The ICC Champions Trophy, despite still being at the pool stage, reaches its knockout phase when world champions Australia meet New Zealand at the Oval on Thursday.

With only the winners of each of the four pools advancing to the semi-finals, the matches between the top-eight ranked cricket nations over the next four days are now sudden death.

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New Zealand opened the Pool A campaign with a 210-run victory over the United States, Nathan Astle anchoring their 347-run innings with a career-best 145 not out.

Australia then bowled the Americans out for 65 in their match, and in order to better New Zealand's run rate, smashed their way to victory in the eighth over.

However, their respective victories can not really be treated as an indicator of who is playing the better cricket. New Zealand lost the toss and were forced to bat first, while Australia won the toss and inserted the U.S.

A better indication is form this year.

New Zealand, under captain Stephen Fleming, have lost just two of 16 completed matches in 2004, something Australia captain Ricky Ponting was quick to point out on Wednesday.

"New Zealand are a good side," Ponting said. "We understand and respect that fact.

"You know, they've won a few one day games lately and, as they say themselves, they lift their game when they play us."

Australia are, of course, Australia. The world champions have a similar winning record in 2004, with 17 victories in 20 completed matches.

Ponting's side have also won their last six matches against New Zealand, which Fleming acknowledged.

"They've played well against us, they've played well against most sides," said Fleming. "It's not just us they've got a good run against, so we're under no illusions.

"It's going to take 100 overs of pretty good cricket and one or two people are going to have to have a very good day because Australia are a very talented side."