Perennial dark horses New Zealand are characteristically lying low, hoping to give another impactful performance at the World Cup and the "underdog" tag augers well for them, said former all-rounder James Franklin. 

Last edition's finalists, New Zealand have reached the semi-final of the World Cup seven times. A team known to always punch above its weight, the Black Caps have tried every trick in the book to lay hands on their maiden title.

"New Zealand is in a sweet spot. No-one's talking about us too much. We're forever the underdogs and that suits us quite well," Franklin, who has made 15 World Cup appearances for New Zealand, said at the official tournament opening here on Wednesday.

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Since the last ODI World Cup, New Zealand has climbed as high as second in the ICC ODI rankings. "We haven't been leading the world, I think England has been in front in recent years, but we've still been playing very consistent cricket," Franklin said.

Talking about the skipper, Franklin said Kane Williamson's captaincy mirrors his batting - efficient and world class. "I think Kane has a quietness about him, but he's assertive and he knows what he wants.

"In terms of his leadership, his batting is probably a reflection of it. It's methodical but sneakily efficient and world-class. I think his captaincy is exactly the same. I don't think he's a Brendon McCullum-style leader when you see everything and it's attacking," he said.

New Zealand has landed in the United Kingdom on the back of a 3-0 series win against Bangladesh at home. They humbled tournament favourites India in their opening warm-up game before facing a massive 91-run defeat to the West Indies.