From the iSport Cricket Pavilion: iSporter Vipul Deshpande pens another piece on an interesting topic. Take a look at what he things may be the Surprise Packages in this edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
This World Cup is seen to be contested between only six major competitors, viz. India, Australia, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. But the so called 'minnows' add their own flavour and excitement to the tournament. Who can forget India and Pakistan crashing out of the last World Cup in the first round itself, after biting the dust at hands of 'minnows' like Bangladesh and Ireland respectively. Even this edition of World Cup, be prepared for a few hiccups and shocks as there are as many as five non test playing nations, viz-Ireland, Kenya, Netherland, Zimbabwe, Canada, in addition to the three under dogs-West Indies, Pakistan and Bangladesh will be seen giving a fight to the 'contenders'.
Among the non test playing nations, Ireland seems to be the most promising one. Having beaten Pakistan in the last edition, they will have immense self belief going into the tournament. Even Kenya can pull out a surprise on its day. Among the full members of ICC, West Indies, Bangladesh and the unusual 'minnows', Pakistan, will be the team to watch out for in the 'minnows' category.
Out of these three teams, West Indies seem to be the most interesting one. They are hardly being talked about by cricketing pundits. They are seen nowhere in picture of being serious contenders and to some extent, rightly so. They may not be able to actually go on to lift the trophy, but they most certainly have the team to create major upsets and even have a chance of reaching in semis.
The team looks well balanced with Chris Gayle, who can be as destructive an opener as Sehwag, on top, the vastly experienced Chanderpaul in middle order and todays most ruthless finisher, who can change the game in matter of couple of overs in form of Kieron Pollard. More ever, the team also boasts of a decent pace attack. However the main drawback of this team is lack of quality spinner, which is a quintessential requirement to succeed on Indian tracks and over dependence on above mentioned players, which might prove to be major hindrances in their campaign.
Bangladesh is another team that can create wonders out of nowhere. After a decent outing the last time around and the fact that they will be playing at home, will give a world of confidence to this emerging team. They have a inspiring leader in Shakib Ul Hasan, who is their best batsman as well as bowler and two other promising players, Tamim Iqbal and Mohmmad Ashraful. Again, although it is very unlikely that they may reach the final rounds they still are good enough to give other major teams a run for their money.
The new 'under dogs', Pakistan is the team you just cannot write off about. They have been fighting with their own ghosts and have had many things to worry about other than cricket, but this is what makes this team so predictable and even dangerous. It almost has everything a team needs to win the Cup. They are a young side, with players like Umar and Kamran Akmal, Saeed Ajmal and Junaid Khan who have shown their match winning potential in recent times.
The teams also have enough experienced players like Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akthar, Abdul Razzaq, Younis Khan and Misbhah Ul Haq who can single handedly win matches for their team. Only if they can keep their temperament under control and focus on basics, they can go a long way. It would be only unfair to pre judge the outcome of any game, because, as they say, "Cricket is the game of uncertainties". So expect the unexpected in this World Cup!
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