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New Zealand's push for World Cup history has caught the eye of former legend of the game, the Master Blaster himself, Sir Vivian Richards.
Just a day after Australian icon Ian Chappell tipped the Black Caps to provide the biggest challenge to Ricky Ponting's champions, Richards has added his name to those who believe they could go all the way.
"I like New Zealand's approach," he said yesterday. "They're quietly bubbling away, making no noise, and getting stronger by the day.
"They were impressive in the Chappell-Hadlee series and they've carried on in the same vein here. You just get the feeling they're peaking at the right time, and they've got all contingencies covered."
Richards, 55, was one of the first to question Australia's status following their 3-0 loss in the Chappell-Hadlees, describing the 1999 and 2003 winners as vulnerable.
He said that New Zealand were capable of emulating the effort of the 1983 Indians, and the 1996 Sri Lankans, who both won the title against the odds.
"They're just going about their work with the minimum of fuss and bother; getting things done quietly but surely - I think they like it like that," said Richards.
"They've got a good squad, they seem confident and in good form, and I can see them sneaking up on everyone."
New Zealand and Australia are the only two unbeaten teams nearing the mid-way point of the Super Eights, and are favoured - with Sri Lanka and South Africa - to push on for one of the semifinals berths.
Richards said he was also impressed with the manner in which New Zealand had coped with injury setbacks.
"I thought the loss of Lou Vincent was a blow for New Zealand - and I still do, really," he said.
"With him they had all the ingredients: maximum flexibility and the potential to start off strongly, as well as finish with a bang.
"But they seem to be dealing with his loss, and that augurs well for them.
"I think New Zealand will be hard to beat."
