The Black Caps coach Mike Hesson says the ability to adapt has been the key to their success so far the Twenty20 cricket world cup in India.
Having won both their opening matches against India and Australia a win over Pakistan on Tuesday night will put New Zealand through to the semi finals of the tournament for the first time since 2007.
Opting for a spin dominant bowling attack and not selecting the pace duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult for the first two games was was seen as a bold move but Hesson says playing the same style of cricket as in New Zealand was never going to work.
Trent Boult Photo: Photosport
"We've very much looked to pick a side that is good for (each) surface so I think we have pretty much got it right the couple but we can't play the same type of cricket that we play in New Zealand over here.
"if we do that we'll be going home early so we've got to try and adapt and give ourselves the best chance," said Hessson.
With wins over India and Australia the Black Caps are being touted as title contenders but give the fickle nature of T20 cricket Hesson is wary.
Black Caps coach Mike Hesson Photo: Photosport
"It doesn't really mean lot...it's nice that the guys are getting the recognition they deserve but the key thing for us is to simply prepare for the next game. We know you can easily slip up in any game here.
"Obviously it's quite a different challenge on this surface against Pakistan who have quite a different attack to the ones that we've been confronted with," said Hesson.
That's likely to lead to Tim Southee and Trent Boult coming into contention for the Pakistan match.
The Mohali pitch will be helpful for seamers and while the spinner are more likely to come into play at late night. Anything between 160-170 is viewed as a good total.
