South Africa
There
is never a debate about South Africa making it to the playoffs. The question is
where/when they will choke? Can they get past the demon and emerge winner in
this edition is the surprise left.
As
far as the combination goes, they are simply terrific. Amla, DeKock, DuPlessis,
DeVilliers, Duminy, Miller, Philander, Steyn, Morkel, Tahir makes them a wonderful side. Tahir can be touch expensive, but then the big grounds of Australia
should do its bit to help him among wickets. Surely a Jacques Kallis
in the lineup, could have delivered that final punch. But then the World is
probably gearing up for next generation of cricketers and this WC could be the
start of a new fairy tale stories.
SA is positioned in Pool B alongside India,
West Indies, Pakistan, UAE, Ireland and Zimbabwe. South Africa is expected to
top the group and most likely face England/Sri Lanka in the QF. Another day,
England or Sri Lanka is walk over for SA, but then in WC with the strong
chokers tag, it is anybody’s guess when SA takes on any team in play off stage. South
Africa would prefer to play Sri Lanka in QF for a spot in SF. I punt South
Africa to make it to SF.
New Zealand
New
Zealand has not disappointed (if you set your expectations correct) in WC
outings. 75, 79, 92, 99, 2007, 2011 they made it to the SF. 96 and 2003 they
exited in QF. Probably the 92 version is the only version they looked real
threat to win the trophy after England. However, Pakistan ended up winning the
edition was the ultimate climax.
This Kiwi squad is looking good on paper for a
spot in SF. McCullum and Williamson has hit a purple patch. Taylor at 4 and
finishers like Anderson and Ronchi should make a decent combination. It would
have been good if New Zealand retained Jimmy Neesham in the squad. Southee,
Boult, Mclenghan, Milne are looking fantastic pace quartet. I’m sure 3 will
certainly feature in the XI at any time.
New
Zealand is positioned alongside Australia, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh,
Afghanistan and Scotland in Pool A. New Zealand is expected to finish second in
the Pool. So they will most likely take on Pakistan/West Indies in the QF. WI without
Pollard and Bravo is certainly a weak unit. If it is Pakistan, New Zealand would like to settle scores for the 92 debacle. All in all New Zealand should roll
into SF comfortably.
West Indies
With
Bravo and Pollard out of the World Cup, I certainly have no hopes in this side.
The board should have realized the importance of participating in a global
event. What fun if you don’t send your best side to an event of this magnitude?
West
Indies should make it to QF. Gayle storm and some good outings from Samuels is
all I’m looking forward to.
Pakistan
They
have been a dark horse in any cricket tournament. It is difficult to predict
who performs when and at what time. From nowhere, Pakistan keeps producing
match winners. Again there is no doubt they will make it to QF stage. Beyond
QF, I doubt this team making any inroads.
Ahmad
Shezad, Nasir Jamshed, Umar Akmal, Afridi are the players I’m personally
looking forward to. It would have been terrific if Pakistan featured Junaid
Khan and Saeed Ajmal. It is Shame to see both these players missing out. We
know the reasons as why they miss out. Wasim Akram yesterday on commentary against
England (warm up) felt that Pakistan missed out Sohail Tanvir, Safraz Ahmed and Shoaib
Malik. I’m sure he knows better about their resources. But Pakistan Vs New
Zealand QF should be very exciting. But kiwis will settle score in that case.
Sri Lanka
There
is a nice balance of youth and experience. Sangakara, Jayarwardane, Dilshan,
Malinga, Herath. And then there is Mendis, Chandimal, Thirumanne, Kulasekara,
Senanayake. This is a classic unit to play cricket in sub-continent. Outside
the sub-continent, no hope.
Generally,
they have been a good side since 1996 WC. Not this time.
England
England
is my dark horse of this tournament. Their bowling unit looks settled with
Anderson, Broad, Finn, Tredwell, Jordon. It is the question of the batting
talents coming to party. Morgan, Moeen Ali, Root, Bell, Hales, Ballance, Bopara are all good
talents for sure. Surely inclusion of Kevin Pieterson, Cook and Greame Swann
could have made England a side to beat. Well, there is no point discussing what
is not there.
We
just have to hope that players like Gary Ballance, Alex Hales, Bopara rise to
the occasion. Looking forward to Root show this WC.
If
India finish 2 and England finish 3, England has better odds of making it to
the SF. But then, it will hit ICC's revenue bucket big time if India miss out in
QF.
Australia
“Save your best for the last”. Australia is
undoubtedly the best side of this WC. One would truly envy the composition of
this side. Warner, Finch, Watson, Smith, Clarke/Bailey, Maxwell, Haddin,
Johnson, Faulkner, Hasselwood, Cummins,
Marsh, Doherty, Starc.
This
is the best that money can buy you. During the previous edition of WC, India
broke the jinx by winning the WC, despite being a host. So the jinx is already
broken.
I
personally don’t see or a need for Australia to play Smith, Clarke and Bailey
in the same side. Smith is easily better than the other two in the list. The
management is left to choose between Clarke and Bailey in the XI. Personally, I've never felt Clarke as a great one day cricketer. I would like to go Bailey way. But then, I've no idea how Australia think tank look at this problem. Their
spin department is probably little weak. I think it should not be huge deal as
the World Cup is not played in sub-continent.
Anyways,
this appears to be Australia’s World Cup. An Australia – South Africa finals
should be a fitting World Cup finale. If there is one side that is well
equipped to challenge Australia in all departments, it is South Africa. Also
history says, Australia – South Africa produce great cricket contests. If that
happens, I will be rooting for South Africa to break the jinx.
PS:
About minnows, oh yeah, there will be an odd upset here and there. But no way
any minnow is making it to the play offs. ICC learnt their lessons from 2007
WC. 2011 was only a prelude to the current format.
Dinesh
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