Several New Zealand players struck down with illness after the win against Afghanistan

New Zealand players congratulating Vettori after his 300^th wicket

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said today that several of his players have come down with an illness ahead of their final Group A match against Bangladesh in Hamilton on Friday. Illness has struck the Blackcaps, leaving up to three players in doubt for their final group game. Hesson was reluctant to provide the details but mentioned that "two or three" players felt unwell following their six-wicket win over Afghanistan in Napier.

"We've got a few guys who are a bit ill today, so hopefully they recover in time," he said. "I know at least two or three are down so we'll see how they scrub up."

Apart from these players, pacer Adam Milne is the only player with a minor niggle. He damaged the AC joint in his shoulder after taking a catch at the end of Afghanistan's innings, but Hesson was confident that some rest should be enough to return the lively Milne to full fitness this week.

"If guys have got a niggle, we won't force it. But when you've got two games in 21 days, we're not going to make that one game in 21 days in terms of preparation.” he said.

"If a guys are fit and still performing, then they'll get another chance."

We don’t underestimate anyone: Hesson

Hesson was pleased with the performance from the players after the win against Afghanistan.

"It was a pretty thorough performance really. I was really pleased with the effort. We were pretty proficient in the field and it was a pretty good chase. All in all, job done." he said.

"I think it's a great format. I really like the different facilities you play in every day. All grounds have slightly different characteristics. We've had some high scoring close ones, some low ones, like we had (against Australia) in Auckland. I think it's been a thoroughly enjoyable tournament." he said when asked about his opinion on the structure of World Cup.

Also, when asked if he had rated Australia as New Zealand's biggest threat, he said that,

"I see everyone as the biggest threat and we won't underestimate anyone."