5 World Cup Matches to look forward to in the week of 23 Feb-1 March

We are just over a week into the Cricket World Cup, and things are heating up. The coming week sees a number of tight contests which could be crucial in determining which teams advance out of the group stages. Things could go either way with a couple of lucky bounces, and some of these are too close to call. As the group stages progress, we can get a better idea of which of these teams have the best shot at taking the trophy home. Here is a look at 5 matches to look forward to in the coming week.

#1 Australia vs New Zealand - 28th February

Australia vs New Zealand: Pool A, 28 February – 6:30 AM IST

Of the ten World Cups thus far, New Zealand has advanced to the semi finals six times. They have a history of prolific performances. But Australia has been the most prolific team in the Cricket World Cup over the years, having won the trophy 4 times (1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007). They will be looking to add another to their mantle in 2015.

New Zealand stands as the only team to have played and won all 3 games in the group stages in the 2015 World Cup. They have defeated Sri Lanka by 98 runs, Scotland by 3 wickets with 151 balls remaining, and England by 8 wickets with 226 balls remaining. They are riding on a wave of confidence and will be looking to blow past Australia but it will be no easy task.

Australia have won against England by 111 runs and had their match vs Bangladesh abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain. As of 21st February, Australia is leading Group A with New Zealand being 2nd.

Brendon McCullum, New Zealand captain said, “On paper, I think it's without doubt the strongest team I've certainly been involved with going into a World Cup. But World Cups aren't won on paper. It will be interesting to see how we go, but we've got a very level bunch of people within the group. We've got a lot of guys who are very humble and level on their emotions and that helps you to be able to deal with some of the pressures which come on.”

It will be interesting to see which team comes out on top in this contest featuring two of the best teams in the World Cup.