World Cup Update (21/2/2011)
India won against Bangladesh as expected with batting firing away and bowling doing adequately as they were not under any pressure. Main worry for India will be the bowling as they will not be able to put up huge scores against other big teams that easily. India's best chance against other strong teams will be to face them on spin friendly tracks.
I have not felt the need to catch action on TV after the first match as there is series of mismatches on offer. Last world cup format was good but ICC had to change after India got derailed in the first round.
Crushing of Kenya by NZ, who themselves are struggling shows gulf between test playing and associate teams.
World cup is like a soap opera where some episodes will be interesting........
Monday, February 21, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
World Cup Update
I am residing in Singapore now hence obviously missing all the world cup related hype and excitement back home. I am sad that world's best stage for beloved game does not get the top priority from all national boards as number of star players missing due to injuries.
Based on knowledge on Indian conditions and form of teams here is my take on each of the teams (ones matter). One thing to keep in mind with the format, any prediction is worth only so much as teams need only 3 good days from being out in group stage to world champions.
1. India
This is India's best chance considering the talent, technical acumen, experience and the conditions. India needs to start early to avoid any additional pressure and hope that their batting can provide enough extra cushion to carry their bowling and fielding.
2. England
Prospect look good if their first choice bowling attack plays and stays injury free towards the business end and their batting can click. They have one of the game's smartest thinker in Andy Flower and should do better than last few times.
3. South Africa
SA have a solid team and look good to go all way with probably the best all round team. I will be surprised if they are not one of the finalists.
4. Australia
As always, Australia will do well but will they be consistent enough to go all the way seems little suspect; they require their pace attack to do really well with thin spin resources.
5. Srilanka
Srilanka have a strong team with good top order batting and bowling but their middle order little less certain with Samaraweera and Kapugedra.
6. West Indies
WI have a good batting line up but they lack in bowling with quality and consistency and will have to fight hard to get to the knockout level with Bangladesh in their group.
7. Pakistan
Pakistan have a strong lower middle order and good bowling attack that are huge factors in one day cricket. Afridi and Razaak will be more dangerous in the sub continental conditions. IMO, it will depend on how they perform IN knock out stages as they are prone to inconsistencies.
7. New Zealand
can't be excited about NZ; probably there may be couple of good innings from McCullum and Ross Taylor but honestly they will find it difficult to get past 1st knock out stage.
8. Bangladesh will be confident in home conditions and will be disappointed if they don't make it to knockout stage.
9. Other teams, do they really matter??
Enjoy the world cup; let us see how it unfolds.....
I am residing in Singapore now hence obviously missing all the world cup related hype and excitement back home. I am sad that world's best stage for beloved game does not get the top priority from all national boards as number of star players missing due to injuries.
Based on knowledge on Indian conditions and form of teams here is my take on each of the teams (ones matter). One thing to keep in mind with the format, any prediction is worth only so much as teams need only 3 good days from being out in group stage to world champions.
1. India
This is India's best chance considering the talent, technical acumen, experience and the conditions. India needs to start early to avoid any additional pressure and hope that their batting can provide enough extra cushion to carry their bowling and fielding.
2. England
Prospect look good if their first choice bowling attack plays and stays injury free towards the business end and their batting can click. They have one of the game's smartest thinker in Andy Flower and should do better than last few times.
3. South Africa
SA have a solid team and look good to go all way with probably the best all round team. I will be surprised if they are not one of the finalists.
4. Australia
As always, Australia will do well but will they be consistent enough to go all the way seems little suspect; they require their pace attack to do really well with thin spin resources.
5. Srilanka
Srilanka have a strong team with good top order batting and bowling but their middle order little less certain with Samaraweera and Kapugedra.
6. West Indies
WI have a good batting line up but they lack in bowling with quality and consistency and will have to fight hard to get to the knockout level with Bangladesh in their group.
7. Pakistan
Pakistan have a strong lower middle order and good bowling attack that are huge factors in one day cricket. Afridi and Razaak will be more dangerous in the sub continental conditions. IMO, it will depend on how they perform IN knock out stages as they are prone to inconsistencies.
7. New Zealand
can't be excited about NZ; probably there may be couple of good innings from McCullum and Ross Taylor but honestly they will find it difficult to get past 1st knock out stage.
8. Bangladesh will be confident in home conditions and will be disappointed if they don't make it to knockout stage.
9. Other teams, do they really matter??
Enjoy the world cup; let us see how it unfolds.....
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