Cricketing history beckons for the Black Caps as they seek to become the first New Zealand side to reach the World Cup final. The tournament's underway with the hosts thrashing Sri Lanka by Christchurch on Saturday.
Brendon McCullum will have to dominate opposition attacks if the Black Caps are reach the World Cup final. Photo: Photosport
In six of the ten previous editions of the tournament the Black Caps have reached the last four but never made it to the final.
But while the Black Caps have home town advantage will it be enough to see off the likes of world number one Australia and serial chokers South Africa?
Cricket reporter Stephen Hewson considers the contenders and pretenders:
In 1992 New Zealand came desperately close to reaching the cricket world cup final only to stumble against Pakistan in a hard fought semi final at Eden Park.
Fourteen nations will play 49 games over the next six weeks with the victorious side picking up $5 million in prizemoney.
The competition is split into two pools of seven. The top four sides from each pool then advance to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Six times NZ has reached the World Cup semi final but never progressed to the final but New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum says the side couldn't be better prepared for the tournament and knows just as it was for the 1992 NZ team, playing at home will be an advantage.
"We've got fond memories of that campaign and how it captivated New Zealand and the manner in which that '92 tam played, the innovation and sheer passion they played with certainly resonates with this squad and jeez it'd be great if we could get on some sort of roll and captivate the nation."
Brendon McCullum knows how important home support will be for the Black Caps World Cup aspirations. Photo: Photosport
The big question mark over the New Zealanders is their ability to cope with genuine fast bowlers of the likes of South Africa's Dale Steyne and Australia's Mitchell Johnson.
"Hey it maybe (a problem) we won't know until that moment comes but when we do come up against the raw pace of a Steyne or Johnson we're just going to have to adapt. You can't cover off everything."
Four time winners Australia come into the tournament in pole position.
They sit at the top of the one day world rankings and as tournament co-hosts get to enjoy home advantage too.
They've accounted for defending champions India and England in a recent tri-series but persistent speculation of a rift between captain Michael Clarke, his team mates and the country's cricket governing body remain.
Australia coach Darren Lehman continues to dismiss the reports.
"We know what's going on in our group and we're really comfortable with where we are sitting. We've had a really good last 12 months, out of 23 games we've won 19 of them so we're in a good space," he said.
"Everyone's entitled to their opinion but we know where we are at."
Australia might be ranked number one in the world but its South Africa, who go into the tournament as favourites.
Currently third on the international one day rankings they boast an array of players who can single handedly turn a game but they're haunted by the tag of world cup chokers, having never won an elimination game at the tournament.
In skipper AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla they have the top two one day batsmen in the world while Dale Steyn and Mornel Morkel are among the world's top bowlers.
Before leaving South Africa sports minister Fikile Mbalua told the side not to return a bunch of losers.
De Villiers says that kind of pressure doesn't come as a surprise.
South Africa captain A B de Villiers and his team have been told not to come home a "bunch of losers." Photo: Photosport
"We all looked at each other and went 'ooh here we go' but our country, South Africa, expect a lot from their sports people and we're expected to come here and win the tournament, so we understand that."
India come into this tournament as reigning champions and ranked number two in the world.
But they tend to struggle outside of sub continent conditions and their form in Australia this summer and their performances here last year suggest they're unlikly to defend their crown.
England have a useful bowling lineup but will struggle to get past the quarterfinals as will one time winners Pakistan.
The current Pakistan side's not blessed with players of the calibre of the 92 title-winning team.
Administrative chaos and baffling squad selections means two time winners the West Indies are unlilkely to get out of pool play.
They're without leading players Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, who were ringleaders in a recent player strike.
Sri Lanka, having had plenty of time playing in New Zealand this summer could well join the Black Caps, South Africa and Australia in the final four - with South Africa and Australia the predicted finalists.
