Cricket World Cup: Black Caps v Australia - three predictions

New Zealand batsman Corey Anderson in action, during the first Pool A match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Three NZME. cricket experts predict the outcome of today's Cricket World Cup match between the Black Caps and Australia.

Dylan Cleaver
Australia to win by 8 wickets

The problem when you have followed and cared about New Zealand cricket for so long, is that you develop an in-built pessimism that overrides logic. This team over the past year or so has done nothing to warrant such cynicism, but I can't change my spots. I'm waiting for a "correction" and, deep down, I don't think a thumping loss would be the worst thing that could happen to Brendon McCullum's troops.

They have dined out on Sri Lankan and Pakistani attacks recently and were chasing such a pathetic England total, it wouldn't have mattered who was bowling. This will be a massive lift in intensity and hostility.

So here's what happens: New Zealand bat first and McCullum and Kane Williamson go early. They scratch around to 190-odd and a Shane Watson-inspired Australia run it down without breaking a sweat. More than 40,000 people leave Eden Park unhappy but, fear not my fellow pessimists, it will be the last time New Zealand lose a game for quite a while.

David Leggat
New Zealand to win by ... not much

The roll to continue, but not without a serious scrap. There's no denying New Zealand are playing well. They have all facets of their game working efficiently.

So too Australia. A fortnight since their last game? No worries.

Watto out of sorts with the bat? Fear not, says the skipper. Watch out for a ton today.
A mutual tummy scratching session took place yesterday, both captains heaping praise on the other's outfit and leadership skills.

What we will find out is whether New Zealand really are as good as their run suggests or if they've got some work to do when dicing with the heavy mob. Once they've squared off against batting and bowling lineups somewhat more efficient and predatory than Sri Lanka and Pakistan were in the leadup we will have a greater insight into where New Zealand stand. So today, close, and a small cigar.

Andrew Alderson
New Zealand to win by four runs

Eden Park's 40,000 inhabitants are set for a compelling spectacle, something akin to last year's tie between New Zealand and India when both teams finished with 314.

The wicket (before yesterday afternoon's rain) looked of a tarmac disposition so 300-plus batting first is preferable. This is not a be-all and end-all match for either side but a win would lift New Zealand to a new confidence plateau regarding their status at the tournament. An Australian loss would be little more than a blip and any sort of re-match would be welcome from the semi-finals onwards.

Brendon McCullum wins the toss, opts to bat, and New Zealand set a total of 299. There is no definitive contributor but Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor make half-centuries. Australia start strong through Aaron Finch and David Warner, forcing McCullum to ring the changes before Daniel Vettori contains them and Trent Boult and Tim Southee return for strong second spells with Southee excelling at the death.

Australia fall four runs short at eight down trying for six off the last ball. Grant Elliott takes the catch at the longest boundary, deep mid-wicket.