hiren Varaiya, David Obuya, Rajesh Bhudia, Jimmy Kamande, Tony Suji, Lameck Onyango
- BLACKCAPS v Kenya, Wednesday 21 March (NZ time). Follow the match online at BLACKCAPS.co.nz, on Radio Sport and live on Sky Sports TV.
