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Seldom, in its eleven incarnations so far, has an ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 field looked so close. There are favourites for the 2015 tournament title, of course, and form guides which point at likely outcomes. But as those with long memories will know – even best-laid plans have a habit of going out the window in the intensity of the CWC. And this one looks more intense than most.

Without any second round phases in the 2015 draw, the pool games take on extra significance. A top-two placing in one pool means a quarter final match-up against a bottom-two placed side in the other pool, and vice-versa. Every game is crucial; run-rates are crucial – if anything the 2015 draw is more unforgiving than usual. One slip-up can lead to major campaign complications.

In terms of history, the BLACKCAPS are one of three “Top eight” teams yet to win the Cricket World Cup, alongside England and South Africa. Australia have won it four times, India and the West Indies twice each, and Sri Lanka and Pakistan once. The reigning champions are India, who beat Sri Lanka in the 2011 final.

Let’s have a look at the top eight contenders...

Australia
Are the warm favourites, by dint of their strong ODI form over recent months and the benefit of the home advantage (apart from their showdown with the BLACKCAPS in Auckland). Have a solid bowling attack led by Mitchell Johnson, a batting line-up bristling with firepower and are one of the few sides capable of meeting New Zealand’s lofty standards in the field. Have proved their ability to perform with or without injured skipper Michael Clarke.

Match winners: So many to choose from but for starters - David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith and Mitchell Johnson.

Form: WWWWWWWLWW

Biggest pool game: v England, Melbourne.

India
A truism in cricket is that teams only get better after an Australian tour. India have been overshadowed by their hosts in recent weeks and, while not looking forward to another meeting with Australia in a hurry, will nevertheless start the tournament battle-hardened and thirsty for success. The defending champions’ batting line-up is another stacked full of talent and their attack is solid, if not sabre-rattling. However, should they find themselves on a turning pitch, watch out for Ravi Ashwin.

Match winners: It’s easier to say who’s not one, but for the sake of consistency: Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni.

Form: LLLWWWWWWW

Biggest pool game: v Pakistan, Adelaide

South Africa
Where do we start? South Africa have long been fancied to win a CWC but have always found bizarre ways to miss out. In 1992 it was an absurd rain rule (which ushered in the era of Duckworth-Lewis); in 1996 they rested their best bowler in a sudden death match – in 1999 they lost their semi-final after tying with Australia. Then in 2003 at home, Shaun Pollock misread the Duckworth-Lewis calculation by one run and his side were eliminated ahead of the semis.

Match winners: Another case of too many to mention, but here goes: AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel.

Form: WLWWWLLLWL

Biggest pool game: v India, Melbourne

Sri Lanka
Lost the seven match ODI series in New Zealand but, like India, will only be stronger for the experience. Have been in New Zealand acclimatising and familiarising themselves with conditions since the end of December. Have outstanding tournament experience in Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan. Will be boosted by the return of Lasith Malinga – regarded as the best “death” bowler in world cricket.

Match winners: Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lasith Malinga.

Form: WLLLWLWWLW

Biggest pool game: v England, Wellington

England
Another side expected to be better for the experience of playing in the tri-series in Australia. Looked solid against India and demolished the West Indies in a warm-up match in Sydney. If they can get enough runs on the board will be hard to beat, as their bowling attack is first-rate and well-suited to New Zealand conditions, in particular. Reached the final of this tournament last time it was played in these parts.

Match winners: Eion Morgan, James Taylor, James Anderson, Stuart Broad.

Form: LWLWLLLWLW

Biggest pool game: v New Zealand, Wellington

New Zealand
Won a tough five-match series in the UAE before returning home to beat Sri Lanka 4-2 and Pakistan 2-nil ahead of the tournament. Have several batsmen firing and a bowling attack well suited to the conditions. The BLACKCAPS have reached the semi-final of this tournament on six previous occasions, including in 1992 at Auckland where they were eliminated by Pakistan. Boosted by the return of Daniel Vettori.

Match winners: Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, Corey Anderson, Tim Southee.

Form: WWLWWWLWWW

Biggest pool game: v Australia, Auckland

Pakistan
Were beaten 3-2 in the UAE by the BLACKCAPS and then 2-nil more recently in New Zealand – but will still be regarded by all their rivals as a genuine threat. Any side with the run-scoring capabilities of Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and all-rounder Shahid Afridi – never mind the extreme bounce of Mohammad Irfan, will always be taken seriously. Pakistan won the world cup last time it was played here, in 1992.

Match winners: Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Ahmed Shehzad.

Form: LLLLWLWLLL

Biggest pool game: v India, Adelaide

West Indies
Struggling of late; were beaten 4-1 by their South African hosts before arriving in New Zealand, and looked off the pace during their warm-up match against England in Sydney. Have not played a lot of ODI cricket in the past five months. For all that, in Chris Gayle they have arguably the most destructive batsman in world cricket; a player who, on his day, could win a match virtually single-handedly.

Match winners: Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy.

Form: LWLLLLLWWW

Biggest pool game: v Pakistan, Christchurch