Cricket World Cup - 2007

The Cricket World Cup is starting on Monday. Here's my take on it.

Few weeks back, Australia were the favorites to win. But, England beat them in the tri-series, New Zealand beat them soon after, and South Africa became the top rated team. And Whoa !! The competition became wide open. A recovering Symonds and no Brett Lee could hurt them a little and give that opening to other teams.

New Zealand blanked a depleted Australian side But had failed to make it to the finals of the tri-series and had lost the series to Sri Lanka before that. With genuine fast bowlers like Bond and Miles, and Fleming being the best of all the captains, they can surprise anybody on their day. But, its hard to see them making through to the finals.

England lost the Ashes 0-5. They recovered and came back to win the tri-series. With Collingwood in the form of his life, Pieterson being his most explosive self, Vaughan back as Captain, Flintoff and a decent bowling attack have a good chance at claiming one of the semi-final berths. Monty Panesar might be very effective on the slow Caribbean pitches.

South Africa, the top rated teams have as good a chance to win this time, as they had in the last two tournaments. The big choker label could still catch them. They have tried to prove themselves anything but, but beating Australia, India and Pakistan in the recent past. The fast bowling attack would cause trouble for most teams. But, their batting had problems against Ireland in the world cup warm up. Could this be a sign of things to come?

Pakistan is ever unpredictable. Yonus and Yousuf have been very consistent and piling up runs. But, the inconsistent openers, talented but unreliable Afridi and Malik, and Sami - a choice by default, bring the unknown into the equation. Their fighting spirit could still make the difference. But, semi-finals do not seem a possibility for them.

Sri Lanka have on a come back after loosing badly to India in Rahul Dravid's first series as captain. They have won against England and New Zealand. But, then again lost to India. The slow bowling and the explosive batting of Jayasurya on slow and small grounds and Sangakara's consistency could really make a big difference. They have variety in their bowling attack with Vaas, Murali, Malinga and Jayasurya and a deep batting lineup. A semi-final is a definite possibility.

India won against Sri-Lanka, lost badly to West Indies and South Africa, beat Sri-Lanka and West Indies. Experience may be the solution to India's woes. A very strong batting lineup, with Tendulkar, Dravid and Yuvraj, and maybe Sehwag in the middle order, India looks better. The bowling seems to be working too. If warm-up win against West Indies is any indication, India is definitely in the finals.

West Indies are a good one day team. But, the host hasn't been lucky in world cups. The odds are against them.

It could be Australia, England, India and Sri Lanka in the semi-finals.