Cricket World Cup: Opposing captains like look of NZ style

Michael Clarke (right): "I'm really happy for New Zealand, and Brendon. It was an unbelievable game to watch." Photo / Brett Phibbs

India appeals as final opponent for Black Caps to add to their World Cup scalps.

Ahead of their World Cup semifinal today, India and Australia took time to praise New Zealand's performance in claiming the first place in Sunday's final.

Indian opener Rohit Sharma, coming off his match-deciding century in the quarter-final win over Bangladesh last week, reckoned New Zealand are playing top class cricket.

"You have to give a lot of credit to New Zealand. It has been good to watch," he said.

"They have been doing what they are doing consistently, whether batting or bowling. I think they deserve to be in the final and, hopefully, we'll play them."

Australian skipper Michael Clarke handed out lavish praise to Brendon McCullum and his team after their nerve-shredding win over South Africa on Tuesday night.

"I'm really happy for New Zealand, and Brendon. It was an unbelievable game to watch. I think it was great for cricket, and they have played really good cricket throughout this tournament."

So who would New Zealand rather face in the final at Melbourne on Sunday? They would no doubt say it doesn't matter, they're both top class teams, and so on.

But India would have a certain appeal as it would be another scalp for New Zealand, who have beaten all the major teams in the cup, bar Pakistan and India.

You also have a hunch Australia, at the cavernous MCG, would be a stiffer challenge.

Australia should start favourites today, even though India are, with New Zealand, the only unbeaten teams in the tournament.

They had the wood on the Indians in their series before the cup began, India failing to win a match.

But India have roused themselves. Their batsmen are roaring and their bowling, led by seamers Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav, have been aggressive.

Australia are world No 1, have a potent new ball operator in left armer Mitchell Starc, who is challenging Trent Boult as leading wicket taker in the cup.

They bat deep, with a mix of accumulators like Steven Smith, Clarke and Shane Watson and rapid plunderers, such as David Warner and Glenn Maxwell.

These teams have a history of animus on the field. Expect, if not verbal fireworks, then certainly piles of aggression.

Clarke moved to allay concerns the SCG pitch may lean towards spin, and therefore may suit the Indians.

"I think it's normally even for both batting and bowling. I think the SCG in general is a really good wicket. So I think the fast bowlers will hopefully get a little swing and a little bounce, then as always I think spin will play a part, but it's generally as good a place to bat as anywhere in the world."

Clarke's philosophy is simple: "We have to score one more run than India."

He did, however, admit there will be more Indian fans that Australians in the ground.

In 14 ODIs against Australia in Sydney, India have won just one; in 11 tests, again, a solitary win.