Gabba rain may aid NZ

A looming tropical cyclone could rob Australia of Cricket World Cup victory on Saturday, handing the New Zealand the advantage in Pool A.

A rained-out Gabba affair would work in favour of the Black Caps who currently sit on top of their pool.

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The co-hosts play England in Wellington on Friday and a third win would give New Zealand a strong lead in the group ahead of next Saturday's clash with Australia.

That advantage would be lost with a defeat to Australia at Eden Park but would still mean Australia would have to avoid a defeat to Sri Lanka to finish ahead of New Zealand.

On the other side of the ledger, if Australia's next match is rained off and New Zealand beat England, then a victory at Eden Park would all but secure top spot for the Black Caps.