The Blackcaps may be relatively fresh off a convincing ODI series win over their next World Cup opponents Bangladesh, but batsman Ross Taylor insists this version of the side is an altogether different proposition.
In February, New Zealand swept the Bangladeshis in both the 50-over and test formats in demoralising fashion, barely tested by the tourists.
But that team was without talisman Shakib Al Hasan, whose man-of-the-match performance in a statement win over South Africa in their tournament opener proved just how valuable he was to their cause.
That win has been widely labelled an upset, but before their clash at The Oval on Wednesday night (NZT), Taylor isn’t buying it.
"A lot has been made of it being a big upset," says Taylor. "But I probably wouldn’t call it that.
"I think Bangladesh, in their own right, are very good and must be one of the dark horses for this tournament."
The New Zealanders only need to look back as far as the Champions Trophy in 2017 for a stark reminder of his impact, when Shakib's masterful century led his team to a comfortable five-wicket victory at Cardiff.
"We know how they can play and Shakib does add a lot more to the balance of their side as well."
Taylor pointed to the host nation's loss to Pakistan - a team they beat 4-0 in a recent home series - as further proof that previous results mean nothing, when it comes to tournament time.
"It just shows you it doesn’t mean anything, and you have to be on your game and playing near your best to beat any side.
"If you're only playing 70 or 80 percent, any team can tip you up and I don’t think any team in this competition is good enough to win in that situation."
Nevertheless, Taylor says the Blackcaps are in a "good space" right now, brimming with confidence, after a near-flawless start to their campaign, with their 10-wicket demolition of Sri Lanka on Saturday (NZT).
Not required to bat that day, the 35-year-old admits his tournament starts in earnest on Wednesday, when he hopes to celebrate his 400th ODI match in style at a ground familiar to him from his time with county side Middlesex.
"If you play long enough, these milestones come along, but I didn't really do much in the last game, so hopefully I get a chance to contribute in this next match."
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