Dubai: Six-time semi-finalists New Zealand may finally be ready to break their last-four jinx at the 2015 ICC World Cup — but the Black Caps will have to cope with the unusual situation of being widely favoured to excel.

In previous editions, the Black Caps have overachieved in reaching the semi-finals — such as last time out in 2011, when they shocked South Africa in the quarter-finals before being edged out by Sri Lanka.

But this year, as co-hosts and with a team bursting with potential, suddenly New Zealand are being tipped to at least match their regular semi-final place. And that brings with it a pressure they are not used to feeling.

Brendon McCullum’s side are third favourites to win the tournament and it’s easy to see why.

New Zealand boast one of the strongest batting line-ups in the world, with the classy Kane Williamson — a potential star of the competition who averages 45 from 63 One Day Internationals (ODIs) despite being only 24 years of age — perfectly complemented by the hugely talented Ross Taylor and the explosive hitting of the likes of McCullum and Corey Anderson.

Opener Martin Guptill has struggled lately, but he has the experience to play through his bad patch and make some important contributions during the tournament.

The bowling attack has depth and a lot of talent, but is perhaps missing a spearhead who will strike fear into the opposition, especially on the seam-friendly wickets Down Under. Still, whoever is picked out of Trent Boult, Mitchell McClenaghan, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne and Tim Southee will fancy picking up plenty of wickets and putting the opposition under pressure.

Left-armer McClenaghan, 28, has been particularly impressive recently and his ODI record of 66 wickets in 33 matches at just 24 apiece shows that he is capable of becoming a fixture in this New Zealand team for years to come.

All-rounders Daniel Vettori — back in the team after almost 18 months of injury problems — and Grant Elliott, who was recalled after more than a year out of favour, bring some useful experience and stability to the lower-middle order and are more than capable of bowling their allocation without costing many runs.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said it was tough to pick the final squad but said he was happy with the players they settled on.

“There were some hard decisions to make, but we’re pleased with the overall 15 we’ve chosen,” he said. “A lot of bowlers have performed brilliantly for us over the past couple of seasons, which certainly made it difficult, but we think we have the right mix.

“Our batting unit has good depth and Grant’s [Elliott] inclusion assures us strong cover in the middle order. He brings a lot of experience and his record in New Zealand and Australia conditions is excellent.”

New Zealand should go into the tournament full of confidence and optimism thanks to their fine recent form. And, with the way they tend to play the game generally endearing them to neutrals, the Black Caps will most likely be everyone’s second favourite team at the 2015 World Cup.