The Blackcaps will receive a boost for their World Cup blockbuster against hosts India with the possible return of veteran bowler Tim Southee.
Southee has been cleared to play in Sunday night's match (NZ time), after missing the opening three games of the tournament due to a broken thumb.
The Northlander's availability means either Matt Henry or Lockie Ferguson could drop out of the matchday XI for what promise to be favourable swinging conditions at Dharamshala.
Meanwhile, fellow quick Trent Boult is relishing facing the World Cup hosts, as the tournament's only remaining unbeaten teams go head-to-head.
Both teams have won their opening four games, with the Blackcaps leading the standings on net run rate, and Boult knows the Rohit Sharma-led side will present a serious threat to New Zealand's perfect record.
"They're a powerful team, they cover all bases," he said. "They've been playing some good cricket, but it's been a team that we've enjoyed playing.
"Nothing changes from our point of view really. It's about going out there and being positive, and doing the things that work well.
"These guys are very familiar with the conditions, but they feel pressure just as much as any other batsman or any other bowler.
"Not to get too far ahead of ourselves, and stay in that moment and play the game as it unfolds is probably a key message.
"Both undefeated, I'm sure it will be a cracker."
New Zealand have already picked up wins over England, the Netherlands, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, but facing India on home soil presents a demanding test for Boult and his teammates.
The Indians go into the clash after beating Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and will be backed by a raucous crowd at the HPCA Stadium.
"India in India, it doesn't get much bigger than that," said Boult. "Our games so far have been relatively quiet crowds, some people attending, but we understand the intensity's going to go up a little bit here, and there might be a firework or two.
"Hopefully they're for us. We're looking forward to going out there, showcasing what we can do and just picking up where we've left off."
The Blackcaps have had India's number at the World Cup, beating the Asian side five times, with their last victory coming in the 2019 semi-finals.
Captain Tom Latham says India are a "fantastic team" and predicts an exciting clash.
"They've been playing some great cricket for a long period of time," he said. "We've had some great contests in ICC events, but also in bilateral series, whether that be home or away.
"We've played each other quite a lot over recent years, which has been really cool.
"It's just about trying to play our gameplan as best we can and try to execute it as well as we can, and if we do that, then we know we can beat any team in the world on our day."
The Blackcaps are also taking inspiration from the All Blacks who have advanced to the final of the Rugby World Cup.
"I definitely stayed up for the All Blacks and watched them," he said. "It was a great contest.
"Kiwis support each other wherever that may be around the world. We're certainly no different in supporting the All Blacks.
"We've had so much support back home for us here and this World Cup as well. Great to see that they're there for another week and good luck to them."
Join Newshub at 9:30pm Sunday for live updates of the Blackcaps v India World Cup match
Reuters
