India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are gearing up for the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Competition is really hotting up in the ICC Cricket World Cup as the tournament enters the semi-finals.

New Zealand, one of two unbeaten sides still in the World Cup, take on South Africa in Auckland in the first semi-final on Tuesday (March 24th). Both sides will be looking to claim their first-ever World Cup crown with the Kiwis having the extra incentive of winning it front of their home crowd.

In Sydney, Australia and India will be battling in the second semi-final on Thursday. Both sides have a huge pedigree in this competition with the Aussies looking for their fifth title while India are aiming to become only the third side to successfully defend their crown. India are also unbeaten so far in this year's competition.

Australia remain the favourites to lift the trophy at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29th but there is a whole lot of cricket to be played before the final. Here is our preview to the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-finals.

Quarter finals round-up

The quarter finals kicked off with South Africa's brushing aside of Sri Lanka. In Sydney, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 133 in just 37.2 overs with Imran Tahir claiming four wickets as South Africa tore through the batting order. They made light work of the chase with Quinton de Kock hitting an unbeaten 78 as they won the match by nine wickets after just 18 overs.

It was the turn of India next in Melbourne as they overwhelmed Bangladesh. Thanks to a 137 made by batsman Rohit Sharma, India were able to post a formidable total of 302 for six. Bangladesh battled but were unable to match the prowess of Sharma with the highest score being a 35 from Nasir Hossain. They were bowled out by 193 in 45 overs.

The tie of the round was at the Adelaide Oval where Pakistan faced hosts Australia. Pakistan had somewhat disappointed in the tournament so far, already losing twice. They disappointed at the crease once again and were all out for 213. It took Australia just 33.5 overs to reach the total giving them a six-wicket victory.

New Zealand's fairytale World Cup continued in Wellington as the West Indies became the latest victim to the hosts. Martin Guptill produced a batting masterclass as he set the highest score in World Cup history with 237 not out, hitting 24 fours and 11 sixes along the way. Guptill's heroics gave the Kiwis a total of 393 which the Windies simply couldn't match and were all out for 250.

New Zealand vs South Africa

Tuesday's first semi-final pits two of the most aggressive sides in cricket against each other. In what will no doubt be played in front of a packed and boisterous crowd in Auckland, both New Zealand and South Africa will be aiming to make their first-ever World Cup final.

For South Africa, their victory against Sri Lanka represented their first-ever knockout phase win in the World Cup but should they lose to New Zealand they will still be considered failures. As for the Kiwis, a win and a place in the World Cup final will continue this amazing story in front of their home support.

All eyes will be on the tournament's top performers, New Zealand's captain Brendon McCullum and South African batsman AB de Villiers. Both have been in exceptional form and repeat performances could provide a superb showpiece game.

Australia vs India

The second semi-final features two sides that have been there and done it all before at the World Cup stage. Australia have lifted the trophy four times since its inception while India have two titles under their belt and are aiming to retain the trophy. India, like New Zealand, remain unbeaten in the competition while Australia have only been beaten by their near neighbours.

In a repeat of the 2003 final in Johannesburg, both sides will be playing for a chance to walk out in front of 100,000 people in Melbourne at the end of March. Australia won that day by 125 runs, but India will want to keep up their positive record against the Aussies.

India knocked Australia out of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup at the quarter final stage en route to winning the trophy, a repeat will be a huge coup for a side that was not fancied prior to the start of the tournament.