Former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming Friday tipped joint hosts Australia and New Zealand to reach the final of the forthcoming 2015 World Cup, also identifying South Africa and the West Indies as the dark horses of the tournament.

It will be the first time the mega event will be held in the two countries since 1992 when Pakistan emerged champions. The tournament starts Feb 14 and the final is slated for March 29.

“New Zealand and Australia to make the final. South Africa will be close and West Indies are the dark-horse,” he was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) official website.

Fleming said New Zealand will be a tough team to beat since they have several players who are potential match-winners.

“All the usual suspects, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and then the bowling group with Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori and possibly Trent Boult. The beauty of it is that I could name another three or four players to watch out for – and that’s why I’m optimistic about the Cup,” the former left-handed batsman said.

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