Adrian Seconi identifies the three key pool games for the Black Caps.-
v Sri Lanka
Hagley Oval, tomorrow
Forget New Zealand's recent 4-2 series win - Sri Lanka will be a much tougher unit with paceman Lasith Malinga back in the mix and all-rounder Angelo Mathews returning from a calf injury.
Sri Lanka knocked the Black Caps out of the last World Cup with a five-wicket win in the semifinal.
Its top five is all class, but the bowling has not been of the same standard.
The Slinger adds some venom.
v England
Westpac Stadium, February 20
The Poms have not been in the best form of late but they have got a very decent pace attack in James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Steven Finn.
Joe Root and Ian Bell shape as key wickets and gloveman Jos Butler is a heavy-hitter.
England should not be underestimated.
v Australia
Eden Park, February 28
This is the Black Caps' biggest challenge in pool play, by far.
They have home advantage, and a win against the old foe would work wonders for the nation's collective psyche.
New Zealand's 37-run win over Australia in the opening game of the 1992 World Cup set the tone for a wonderful tournament and the Black Caps will be hoping for similar success 23 years later - just with one extra match tacked on the end.
