LONDON, Sept 11: Stephen Fleming insists his New Zealand side can put world champions Australia on the rack when the two sides clash in the ICC Champions Trophy.

The Black Caps skipper will lead his team out against the favourites in the Pool 'A' decider at The Oval here on Thursday when he reckons New Zealand can upset the odds.

Fleming's side handed out a humiliating lesson to the United States when they crushed their minnow opponents by 210 runs, smashing a tournament record 347 for five on Friday.

Australia face the rookies at Southampton's Rose Bowl on Monday before the pool's heavyweights battle for a semi-final spot.

"We're looking forward to it, we've been thinking about this one for quite some time," Fleming said.

"It's about being smart. One thing we do know, you've got to compete 100 overs. We've had them on the rack before but they've squirmed away. We know it's going to be a hundred-over affair if we're going to win it."

Despite pounding the USA, New Zealand looked a touch ruffled when the skipper and Hamish Marshall lost their wickets early and Fleming admitted he must fine-tune before facing the Aussies.

"We're not totally happy with our performance, our batting performance was fumbled. That's one area against Australia where you've got to be top drawer and turn half-chances into chances to win the match.

"We expect them to be at top form, anything less is a bonus.

"Their strength is their all-round qualities. Andrew Symonds is playing extremely well at the moment, but any one of their players can win the game hands down on their own."

But Fleming has a plan of attack to conquer the team considered by many as one of the greatest of all time in what promises to be the tie of the round.

"What your preparation does is give you an awareness of where to strike and what to strike at," Fleming revealed.

"What we will be looking to do is get the game into a scenario that fits our side. And then just try to take them in areas where they aren't as comfortable as when they're playing well."

New Zealand won the tournament in 2000 and Fleming is aware Australia, the reigning world champions, are desperate to lift a first Champions Trophy.

But the Black Caps skipper is relishing the chance to get one over the world champions.

"I love it but they're always up for it as well. Shane Warne always talks about New Zealand lifting their game when they play Australia and we do, because we're measured at home by our success against Australia.

"If you win, it's such a great prize."-AFP