New Zealand eyeing top spot

New Zealand appear to be virtually assured of a place in the last four of the World Cup but having won all four of their matches, Stephen Fleming's side take on Sri Lanka on Thursday knowing victory would help take them a step closer to finishing top of the Super Eights, setting up what should in theory be an easier semi-final.

Despite possessing very few world-class players, New Zealand have played aggressive and consistent cricket to arrive at this stage of the tournament in such fine shape.

Fleming's side are united and have a couple of top batsmen, in good form, together with one world-class bowler, Shane Bond, who could prove to be the star of the tournament with the ball.

There is little to choose between these two sides on paper. New Zealand have won 34 of their 66 meetings, but of the past 10, they have won five to Sri Lanka's four. Sri Lanka, too, have been in excellent form throughout the tournament and it could be another close one.

Bet365 make Sri Lanka slight favourites at 4/5 (1.80) while New Zealand are even money (2.00).

The veteran players on the Sri Lanka side have hit form at the right time, a fact illustrated by bet365's market for their top runscorer in the match, which is headed by Sanath Jayasuriya, at 10/3 (4.33).

Captain Mahela Jayawardene is next at 7/2, Kumar Sangakkara and Upul Tharanga are both 4/1 and Chamara Silva is 13/2. Former skipper Marvan Atapattu is 7/1 and Tillekeratne Dilshan is 8/1.

For New Zealand, skipper Stephen Fleming is 3/1 favourite, with Scott Styris, Peter Fulton and Ross Taylor all 4/1. Hamish Marshall is 11/2, and the big-hitting pair of Craig McMillan and Jacob Oram are 13/2 and 15/2 respectively.

Sri Lanka's method, when batting at least, is to go hell for leather at the top of the order, and they are 8/13 (1.61) to outscore New Zealand over the first 10 overs.

With Lasith Malinga likely to tear holes in the Black Caps' top order, that looks a solid price.