World Cup Cricket is no longer as exciting as it was once before, mainly because of the introduction of drama-filled T-20 format, specially the high profile and cash- rich Indian Premier League. However, any international cricket event in the sub-continent is an exciting affair, so is world cup 2011. There is no surprise package in the group league which means all the top eight team qualified for the quarters. But what make this world cup more interesting is the fact that no team have shown supremacy in the league stage unlike previous edition where Australia dominated in all stages. So who is the favourite to win the coveted cup??? As per current form and performance, South Africa has got what it takes to be champion.
They are the only team which is doing exceedingly well in all department. Villiers, Amla, Duminy, and Kallis are among runs and their bowling look dangerous in Steyn, Morkel and Tahir. So irrespective of the 'chokers' tag and misfortunes in some edition of world cup, captain Smith will be determined to prove that they are not jinxed. So like Spain in football, can South Africa win their elusive world cup title this year?
Pakistan is another team to beat if you want to be the champion. Except for their opening batting combination they have done exceedingly well too. Umar Gul is the danger man for every batsmen and Afridi is not the leading wicket taker (so far) without reason. Their middle order batsmen have rescued the team time and again and the way young Asad Shafiq is batting, he seems determined to bat Pakistan to glory.
India is the giant in paper but they never seem to be on field. No doubt India have the best batting line up, but it takes more than good batting to win the title. In bowling department, Zaheer Khan is superb but can he alone deliver the goods for India? Sloppy fieldings and poor bowling attack may prevent Sachin's dream of a career world cup title from coming true. Australia is no longer the force it used to be once. The Aussies still possess fiery pace attack but they lack quality spin bowler which is very important in the sub-continent. Ricky Ponting is waning as an inspiring captain due to poor form and their batsmen too have shown their vulnerability against quality spin bowling.
Sri Lanka, England, West Indies and New Zealand can beat any opponent on their day, but don't be surprise if you see South Africa and Pakistan in the final on April 2.
Alum Zeliang, Jalukie town
They are the only team which is doing exceedingly well in all department. Villiers, Amla, Duminy, and Kallis are among runs and their bowling look dangerous in Steyn, Morkel and Tahir. So irrespective of the 'chokers' tag and misfortunes in some edition of world cup, captain Smith will be determined to prove that they are not jinxed. So like Spain in football, can South Africa win their elusive world cup title this year?
Pakistan is another team to beat if you want to be the champion. Except for their opening batting combination they have done exceedingly well too. Umar Gul is the danger man for every batsmen and Afridi is not the leading wicket taker (so far) without reason. Their middle order batsmen have rescued the team time and again and the way young Asad Shafiq is batting, he seems determined to bat Pakistan to glory.
India is the giant in paper but they never seem to be on field. No doubt India have the best batting line up, but it takes more than good batting to win the title. In bowling department, Zaheer Khan is superb but can he alone deliver the goods for India? Sloppy fieldings and poor bowling attack may prevent Sachin's dream of a career world cup title from coming true. Australia is no longer the force it used to be once. The Aussies still possess fiery pace attack but they lack quality spin bowler which is very important in the sub-continent. Ricky Ponting is waning as an inspiring captain due to poor form and their batsmen too have shown their vulnerability against quality spin bowling.
Sri Lanka, England, West Indies and New Zealand can beat any opponent on their day, but don't be surprise if you see South Africa and Pakistan in the final on April 2.
Alum Zeliang, Jalukie town
