Cricket world cup 2011 is around the corner and all participant nations are enthusiastic and hopeful of a successful event for their respective teams. Here is a preview of the World Cup leading to my predictions for the semi-finalists and the winner. I will base my predictions on world cup history, the venues and the current form and composure of the teams. So let us examine the chances of each of the top 8 teams separately.
Bangladesh
Although Bangladesh have come up in terms of competitiveness they lack the quality and exposure to challenge top teams consistently. With a few star players emerging in the ranks the Bengali tigers have certainly acquired the ability to upset big teams and cause a shock exit. Barring a miracle like the one displayed by Srilanka in 96' Bangladesh stands very little chance in succeeding at World Cup 2011.
New-Zealand
With a solid team balanced with star players both experienced and emerging the Kiwi brigade is a force to be vary of. There recent performance being dismal is not necessarily a good indicator of their potential. NZ have always done well in the world cups making it to the semi-finals ahead of more accomplished teams. What makes their chance a little grim this time over is the region in which the world cup is being played. The sub-continent is a difficult place for medium fast seamers to be effective and the likes of Oram, Franklin and mills will prove to be too similar and flat and easy to hit. It seems unlikely that even with a decent score on the board the black-caps would be able to defend it.
West Indies
Once a mighty force in international cricket and a fright at the World Cups, the West Indians are now a weak opposition. The inconsistent batting performances and poor selection and man management has made the Windies a lesser threat at the highest level. In the sub-continent however they would be a different challenge altogether. The big hitters like Gale, Pollard and Bravo would enjoy hitting through the line and the part-time spinners would be an asset in the middle over. They cannot be taken lightly in batting friendly situations.
Pakistan
The exit of Aamir and Asif from the World Cup meant a great setback to the Pakistan squad. However, the emergence of Wahab Riaz and the good recent form of Shoaib Akhtar and Umer Gul has somewhat overcome the loss. With a new combination at the top and a solid middle order supported by a rollicking lower order the batting looks amazing on paper. The team in black and white certainly looks the part but it is in the middle that they need to perform. Pakistan's world cup chances depend more on what goes between the players' ears than the actual talent that they posses. If they believe in their ability the men in green stand a good chance at making a fist of this year's mega event.
Australia
The defending champs and all time record winners of the World Cup are the Aussies. A crushing defeat at the ashes, a patchy year all over and a not so invincible reputation means that the Aussies are vulnerable and under pressure. They have countered their weakness with a masterful selection by selecting players according to the pitches of the subcontinent. The genuine pacers in Lee, Tait, Bollinger and Johnson have found a place in the squad and would likely play in most of the matches. Aussies realize that true pace is the weapon that would get them through in Asia. Lacking a quality spinner, they would rely heavily on part-timers like Hussey and Clarke and would use intimidatingly quick bowling to get the teams out. Aussies have the batting potential to chase down and setup bug targets and hence the current balance of the team is outstanding. Teams around the world, however, know that the Aussies are beatable and have a dented reputation as shown by their ICC ranking. With everyone after their title Australia are going to have a tough time at this defense and it won't be a walk in the park. In fact I see them struggling on their way to the Semis.
Srilanka
Jayasuria is back and it seems a clever decision. Srilanks can never be written off at home and they would show us why when they stamp their authority at the mega event this year. Spin would rule and so would the class of Sangakara and Jayawerdena. With a good balance of pace and spin and with perhaps the most consistently devastating batting army, Srilanka will surely be a contender in this year's World Cup.
England
The English are a formidable unit and at the back of a great victory at the ashes, they will be rearing in the world cup. With a strong batting unit, not always dependable but still dangerous, the English team stands a good chance at posting good totals. Bowling attack for me is an area of concern. Swan would be a factor, but he might be exposed in this tour of Asia as a slightly overrated bowler. The pacers are too even paced for the docile pitches in India, Bangladesh and Srilanks and will go for runs inevitably. With no one to reverse the ball, the English might not last the competition. Although a force to reckon with the English lack the bowling firepower to go the distance.
India
The Indian delusion of being the number one team in the world may be shattered in this world cup. Although they are at a high, the impotent bowling attack of India means that they consistently need to score in the region of 350. The warm up game has shown that they are capable of a collapse and that shows a weakness many teams will pounce on. It is unlikely that the men in blue go all the way.
South Africa
The Proteas have a history of choking under pressure in big tournaments. This world Cup however, might see them hush the critics and overcome the jinx. With Steyn and Morkel in full flow and with Kallis, Amla, DeVilliers and Smith in the lineup the South Africans are all set to improve upon their unfortunate World Cup history. They might surprise us with a clinical display of power and class.
My Semi-Finalists
Australia
Sri-lanka
South Africa
India
My Winner
India
Bangladesh
Although Bangladesh have come up in terms of competitiveness they lack the quality and exposure to challenge top teams consistently. With a few star players emerging in the ranks the Bengali tigers have certainly acquired the ability to upset big teams and cause a shock exit. Barring a miracle like the one displayed by Srilanka in 96' Bangladesh stands very little chance in succeeding at World Cup 2011.
New-Zealand
With a solid team balanced with star players both experienced and emerging the Kiwi brigade is a force to be vary of. There recent performance being dismal is not necessarily a good indicator of their potential. NZ have always done well in the world cups making it to the semi-finals ahead of more accomplished teams. What makes their chance a little grim this time over is the region in which the world cup is being played. The sub-continent is a difficult place for medium fast seamers to be effective and the likes of Oram, Franklin and mills will prove to be too similar and flat and easy to hit. It seems unlikely that even with a decent score on the board the black-caps would be able to defend it.
Once a mighty force in international cricket and a fright at the World Cups, the West Indians are now a weak opposition. The inconsistent batting performances and poor selection and man management has made the Windies a lesser threat at the highest level. In the sub-continent however they would be a different challenge altogether. The big hitters like Gale, Pollard and Bravo would enjoy hitting through the line and the part-time spinners would be an asset in the middle over. They cannot be taken lightly in batting friendly situations.
Pakistan
The exit of Aamir and Asif from the World Cup meant a great setback to the Pakistan squad. However, the emergence of Wahab Riaz and the good recent form of Shoaib Akhtar and Umer Gul has somewhat overcome the loss. With a new combination at the top and a solid middle order supported by a rollicking lower order the batting looks amazing on paper. The team in black and white certainly looks the part but it is in the middle that they need to perform. Pakistan's world cup chances depend more on what goes between the players' ears than the actual talent that they posses. If they believe in their ability the men in green stand a good chance at making a fist of this year's mega event.
Australia
The defending champs and all time record winners of the World Cup are the Aussies. A crushing defeat at the ashes, a patchy year all over and a not so invincible reputation means that the Aussies are vulnerable and under pressure. They have countered their weakness with a masterful selection by selecting players according to the pitches of the subcontinent. The genuine pacers in Lee, Tait, Bollinger and Johnson have found a place in the squad and would likely play in most of the matches. Aussies realize that true pace is the weapon that would get them through in Asia. Lacking a quality spinner, they would rely heavily on part-timers like Hussey and Clarke and would use intimidatingly quick bowling to get the teams out. Aussies have the batting potential to chase down and setup bug targets and hence the current balance of the team is outstanding. Teams around the world, however, know that the Aussies are beatable and have a dented reputation as shown by their ICC ranking. With everyone after their title Australia are going to have a tough time at this defense and it won't be a walk in the park. In fact I see them struggling on their way to the Semis.
Srilanka
Jayasuria is back and it seems a clever decision. Srilanks can never be written off at home and they would show us why when they stamp their authority at the mega event this year. Spin would rule and so would the class of Sangakara and Jayawerdena. With a good balance of pace and spin and with perhaps the most consistently devastating batting army, Srilanka will surely be a contender in this year's World Cup.
England
The English are a formidable unit and at the back of a great victory at the ashes, they will be rearing in the world cup. With a strong batting unit, not always dependable but still dangerous, the English team stands a good chance at posting good totals. Bowling attack for me is an area of concern. Swan would be a factor, but he might be exposed in this tour of Asia as a slightly overrated bowler. The pacers are too even paced for the docile pitches in India, Bangladesh and Srilanks and will go for runs inevitably. With no one to reverse the ball, the English might not last the competition. Although a force to reckon with the English lack the bowling firepower to go the distance.
India
The Indian delusion of being the number one team in the world may be shattered in this world cup. Although they are at a high, the impotent bowling attack of India means that they consistently need to score in the region of 350. The warm up game has shown that they are capable of a collapse and that shows a weakness many teams will pounce on. It is unlikely that the men in blue go all the way.
South Africa
The Proteas have a history of choking under pressure in big tournaments. This world Cup however, might see them hush the critics and overcome the jinx. With Steyn and Morkel in full flow and with Kallis, Amla, DeVilliers and Smith in the lineup the South Africans are all set to improve upon their unfortunate World Cup history. They might surprise us with a clinical display of power and class.
My Semi-Finalists
Australia
Sri-lanka
South Africa
India
My Winner
India
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