Napier is New Zealand's most prolific cricket-watching city during the Cricket World Cup, according to figures compiled by Statistics New Zealand.

Colour, culture and cricket wound into one at the India versus Ireland Cricket World Cup match in Hamilton yesterday.

Ireland have provided a resilient presence despite being an ICC "associate member". They are on the cusp of pressing beyond that frontier.

The Alternative Commentary Collective have been given back their voices - though from a distance.

On several occasions it has seemed as if it's not a fair fight when, armed with only a small white sphere, the unfortunate bowler ran in to confront his executioner, writes Tony Blain.

Not so long ago, the talk was of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in terms of who would be making a big push for the World Cup.

The rule of thumb in Napier is bat first every time on the best batting strip in the country. But Afghanistan's stronger suit is their bowling by some distance, writes David Leggat.

Australian paceman Pat Cummins will miss today's crucial match with Sri Lanka because of the side injury he picked up in last weekend's defeat to New Zealand.

One-day internationals have donned their best suit, had a haircut and brushed off their CV in a bid for future employment as a credible cricketing format, writes Andrew Alderson.

New Zealand's strong performances in the World Cup are reflected in the latest ODI rankings.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson faces a selection conundrum leading into what should be New Zealand's least challenging assignment of Cricket World Cup pool play - Afghanistan.

Brendon McCullum's late-career surge has been so extraordinary that he now stands alongside Sir Richard Hadlee for his impact on cricket in this country, writes Chris Rattue.

The quality of swing bowling has been the outstanding feature of this World Cup. And the best examples of that so far came at Eden Park on Saturday, writes Mark Greatbach.

The Black Caps' pulsating form in the Cricket World Cup is sparking a surge of ticket sales, and some seats are still available for New Zealand's next outing.

A day or two to reflect on their part in one of the most stunning of all conclusions to a World Cup match, then back to business for New Zealand.

Saturday's heart-stopping Black Caps v Australia battle wasn't just the focus of tens of thousands at Eden Park and millions watching on TV.

The Eden Park thriller on Saturday saw two world-class southpaw seamers producing high art with the ball.

Brendon McCullum is expected to be fit to lead NZ against Afghanistan next weekend, after a scare during his hectic half century.

If it's not rugby and the All Blacks aren't winning by 17 points with 11 minutes to go, you'll be hard-pressed to hear a New Zealand crowd using their epithelium vocal folds to support their team.

The game’s most violent batsman is feeling his age but he has defied the odds - and critics - again.

Eden Park's crowd has received an open invitation to get rough with the verbals at Australia's players in Saturday's World Cup showdown.

Whichever pairing comes out on top on Saturday at Eden Park will have gone a long way towards setting their side up for victory.

Look for the World Cup to hit top gear at Eden Park this weekend; one co-host is playing superbly well, and the other is a formidable outfit, writes

Having started the tournament as one of three favourites to lift the title, alongside Australia and South Africa, New Zealand are tracking well.