A ‘relaxed' Blackcaps outfit aren't getting ahead of themselves, with a buoyant Bangladesh all that stands between them and the chance to progress through ICC Cricket World Cup pool play unbeaten.

The two sides square off at Hamilton's Seddon Park today (2pm start) to round off their Pool A fixtures, having both booked their spots in the quarterfinals. But both sides are eager to enter the knockout stages on a high.

Trent Boult during the Blackcaps' clash with South Africa at the Bay Oval last year. Photo: File.

The Blackcaps have rightfully earned the ‘favourites' tag with wins over Australia, Sri Lanka and a woeful England, while Bangladesh have provided one of the highlights of the tournament by beating the latter by 15 runs.

Among this group of players breathing life back into New Zealand cricket is Tauranga's Trent Boult - part of a searing bowling attack in the early stages of this year's tournament.

But he says the side remains focussed and highly motivated to progress through pool play unbeaten.

'Everyone's highly motivated to finish off a pretty good first half of this World Cup,” says Trent. 'Everyone's looking forward to the opportunity that lies ahead.”

In an added twist to today's match-up, New Zealand have lost their past seven one-day internationals against Bangladesh, although all were in the subcontinent.

But the Blackcaps have won all six ODIs against today's opponents in NZ, with the latest a three-wicket victory in Christchurch in 2010.

'We've had success in our own backyard,” says the former Otumoetai College student, 'and when we've toured there we've struggled a little bit.

'They're a quality side and full of world-class players themselves, so we know they will be fairly tough.”

Boult has been in destructive form for the co-hosts, claiming two man-of-the-match awards having snared 13 wickets to share top spot with fellow seamer Tim Southee after five games, with Dan Vettori one back on 12.

And that's a stat the 25-year-old is pleased about and one he's keen to add to on Northern District's home ground.

'It's nice to have three ND boys up in the top there,” he adds. 'There is a lot of cricket to be played so hopefully there is a lot more wickets in the tank.”

'Growing up playing a lot of cricket here will help, as well as the rest of the bowling unit. It's going to be nice playing at home.”

New Zealand are guaranteed top spot in pool A even if they stumble today, while Bangladesh, who are likely to finish fourth in the group, should face India in a quarterfinal in Melbourne.

The Black Caps' quarterfinal opponents are most likely the West Indies, with Ireland also in the mix. But they need to upset Pakistan in their final pool match to confirm their spot.

Metservice forecasts cloudy periods with a chance of a shower today in Hamilton during the match.