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The ICC Champions Trophy, hailed as the "Mini World Cup", commences today in India. This tournament has grown in stature over the years. The fifth edition of this tournament is likely to be well fought like the previous editions.

The 2004 Champions Trophy in England had a spectacular finish. Underdogs West Indies stunned the cricket world to score an exciting victory over England in the final at The Oval.

Soon after this victory, the performance of the West Indies team slipped and they have been forced to play in the qualifiers to clinch a place among the top eight teams in the main tournament.

West Indies commence their campaign tomorrow, taking on Zimbabwe at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. In the recent DLF Cup, West Indies reached the final, defeating India as well as Australia.

Whether Brian Lara will be able to once again transform the side into world-beaters in this tournament too, needs to be seen.

Lara, talking to Gulf News in Dubai during his last visit, said: "We have the talent to beat any team. If our batsmen can live up to their potential then it could be tough for any team."

As much as the West Indies are eager to regain the trophy, the Australians will also be keen to emerge champions. This is the one tournament that the Aussies have never won, despite being the strongest team in the world.

By winning the DLF Cup in Malaysia recently, the Aussies have announced that they are on the right track to realise their dream in India.

To win in India, the Australians will have to lift up their game to the highest level. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who are also playing in the qualifiers could be the three strong opponents.

India may have lost to the West Indies and Australia in the DLF Cup, but India in India are always a tough side to beat.

 Pakistan may suffer from the absence of regular skipper Inzamam-Ul-Haq, who has been banned by the ICC for bringing the game into disrepute at The Oval recently.

The Sri Lankans have improved tremendously in recent years. Under the captaincy of Mahela Jayawardene, they are now a fighting unit.

England's chances of a good showing will depend on whether Andrew Flintoff can inspire them into a strong side. They have been playing against some strong teams from the sub continent recently and are ready for the challenge.

The result of England's first match against India on September 15 will have a huge impact on their performance in the tournament. If they can upset the hosts on their own soil, it could boost the confidence of the players to go in for the kill.

New Zealand, the 2000 Champions trophy winners under the shrewd captaincy of Stephen Fleming, can create wonders. Unfortunately, many of their players are yet to make a mark in the international arena.

South Africa can emerge as strong challengers. They have some of the most experienced players in the side. Yet, to win in the sub-continent, they ought to lift their game at the right time.

Which will be the two teams in the final on November 5 at the Brabourne Stadium and who will lift the trophy? Your guess is as good as mine!