AUCKLAND, May 2: New Zealand cricket coach Steve Rixon said today that he is confident his team will make the final of the Independence Cup later this month.

The New Zealand team, to be captained by Stephen Fleming, will fly to India on Sunday in a confident frame of mind despite strike bowler Simon Doull being ruled out of the trip.

``I don't know if we're underdogs, we've played Sri Lanka four times and only been beaten once, so I'd suggest we'd got their measure,'' Rixon said. ``We know we can beat Pakistan, and we haven't seen India. But I'm confident of doing well, I expect to be in the final.''

Rixon said the squad's month-long break from cricket could also help the New Zealanders, as their opponents have been playing continuously over the last few months.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.