Fleming set for landmark, to lead NZ for record 194th time

Mohali, Oct 24 (UNI) For New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming, it is going to be a landmark day tomorrow when he captains his side against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy to lead his country for a world record 194th time.

Thirtythree-year-old Fleming will surpass Sri Lanka's Arjuna Ranatunga's record of leading his team in 193 matches.

The Kiwi skipper also needs 76 runs to become the most successful captain-batsman in the history of the game. At present Ranatunga, with 5606 runs heads the tally, followed by Fleming (5531), Mohd Azharuddin(5239) and Sourav Ganguly (5104).

A defeat tomorrow, will earn Stephen Fleming the dubious distinction of losing most matches as captain. He currently is at level with Arjuna Ranatunga with 95 defeats.

Tomorrow's match will also see Pakistan setting up a new milestone of playing the highest number of one-day nternationals-644. For New Zealand it will also be a big occasion as they will figure in their 500 One Day International and will become the sixth team to achieve this milestone.

Besides Pakistan, the Kiwis will be following Australia(632), India (629), West Indies (548) and Sri Lanka (508).

Another Kiwi player Nathan Astle needs 54 runs to complete 7000 runs to become second New Zealand batsman after Fleming to achieve this record.

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