And finally after the bizarre warm up matches, we are ready for the real deal. The easiest way to follow the events of the world cup was to divide into weeks (Saturday to Friday intervals) and look at each one in turn. So here we go, week 1:
The Form Book
The warm up matches definitely told a story or two. India, Sri Lanka and South Africa look in good nick while Australia looks particularly vulnerable. Don't buy into that though, they do not start world cups well but seem to pull it together when it really matters, sort of like a reverse South Africa. England look iffy as always. Pakistan and West Indies look a bit flat but could turn it around. Bangladesh are pumped, and New Zealand are simply woeful. Of course these were just warm up games with nothing at stake, the form guide could go out the window very quickly.
Key Matches
Bangladesh vs India
This is a massive game. Bangladesh at home are good enough to upset the Indians, particularly if they are overconfident from an easy win over the Black Craps. Don't forget their batting was inept against Australia. Bangladesh will be up for a fight, Sehwag calls this the 'revenge match' for the 2007 dumping in their hands (I hope Sehwag gets a duck). India should edge out a close match.
South Africa vs West Indies
This should be good provided the West Indies turn up. They certainly have the batting resources, particularly with Sarwan picking up a century. South Africa have the edge in everything else. If Chris Gayle fires, the odds change dramatically, but the match could just as easily turn into a pasting.
Potential Upsets
Netherlands vs England
I've said it before, I don't rate England as a one-day unit. They have a few strong batsmen, but their bowling especially looks ragged and inexperienced. If Holland are to pull off a miracle, it would require Ryan ten Doeschate to do it almost by himself.
Kenya vs New Zealand
Don't laugh. The Black Caps are in such a horrible state right now that, that you just never know. Kenya showed against the West Indies that they are ready to give slackers a real scare. New Zealand have to be very careful that they don't walk into this with the 'easy win' cap on. For them, nothing is easy.
The Form Book
The warm up matches definitely told a story or two. India, Sri Lanka and South Africa look in good nick while Australia looks particularly vulnerable. Don't buy into that though, they do not start world cups well but seem to pull it together when it really matters, sort of like a reverse South Africa. England look iffy as always. Pakistan and West Indies look a bit flat but could turn it around. Bangladesh are pumped, and New Zealand are simply woeful. Of course these were just warm up games with nothing at stake, the form guide could go out the window very quickly.
Key Matches
Bangladesh vs India
This is a massive game. Bangladesh at home are good enough to upset the Indians, particularly if they are overconfident from an easy win over the Black Craps. Don't forget their batting was inept against Australia. Bangladesh will be up for a fight, Sehwag calls this the 'revenge match' for the 2007 dumping in their hands (I hope Sehwag gets a duck). India should edge out a close match.
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| #1 on my world cup wish list. © AFP |
South Africa vs West Indies
This should be good provided the West Indies turn up. They certainly have the batting resources, particularly with Sarwan picking up a century. South Africa have the edge in everything else. If Chris Gayle fires, the odds change dramatically, but the match could just as easily turn into a pasting.
Potential Upsets
Netherlands vs England
I've said it before, I don't rate England as a one-day unit. They have a few strong batsmen, but their bowling especially looks ragged and inexperienced. If Holland are to pull off a miracle, it would require Ryan ten Doeschate to do it almost by himself.
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| But it's happened before. © Getty Images |
Kenya vs New Zealand
Don't laugh. The Black Caps are in such a horrible state right now that, that you just never know. Kenya showed against the West Indies that they are ready to give slackers a real scare. New Zealand have to be very careful that they don't walk into this with the 'easy win' cap on. For them, nothing is easy.
Why are you anti-Sehwag my friend ??
ReplyDeleteI am not necessarily anti-Sehwag, I think he is one of the best cricketers going around and is great fun to watch when batting.
ReplyDeleteHowever he does have the tendency to make arrogant comments, that I don't like.