Finally the biggest cricketing event has dawned upon us,the ICC Cricket World Cup. After the acrimonius and most disappointing world cup last time at the carribean,this one promises to be anything but that and the expectations are soaring at an all time high.This also is beleived to be the most open World Cup since 1996.
One of the biggest disappointments for me personally in this edition is the format.It has returned to its old format of 1996 where there'll be quarter finals.The problem being one can take it extremely easy in Round 1 and thereafter win 3 matches and you are crowned world Champions.I would have ideally preferred only 3 teams qualifying from both groups and play a super six with each team playing the other 3 teams of the opposing group and then semifinals and then finals.It would have been competitive right from Day 1,now teams can afford to take it easy though momentum plays a big role.
So who are the favourites ??? The bookmakers,analysts and the people favour India.I do not discount their confidence one bit.India does look favourites,the only weakness being their fast bowling department more so accentuated due to Zaheer's fitness.They may be put to test in high octance clashes especially if they have to chase in a high pressure knockout situation.
The other joint favourites Sri Lanka have a small chink in their armour,there's a small hole in the lower middle order and im wondering how they'll cope up if the top order perishes soon in a must win encounter.
South Africa look a well balanced side but their habit of choking especially in world cups will haunt them and they'll do everything to put rest to the Chokers tag.They are not playing at home and so wont be daunted by home pressure and it is probably their best chance to win a 1st world cup title.
Australia are for once not going in as favourites despite being the defending champions but never underestimate the wounded tigers.They have a good pace quartet and they really thrive on tough situations and especially since its going to be 3 wins to the cup from the quarters stage,you would be a brave man to right away their chances.
Pakistan are the dark horses and probably the most dangerous team in this years mega event.You never know some unknown unheard of youngster may just unleash his potential at the biggest stage.The biggest strength of Pakistan is their mercuriality,sometimes its their biggest weakness also.The fact that they are not expected to do well might just bring out the best in them.
Frankly speaking,i expect only 1 of the above mentioned teams to be crowned the Champions when the world cup gets to its finale on 2nd Apr 2011.England i dont think muster enough to go all the way and expect them to fall in some pitway during the course of the event.The Windies are another team which can cause a flutter but they just lack the firepower to go all the way through.The Co-hosts Bangla Boys are expected to do pretty well and rightly so.It wont be surprising for me if they do make it to the last 8 but beyond that there is a Question Mark.The Kiwis had a pathetic record in 2010 and i expect that to continue.They are in shambles at the moment and barring one or two upsets i just dont see the potential in them to go all the way.
So whose it going to be ?? Will Ricky Ponting's magnificient run as Aussie World Cup Winning Captain come to an end ?? Will Pakis under the mercurrial leadership of Afridi show their mercuriality ?? Will Graeme Smith have the perfect swansong as ODI Captain and also get rid of the Choker's tag which has been plaguing them for years?? Will Sanga for SL go one better than his mate Mahela in 2007.??Will MS Dhoni and his team fulfill the desires and dreams of 1 Billion Indian Cricket Fans??
All the Q&A will be answered come,the 2nd of Apr 2011 at Wankhede Stadium,Mumbai.
As an avid cricket fan,expecting the World Cup to be enthralling,entertaining,emotional,enriching and edge of the seat !!
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