14 Countries, 6 Weeks, 49 Matches, 1 Dream
The 2015 Cricket World Cup will be the 11th Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 14 February to 29 March 2015. 14 teams will play 49 matches in 14 venues. The format is the same as the 2011 edition: 14 teams will take part in the initial stages, divided into two groups of seven; the seven teams play each other once before the top four teams from each group qualify for the quarter-finals. The format ensures that each team gets to play a minimum of six matches even if they exit in the group stage.
Pool B - South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, United Arab Emirates
Pool B - South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, United Arab Emirates
I) SOUTH AFRICA: Chokers to Champions!?
The 2015 World Cup is yet another chance for the Proteas to change their long stuck chokers tag. This time round they surely have a well settled team with most of their members in the squad looking in good touch. They have been literally been perennial favourites for more than a decade now. Every time in the league stage of a tournament they outperform most teams before they get business end blues. In each of the six previous World Cups, they have found out tragic ways of crashing their way out of the World Cup. They are still to win a knockout game at the World Cup. They would be itching to change their tag from chokers to champions
Squad - AB de Villiers (capt), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn
The 2015 World Cup is yet another chance for the Proteas to change their long stuck chokers tag. This time round they surely have a well settled team with most of their members in the squad looking in good touch. They have been literally been perennial favourites for more than a decade now. Every time in the league stage of a tournament they outperform most teams before they get business end blues. In each of the six previous World Cups, they have found out tragic ways of crashing their way out of the World Cup. They are still to win a knockout game at the World Cup. They would be itching to change their tag from chokers to champions
Squad - AB de Villiers (capt), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn
Strengths – They are great side, full of specialists who know exactly what their job is. The top order looks very well settled with Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis & Quinton de Kock. The middle order looks ominous led by one of the greatest and most versatile batsmen of our time, AB De Villiers. The level headed JP Duminy along with clean hitting abilities of David Miller gives the batting adequate solidity. The trio of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel & Vernon Philander makes them one of most feared bowling line up on any surface.
Weakness – Despite having a near perfect team with the ideal batting and bowling resources, the lack of an all rounder could haunt them. Historically South Africa has been one team who has always had good genuine all rounders, but with the retirement of Jacques Kallis they haven’t found their two in one replacement. Overall their biggest weakness has been performing under pressure. There have been times in the past that South Africa bring out their perfect game in the league stage, and experts tend to say they peaked early. But well you can’t plan your peak, can you?!
Surprise Package – Quinton De Kock, an aggressive batsmen could play an essential role at the top of order to set the ideal platform for the batsmen to follow.
Likely Starting XI – 1) Q De Kock, 2) H Amla, 3) F du Plessis, 4) AB Devilliers, 5) JP Duminy, 6) D Miller, 7) F Behardian / W Parnell, 8) V Philander, 9) D Steyn, 10) M Morkel, 11) I Tahir
II) INDIA : Of Dipping Form, Injury Concerns & High Expectations
Weakness – Despite having a near perfect team with the ideal batting and bowling resources, the lack of an all rounder could haunt them. Historically South Africa has been one team who has always had good genuine all rounders, but with the retirement of Jacques Kallis they haven’t found their two in one replacement. Overall their biggest weakness has been performing under pressure. There have been times in the past that South Africa bring out their perfect game in the league stage, and experts tend to say they peaked early. But well you can’t plan your peak, can you?!
Surprise Package – Quinton De Kock, an aggressive batsmen could play an essential role at the top of order to set the ideal platform for the batsmen to follow.
Likely Starting XI – 1) Q De Kock, 2) H Amla, 3) F du Plessis, 4) AB Devilliers, 5) JP Duminy, 6) D Miller, 7) F Behardian / W Parnell, 8) V Philander, 9) D Steyn, 10) M Morkel, 11) I Tahir
II) INDIA : Of Dipping Form, Injury Concerns & High Expectations
The defending champions have had a tough time in the last two months in Australia. They go into the world cup without securing even a single win on their long tour. To add onto the current form, the fitness a lot of players in the squad lies in the dark. A lot of players in the squad are short of match practice. If at all, India has a chance to defend their title, then this WC format is the best. India can easily take the first six games (beating the three non-test playing teams could ensure qualification) to find the right balance and get some of the guys adequate match practice. Going into the knockout stage, the Indian team is blessed with a few match winners who can win games with sheer brilliance.
Squad - MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav, Ajinkya Rahane
Strengths - India’s strength lies in their batting, no two ways on that. From the 2011 WC to 2015 WC, there has been a transformational change in Virat Kohli. Much like he said then, Sachin Tendulkar has been carrying the burden of a million expectations for 23 long years. Now it is Virat Kohli who has taken responsibility to lead the Indian batting. At times we see the pressure of expectations can lead to the downhill of a player. But Kohli seems to be enjoying the limelight and has also got the best out of him. The top order consists of Rohit Sharma & Ajinkya Rahane , who have had some reasonably good performances in the tour games. It is imperative for them that Suresh Raina & MS Dhoni are able to regain their form back to help India finish games. There have been many occasions in the recent times when India has had to chase big totals as their bowlers have leaked runs.
Weakness – India’s biggest and most visible weakness is the form & fitness of their bowlers. They have not been able to define the role of each bowler clearly. No bowler has shown enough fire to pick up early wickets or the required discipline not to leak runs at the death.
Surprise Package - Stuart Binny has been criticized by many for his selection in the squad, he could be India’s leading allrounder in this World Cup.
Likely Starting XI – 1) S Dhawan, 2) R Sharma, 3) A Rahane, 4) V Kohli, 5) S Raina, 6) MS Dhoni, 7) R Jadeja, 8) S Binny, 9) R Ashwin, 10) M Sharma, 11) U Yadav
III) PAKISTAN: Predictably Unpredictable
Pakistan is one team which has always found talented cricketers. They have not been able to nurture this talent in the right away. Their current form is nothing to boost about. History suggests when they have their back to the wall, the team comes up with some inspirational performances to mesmerise and take world cricket by their awe. Their kind of cricket has always been instinctive and built around flamboyance and flair. The only thing one can predict about this time is being unpredictable
Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Nasir Jamshed, Sarfraz Ahmed, Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan and Wahab Riaz
Strengths – Pakistan’s strength has always being their bowling. Losing their ace spinner, Saeed Ajmal would be a huge blow to the balance of their resources. They have picked five seamers in the squad. Mohammad Irfan & Wahab Riaz are the two who have the most experience. The in-form veteran, Shahid Afridi could impact any game with his abilities. Low on experience Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan & Rahat Ali have the ideal platform to establish their careers. Don’t be surprised to see one of these newcomers become a household name.
Weakness – The consistency of their batting has been an issue which they have not been able to address. On the big grounds of Australia, fielding could be one department where Pakistan could lose the competitive edge.
Surprise Package – Haris Sohail could be their all rounder if they decide to play the extra batsmen in the playing XI.
Likely Starting XI – 1) A Shehzad, 2) S Ahmed/Y Khan, 3) H Sohail, 4) Misbah, 5) U Akmal, 6) S Maqsood 7) S Afridi, 8) Y Shah, 9) W Riaz, 10) M Irfan, 11) E Adil
Squad - MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav, Ajinkya Rahane
Strengths - India’s strength lies in their batting, no two ways on that. From the 2011 WC to 2015 WC, there has been a transformational change in Virat Kohli. Much like he said then, Sachin Tendulkar has been carrying the burden of a million expectations for 23 long years. Now it is Virat Kohli who has taken responsibility to lead the Indian batting. At times we see the pressure of expectations can lead to the downhill of a player. But Kohli seems to be enjoying the limelight and has also got the best out of him. The top order consists of Rohit Sharma & Ajinkya Rahane , who have had some reasonably good performances in the tour games. It is imperative for them that Suresh Raina & MS Dhoni are able to regain their form back to help India finish games. There have been many occasions in the recent times when India has had to chase big totals as their bowlers have leaked runs.
Weakness – India’s biggest and most visible weakness is the form & fitness of their bowlers. They have not been able to define the role of each bowler clearly. No bowler has shown enough fire to pick up early wickets or the required discipline not to leak runs at the death.
Surprise Package - Stuart Binny has been criticized by many for his selection in the squad, he could be India’s leading allrounder in this World Cup.
Likely Starting XI – 1) S Dhawan, 2) R Sharma, 3) A Rahane, 4) V Kohli, 5) S Raina, 6) MS Dhoni, 7) R Jadeja, 8) S Binny, 9) R Ashwin, 10) M Sharma, 11) U Yadav
III) PAKISTAN: Predictably Unpredictable
Pakistan is one team which has always found talented cricketers. They have not been able to nurture this talent in the right away. Their current form is nothing to boost about. History suggests when they have their back to the wall, the team comes up with some inspirational performances to mesmerise and take world cricket by their awe. Their kind of cricket has always been instinctive and built around flamboyance and flair. The only thing one can predict about this time is being unpredictable
Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Nasir Jamshed, Sarfraz Ahmed, Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan and Wahab Riaz
Strengths – Pakistan’s strength has always being their bowling. Losing their ace spinner, Saeed Ajmal would be a huge blow to the balance of their resources. They have picked five seamers in the squad. Mohammad Irfan & Wahab Riaz are the two who have the most experience. The in-form veteran, Shahid Afridi could impact any game with his abilities. Low on experience Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan & Rahat Ali have the ideal platform to establish their careers. Don’t be surprised to see one of these newcomers become a household name.
Weakness – The consistency of their batting has been an issue which they have not been able to address. On the big grounds of Australia, fielding could be one department where Pakistan could lose the competitive edge.
Surprise Package – Haris Sohail could be their all rounder if they decide to play the extra batsmen in the playing XI.
Likely Starting XI – 1) A Shehzad, 2) S Ahmed/Y Khan, 3) H Sohail, 4) Misbah, 5) U Akmal, 6) S Maqsood 7) S Afridi, 8) Y Shah, 9) W Riaz, 10) M Irfan, 11) E Adil
IV) WEST INDIES : Can the party last as long as 50 overs
The West Indies dominated world cricket for almost a decade comprising of back to back world cup wins in 1975 & 1979. Since then a lot has changed. They are clearly the most troubled team entering this mega tournament. The team has often been in the headlines for the wrong reasons with major disagreement between the Board and players. As a result of the same two of their key players, all-rounders Dwayne Bravo & Kieron Pollard have not been able to make their way into world cup squad.
Squad - Jason Holder (captain), Marlon Samuels, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Nikita Miller, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor.
Strengths – Despite all the problems, much like Pakistan even the West Indies play their cricket fearlessly with a lot of flamboyance. They have a few players like Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Andre Russell & Dwayne Smith who have the firepower to win them games. They have some experienced bowlers like Jerome Taylor & Kemar Roach who need to step up at the big stage.
Weakness – The appointment of Jason Holder as captain was a surprise move by the board. Does he have the experience to lead the side or even the ability to command his position in the playing eleven? Sunil Narine withdrawing himself from the squad with his bowling action being under the scanner would be a huge blow to them. Their challenge has always been to show up & perform consistently.
Dark Horse – Sulieman Benn has bowled smartly in the recent times and has been able to keep the run rate in check while he is bowling.
Likely Starting XI – 1) C Gayle, 2) D Smith, 3) D Bravo, 4) M Samuels, 5) L Simmons, 6) D Ramdin, 7) D Sammy, 8) A Russell, 9) S Benn, 10) J Holder, 11) K Roach / J Taylor
V) Zimbabwe : Can they Revive their Cricket?!
Since their Super 6 appearances in 1999 & 2003, Zimbabwe cricket has just been on the down slide. In their last twelve ODIs they have recorded just one win. They showed glimpses of brilliance in both their warm up fixtures. But with the limited cricket they have played in the recent times, it will still be an uphill task for them to maintain consistent performances against the well established teams. Being in a group that has Pakistan & West Indies is a best shot they can have towards a possible upset.
VI) Ireland : Can the Giant Killers continue to surprise?
Making their third appearance in a World Cup, they continue to improve every game. Since their debut in 2007 they have been a surprise package & and have consistently produced upsets at the big stage. They made it to the Super Eights in 2007 edition by upsetting Pakistan. With relatively the same team over the past eight years, we can see them trying to make a statement with their performances.
VII) United Arab Emirates : Favorites for the Wooden Spoon
Despite having a reasonably good year at the associate level tournament, UAE will enter this World Cup with minimum expectations. The only world cup they played before this was the 1996 edition.
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