Lara and Roberts backing Windies

The West Indies received heavyweight support on Thursday ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal against New Zealand with former greats Brian Lara and Andy Roberts both tipping an upset.

Home side New Zealand, unbeaten through pool play, is heavily favored to win Saturday's knockout match in Wellington and go on to play South Africa in the semifinals.

But Lara said he was "patriotic and optimistic" the West Indies "have the armory and the personnel" to win.