What the pundits say of New Zealand's chances

Everyone's got an opinion, and that's hardly surprising, because that's what half the fun of World Cups is all about.

Assessing just who are the likely winners in whatever sport is taking part, and then following those sides through the contest makes for all the more enjoyment from the event.

So what show New Zealand?

CricInfo New Zealand editor Lynn McConnell went for a short trip around the world to assess what some of the pundits were saying about New Zealand's chances.

Here's what they reckon:

Former England captain Mike Gatting, in The Observer, believed that Australia and South Africa were the best choice as finalists while "if the form is to be upset" he rated Pakistan as the team best capable of doing it.

And then he added: "Don't write off New Zealand either if Chris Cairns and Shane Bond can make a significant contribution."

Former Australian batsman and frequent nemesis of New Zealand in One-Day Internationals Mark Waugh said in the Sun-Herald (Sydney): "A lot of people rate them [New Zealand] as a big chance. They are a good, solid team and performed well last time they were in Australia. They've got a good attitude, are well-disciplined and always in there fighting. You would be silly to write them off, but I believe they lack a real world-class batsman and the likely unavailability of Chris Cairns as a bowler - although he'll still be able to bat - could hurt them. Their recent form has been fairly inconsistent and I don't think they have the class to go all the way."

And the former Sri Lankan batsman, Asanka Gurusinha told The Age, Melbourne that he regarded Australia as favourite ahead of South Africa and New Zealand.

Mike Selvey, in The Guardian: "Perhaps one world-class batsman away from being a possible winner. But they plan meticulously, have the best captain in the business in [Stephen] Fleming, and a disciplined bowling attack. They field wonderfully, with Chris Harris as good as it gets at backward point. Chris Cairns's fitness could hold the key to their progress."

Angus Fraser, in The Independent: "After refusing to play their match in Nairobi, the 'Black Caps' will find it difficult to qualify for the super sixes. Captained by the impressive Stephen Fleming, the Kiwis will be well organised and have detailed plans for each team they play against. However, such preparation cannot make up for a lack of class. New Zealand will be competitive, but against the top sides something extra is needed.

"Fraser's forecast: Out in first round unless lawyers can get the points back!"

Ian Chappell, The Telegraph [London]: "Even with one of their top bowlers operating at less than full fitness I expect Australia to make the semi-finals along with South Africa and New Zealand. An unpredictable but dangerous India (with their best players available) could be the fourth team through, although I would put Pakistan and to a lesser degree the West Indies in the same category."

Jonathan Agnew of the BBC commented: "They are competitive and tenacious and when they start winning they tend to get on a roll.

Injuries permitting they are more than capable of doing that in South Africa and I fancy them for an outside bet."