Cricket World Cup 2011

It’s a real pleasure and fun being in another cricket mad country that awaits for the upcoming world cup with all the locals being curious. The Cricket fans of SA over here are nice and giving good respect to other teams too in terms of criticizing the game. Herez my analysis of how the teams stand although the groupings looks like the top 8 teams in ICC ranking will go to quarter finals.

Australia : For sure, they are not the god as they were a decade ago. Ever since the last world cup, the team only detoriates with every second with their consistency. No more Gillys, Mcgraths, Haydens or warnes. Winning each game will be a challenge for them. In my opinion, they are not the favorites this time.

South Africa : I could say they are better than Australia but once again they don’t have the talents of Pollock or Klusner or Rhodes or Gibbs which is painful. However, they seem to be the only non subcontinental team who got the potential to win games in Asia against any opponent on any day. IMO, they could give surprises either way. (they still havent got rid off the C****S tag yet)

England : In theory, they are even favorites. In reality, they sweat themselves to win against an associate team in Warm ups. If Kevin Pieterson or Paul Collingwood doesn’t click, England won’t stay longer. IMO, No hopes on them

West Indies : The once superstar of world cricket is not the same now. Gayle is a good T20 player and Chanderpaul got too much load with a less talented team. Bowling is unpredictable. The only impressive news was they gave tough fight against Srilanka in Srilanka during warmups. IMO, no chances even if they make it to quarterfinals

Srilanka / Pakistan : No idea. To me, they are ‘You never know’ teams. They are quiet and less hyped. Supposedly, according to the Theory of Stupid Irony, one of them should lift the cup.

New Zealand : Absolutely no chance. They should be happy they are still playing tests.

Bangladesh : Being host, may lift their spirits and I am sure they wont give a easy win to any opponent. Still, they don’t have what it takes to be world cup dominator.

Associate Teams (Ireland, Neterlands and other lands) : Nothing expected other than 1 or 2 shock in prelims.

India : As a world cricket fan, India for sure proved they deserve to be on top few by giving close fight and winning slaps against many teams in their own backyard. Young team, great hitters, terrific fielders, home side advantage, TENDULKAR the god is with them… With all my heart I always wished to see the Tendulkars XI to lift the cup for more than a decade but this time the chances looks more realistic ever before. IMO, the team got all it takes to reach semi finals and then its Dhoni who should exercise the brain to get ther…

Practically, all the top 8 teams (AU/NZ/WI/IN/SL/EN/SA/BG) reaches the quarter finals eliminating the associate teams and then its 3 good days for any of these teams. One thing i am sure about, it will not be 100% win for any team that lifts world cup.

I am all HUNGRY now ;)