For a team that has never won a one-day international in South Africa, expectations may not be overly high as the Kiwis head into the tournament.

But under the astute captaincy of Stephen Fleming, New Zealand could well have a decent shot at reaching a fifth World Cup semi-final.

The fact that they have lost in all of their previous last-four appearances is something that the current side are desperate to make amends for, especially after a crushing defeat back in 1992.

Then, as they took control against Pakistan in front of their home Auckland fans, a spot in the final against England looked as good as theirs until a young Inzamam-ul-Haq arrived at the crease.

As the home crowd sang "We're in the final", Inzamam cut loose with one of the great World Cup innings, racking up 60 off just 37 balls to guide Pakistan into the final and eventual glory. For the Kiwis, there was only heartbreak.

That was as close as New Zealand have ever come, but there is a real chance that the 2003 squad could be destined for another good run this time around.

The team's one-day potential was highlighted by their ICC Champions Trophy success in Kenya in 2000 and highly-rated skipper Fleming is desperate to add some more silverware to the Kiwis' trophy cabinet.

Formerly of Middlesex, Fleming is rightly regarded as one of the best captains in the cricket world right now.

Boasting a one-day average of almost 31 with a record of 32 half-centuries from 189 caps, the tall left-hander leads from the front to provide a solid base to the New Zealand batting order.

And with the likes of Nathan Astle around for support, Fleming can afford to play in a more controlled manner.

Astle is best-known for his remarkable Test innings against England last year, when he cracked 222 off just 168 balls.

Incredibly, his second 100 came from just 39 deliveries, although his efforts failed to steer the Kiwis to victory.

Fellow batsmen Lou Vincent and Craig McMillan add to a strong line-up, although this duo could do with some big knocks in the early group fixtures in order to recover some confidence.

All-rounder Chris Cairns is a dangerous player when at the crease, but the overall feeling regarding the New Zealand line-up is that the batting is a little thin and lacking depth.

Cairns is still recovering from the latest in a long line of injuries, but the message coming from New Zealand is that even though his bowling will be limited, he should figure in some capacity.

Wily veteran Chris Harris joins Cairns in the all-rounder department and this could well be the fans' favourite's last chance to shine on the World stage.

However, the two bowlers New Zealand will be hoping can star in South Africa are Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori.

In his glasses, left-arm spinner Vettori is one of the most easily-recognised bowlers in the world game today, but speed merchant Bond is not such a household name.

He could well be ready to make a major breakthrough in South Africa and opposing batsmen will know they have been in a game after facing his fiery brand of bowling.

Fielding has always been seen as a strength of the New Zealand side, and the gifted Fleming again leads by example in the slips.

If they are to succeed in the latter stages of this tournament, high-class fielding will once again need to be evident, but they may need to overcome external politics just to ensure qualification from Pool B.

At the time of writing, New Zealand have refused to play their two group games in Kenya over fears for the security of their players.

A forfeit of points would leave the team struggling to reach the Super Six, but it is hoped that a resolution can be agreed.

On paper and putting the politics aside, Denis Aberhart's side look almost certain of qualification from the weakest pool, with South Africa set to provide the biggest danger ahead of Sri Lanka, West Indies, Kenya, Bangladesh and Canada.

And the Kiwis' recent international record also makes for pleasing reading, including a 5-2 one-day series win over India in their most recent outings.

This followed hot on the heels of a Test series victory in West Indies, giving the squad plenty of confidence going into this tournament.

Lingering doubts remain both over the depth and consistency of the squad, but with the masterful Fleming at the helm, New Zealand could well cause a surprise or two.