This is when the World Cup really comes into its own and the first game itself proves to be a huge one. South Africa have been up and down so far, but they don’t necessarily need to see that as a negative.
They must surely have learnt from the two losses and in some ways, I feel they must be relieved to get the bad days out of the way. Traditionally, they have often played flawless cricket till the knockouts and then come across an opponent who knocks them out with one winning hand. They have some of the biggest match-winners in the game with AB de Villiers ranking as the most explosive cricketer in the game at the moment.
The only reason they might not make it is their fear of losing. They need to rid their minds of the phobia of failure and my sense is that they will then be a serious contender.
Sri Lanka have been quite impressive in the last decade when it comes to World Cups. In Kumar Sangakkara, they have a consummate pro, the kind of cricketer every captain dreams of and there is no reason why he can’t go and get a fifth century and enable his team to march into a third straight World Cup final. That said, I think South Africa’s time has come to enjoy some good fortune. Add to that the firepower and muscle this team clearly possesses, and I think it will be South Africa that will progress to the next stage.
India face neighbours Bangladesh and the defending champions do start as overwhelming favourites. Bangladesh will be carrying some confidence from their win against England as well as their fine performance against New Zealand. Their top order looks in good touch and their pace bowling has shown impressive flair. However, India has too much class and too many players who enjoy the big stage.
I know that the Australians love an underdog and will back Bangladesh all the way. However, the moot question will be how many Australians will actually be there at the MCG? I expect another huge Indian contingent to be present at the ground to egg their men on.
The hosts take on rather similar teams, Pakistan and West Indies. Australia has to face Pakistan and the latter has been particularly impressive with the ball. Their pace attack has been developing well and seems to have got into a good rhythm. The Australian batsmen, however, have not put a foot wrong since that blip against New Zealand.
Where Australia hold a serious edge against Pakistan is in the bowling, with the latter getting depleted with Mohammad Irfan’s injury. Mitchell Starc and the rest of the attack is really too hot to handle at the moment.
If there is a great chance of an upset, it’s in the last quarter final between New Zealand and West Indies. Like Pakistan, the Caribbean flair in bowling has been gradually building up through the tournament. Add to that the possibility of another Chris Gayle classic and Black Cap fans would be worried.
True, New Zealand don’t deserve to lose and equally true, they are really hard to defeat at home. But an upset can’t be completely ruled out when West Indies are the opponents.
- Gameplan
