Predictions for Teams!

For the 1st time, 16 teams will be in this event making it the biggest World Cup ever. Though half the teams are there to fill in numbers so don’t expect a football World Cup sort of upsets. I have not listed the countries in any particular order, it’s just on random basis.

Australia – Was sure to win the title but the way they have performed in the later stages of the CB series and the 1st match against the Black Caps in the Hadlee-Chappell Series makes the once invincible team venerable. With injuries to Ponting, Clarke, Symonds and Lee, the Australians don’t look that strong and don’t be too surprised if South Africa destroys them in their league encounter. Also Gilchrist will miss the early part of the World Cup. So the Aussies have to play out of their skin even to reach the Semi-Finals.

South Africa – The perennial chokers in the World Cup, this time will be their best chance of World Cup glory. They have just peaked before the big event and after impressive wins over India and Pakistan, and with Shaun Pollock back in form, they have everything going for them. All they need is to believe in themselves and go for the kill.

West Indies – The host nation so far has been unpredictable and has a very good record against the Aussies in the last few years. Have enough fire power in the batting department to destroy any bowling line-up. This will be Lara’s swan song and he is sure to make it a very memorable one. This will be their best chance to regain the crown they lost in 1983.

England – At one stage a win against Kenya and Canada is all that was expected out of this team, but win a very impressive performance during the later part of the CB series, England is all set to be the dark horses of this World Cup and if Michael Vaughan could stay fit, he could have just earned a Knighthood for winning the World Cup.

New Zealand – A team which could beat any team on its day is a very strong one day outfit. With key players regaining form, the Black Caps should reach the Semi-Finals easily. Shane Bond and Lou Vincent could be the key to their success.

India – Fielding could have just cost the Indians the World Cup. They have too many players either out of form or not completely fit. The men in Blue will be happy if they could reach the Semi-Finals which seem to be a tall order for them now.

Sri Lanka – I don’t see these guys winning the Cup, at most they could spoil some other teams chances. All depends on Jayasuriya and Muralitharan, but don’t be too shocked if they make an early exit out of the World Cup.

Pakistan – The most unpredictable team in World Cricket would just be happy to reach the Super 8 stages. Their selections have been the weirdest of all teams. It’s shocking to see Asif and Akhtar in their ranks.

Bangladesh – Well they managed to beat the Aussies in 2005 but after that all they have done is beat Kenya and Zimbabwe. Should consider them lucky to reach the Super 8 but will have an inspired Bermuda team in their path.

Zimbabwe – Still shocked that they are allowed to play cricket. All their best players are playing for some county in England. Heard Campbell has been asked to help with the World Cup squad. He would have been playing for them if not for the crisis. Will be lucky to beat the Irishmen.

Kenya – I still would put them on par with Bangladesh and Zimbabwe but they need to play the top teams on a more regular basis. It would be a miracle if they managed to repeat their performance during the last World Cup.

Scotland – No chance of making it to the Super 8, but the clash against the Netherlands would be their World Cup finals. This should be a very interesting and could turn out to be the best match of the World Cup. Future English stars Ryan ten Doeschate and Alexei Kervezee will be on display.

Ireland – Would fancy their chances against Zimbabwe but they could just even knockout Pakistan out of the event and do a Kenya in this year’s World Cup. Have some impressive players like Eoin Morgan, William Porterfield and Niall O'Brien.

Netherlands – Like Scotland they are stuck in a powerful group. Their most important match will be against Scotland. Don’t be surprised if ex-South African Ryan ten Doeschate could do something like what Neil Johnson did last year.

Canada - John Davison led Canada is in a tough group, but if he could get going them may just beat Kenya and put up some decent show against England and New Zealand.

Bermuda – Don’t be shocked if Sri Lanka or India scores over 400 against them. Will just be happy to concede less than 300 runs in a match.