The cricket world cup is one of the most celebrated and viewed sports event across the globe. Although, it comprises of handful of nations(ICC is trying to globalise it) and more so from Asian continent as of now; where the craze for cricket is imponderable and where the huge market is dominated by cricket. The Cricket world cup gives the nations and their fans a chance to come together and celebrate this event as a festival.
This time it is going to take place in England and Wales after 20 years. The format is also very interesting, round robin(each team will play the other team) and then top four teams on point basis progress towards the knockout stage and then the winners of semifinals will play the final.
According to the current scenario, the best two teams and strong favourites for the world cup are the home team England and the most balanced team India. South Africa, Australia,New Zealand,Pakistan and Sri Lanka will provide tough competition with windies resurgence and Bangladesh on their day can beat any of them will be a good tournament to watch for. The youngest test playing nation Afghanistan has the capability and the talent to surprise any of the top teams with their quality spinners.
The two strong favourites India and England along with South Africa and Pakistan are my four semi finalists. England obviously playing at home and playing the aggressive brand of cricket with four all-rounders which allows them to have depth both in batting and bowling makes them pretty dangerous. India on the other hand, carries the best bowling attack along with 3 best batsmen in ODI cricket at the top of the order. The only worry is middle order which is sorting out as well. South Africa probabily the most experienced side of all, AB retiring last year's is a huge dent but they discovered to fulfill that role, the bowling as always will be their strong point. Pakistan bring uncertainty on their day can beat any team and vice versa they can also loose to any team but their recent performance in ODI cricket against South Africa shows they have the talent and can make things interesting going forward as well. They rely heavily on their left arm quicks and with leg spinner also in artillery they are also making a strong case.
And the interesting thing is that the last two world cups are won by the hosting teams will England be able to continue this streak, we will surely have to wait until the final result which is to be played at the Mecca of cricket "LORD'S".
This time it is going to take place in England and Wales after 20 years. The format is also very interesting, round robin(each team will play the other team) and then top four teams on point basis progress towards the knockout stage and then the winners of semifinals will play the final.
According to the current scenario, the best two teams and strong favourites for the world cup are the home team England and the most balanced team India. South Africa, Australia,New Zealand,Pakistan and Sri Lanka will provide tough competition with windies resurgence and Bangladesh on their day can beat any of them will be a good tournament to watch for. The youngest test playing nation Afghanistan has the capability and the talent to surprise any of the top teams with their quality spinners.
The two strong favourites India and England along with South Africa and Pakistan are my four semi finalists. England obviously playing at home and playing the aggressive brand of cricket with four all-rounders which allows them to have depth both in batting and bowling makes them pretty dangerous. India on the other hand, carries the best bowling attack along with 3 best batsmen in ODI cricket at the top of the order. The only worry is middle order which is sorting out as well. South Africa probabily the most experienced side of all, AB retiring last year's is a huge dent but they discovered to fulfill that role, the bowling as always will be their strong point. Pakistan bring uncertainty on their day can beat any team and vice versa they can also loose to any team but their recent performance in ODI cricket against South Africa shows they have the talent and can make things interesting going forward as well. They rely heavily on their left arm quicks and with leg spinner also in artillery they are also making a strong case.
And the interesting thing is that the last two world cups are won by the hosting teams will England be able to continue this streak, we will surely have to wait until the final result which is to be played at the Mecca of cricket "LORD'S".
