New Zealand can be World Cup winners, says McCullum

Former captain Brendon McCullum says New Zealand have the firepower to win the World Cup for the first time in their history.

The Black Caps won a nail-biter against the West Indies here on Saturday to stay unbeaten at the 50-over tournament in England and Wales.

New Zealand, often labelled as underdogs, reached their first World Cup final in 2015 under McCullum after six semi-final appearances, only to lose to Australia in Melbourne.

Kane Williamson's side are almost certain of a place in the 2019 semi-finals already, sitting top of the 10-team table with five wins and a no result from six matches.

"Some people say underdogs but probably they don't see New Zealand play that often. Broadcast-wise they are not seen as often as some of the other teams and hence they are out of sight out of mind thing," McCullum told AFP.

"The World Cup historically for New Zealand has always been very, very good. I think we are second in most wins behind Australia in World Cup matches."
"He is among the most consistent players around we talk about. (Joe) Root and (Virat) Kohli and Steve Smith, all of them are quite similar. They are very much batsmen rather than power-hitters."