Before the 5th and final ODI between the Black Caps and Pakistan, the decider, I was curious to see how this Black Caps side would respond in must win situation. To be honest, they ticked all the boxes which has me smiling ear to ear and we saw key lads step up while a few other lads definitely put themselves in to the World Cup mixer.

The hopes of the Black Caps in the World Cup solely depends on Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, as well as Brendon McCullum but he's not quite as important as Prince Kane and King Rossco. These two got 97 and 88 respectively and played their roles perfectly, having Williamson come in at 3 gives the Black Caps the opportunity to get their innings back on track if an early wicket falls but equally, Williamson can come in and keep the momentum flowing. He does so by using the same skill - knocking it around, getting off strike. That serves Williamson well no matter the situation and ensures that the Black Caps are always moving, never stagnant.

King Rossco goes pretty well himself, but he's the owner of a bit more power and he can ramp up the run scoring with seemingly little effort. It a deciding ODI, both these two stood up and ensured that the Black Caps would set a difficult total ... it's been a while since we've seen Black Caps stand up when it matters.

There are still many questions though. Dean Brownlie has got runs, but hasn't converted his three 30+ scores in to anything substantial. Martin Guptill was equally as mediocre despite getting a 58 in the series. In no way shape or form have we settled on an opening partnership, so expect to see different combo's in use against Sri Lanka. B-Mac/Guppy, Latham/B-Mac, Guppy/Latham, Latham/Neesham, Guppy/Neesham, there's many options but I don't see any of them involving Brownlie. I'm not sure why but I just have a gut feeling that he's not a concrete option at the top, nor is Anton Devcich.

Things are just as complicated in the bowling department. Matt Henry has simply been superb and bagged a 5for when it mattered the most. His pace has been impressive, strolling in and biffing it down around 143km/h but the areas, swing, seam and that heavy ball he balls give him the complete package. In four ODI's Henry took 4/45, 3/69, 1/68 and 5/30 ... that's a fair effort and he's now ahead of Mitch McClenaghan and Adam Milne in my books.

It's not that they bowled bad, but Henry was better. He's also the prototype Kiwi bowler who can extract anything from mother nature, perfect for the World Cup.

Here's who, from the Pakistan series will feature in the World Cup. 

• Prince Kane (royalty, locked in, hands down, straight up and down no playing around no bullshit, he's there)
• King Rossco (royatly, same same)
• Luke Ronchi - Absolute beast finishing off the innings, could be a key man.
• Tom Latham - He only averaged 28 for the ODI series but he is versatile, slot in where ever he is needed.
• Matt Henry - Not sure how you can leave him out? Maybe a terrible time in NZ will take care of that.
• Dan Vettori - If healthy, gotta have him.
• Corey Anderson - Bowled pretty well, which is the key. Runs will come inconsistently, but if his bowling's consistent, then I don't care.
• Jimmy Neesham - Neesham needs a huge summer in NZ, but right now I want the options that he provides.

Maybe Baby

• Nathan McCullum - Danny V is back in the mix, as is the Prince.
• Adam Milne - Needs to overtake a few lads with some breath taking performances.
• Mitchell McClenaghan - Was a lock, but Henry's bowling better now.
• Martin Guptill - Gotta perform matey.
• Dean Brownlie - Gotta perform matey
• Anton Devcich - Done a good job, but there's better lads ahead of him.