BLACKCAPS proud record on the line

For all New Zealand's troubles and an 11-match losing streak in one-day cricket on the subcontinent last year, few can argue they have not fashioned a top record at home in recent years.

The nine-wicket win against Pakistan in the first match last Saturday was their seventh successive victory at Wellington.

They then moved to Queenstown for the washed out second match where the hosts had a record of five wins from their past six matches.

The road show has hit Christchurch for tomorrow's third match and, you guessed it, another proud record will go on the line.

In the past 10 years New Zealand have won 12 of 15 completed matches here for an 80 per cent winning record, with losses only to Australia in 2005, and the West Indies and India in 2009.

"The guys enjoy coming here and Christchurch has certainly been a ground we've played well at in the past, although the different angles and things will make it a little more difficult as captain," New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor said today, referring to the recent ground changes.

The inner-city Christchurch ground has long been a batsman's surface, and with the building of a new stand here in 2009, the boundaries are even shorter than before.

Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder have blasted hundreds here in recent times while Indian master Sachin Tendulkar helped himself to 163 from 133 balls before retiring hurt in 2009, although team totals here over the past five years have been surprisingly erratic.

The past five matches have produced first-innings scores of 241 for nine by Bangladesh, 392 for four by India in a match which produced 726 runs, 152 for eight (28 overs) by New Zealand, 242 for seven by England and 112 all out by Sri Lanka.

Despite the inconsistency, New Zealand opener Jamie How predicts an old-fashioned belter and whoever win the toss to bat first.

"It's always good fun batting here, it's one of the better wickets going around and the batters are always happy to get here," How said.

"I'm sure it will be a high-scoring game."

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