Each team is scheduled to play 9 matches in group matches so it's a long tournament.
New Zealand started well but they can't be complacent from here, it applies to everyone because 3-4 losses in the group can dent their chances as i believe knockout entries will come down heavily on NRR.
Yes.. the last 1-2 entries for the semi-final stage will be decided solely on the basis of NRR. That said, I am still disturbed by the fact that we are yet to get a close match in this world cup so far. Look at the results till now:
1. New Zealand vs England - NZ by 9 wickets (13.4 overs)
2. PAK vs NED - PAK by 81 runs
3. BAN vs AFG - BAN by 6 wickets (15.2 overs)
4. RSA vs SL - RSA by 102 runs
5. IND vs AUS - IND by 6 wickets (8.4 overs)
6. NZ vs NED - NZ by 99 runs
7. ENG vs BAN - ENG by 137 runs
8. SL vs PAK - PAK by 6 wickets (1.4 overs)
9. IND vs AFG - IND by 8 wickets (15 overs)
10. RSA vs AUS - RSA by 134 runs
11. NZ vs BAN - NZ by 8 wickets (7.1 overs)
Out of these 11 matches, only the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan can be considered as even remotely close.