Honors will rule our hearts, history will be made in a squirm battle when 16 nations look to lock horns with each other in the quadrennial showpiece down under in early 2015. But the mother of all the battles will be amongst the top 8 sides, Australia, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, New Zealand, England and West Indies. As the word invincibility does not exist in the world of cricket any more, so one can expect breathtaking and nail-biting encounters during the mega event. Amidst battle of such highest order, the team that will peak gradually might conquer in the end. By the look of things, Australia and South Africa pose massive challenges for other teams bcoz the conditions will suit their brand of cricket. Australia I particular will use the home advantage to regain the world cup, while South Africa would love to add one feather to their cricketing glory by winning the mega event. On the other hand, Sri Lanka can topple these heavyweights as they have an excellent team building up with a nice mix of youth and experience. The island nation is not only adept at batting and bowling, but are equally spectacular in fielding, which is something extremely rare in subcontinent. The recent triumphs of Asia Cup, T-20 World Cup, tests and ODIs against England, coupled with the so far dominant show against Pakistan at home, seem to suggest that they have taken the WC preparation in real earnest. With Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakarra and Tilakratne Dilshan likely to feature one last time for the Sri Lankans in the WC, the proud cricketing nation can hope for a history, which was created by them in 1996 when Arjuna Ranatunga led side beat Australia in the final at Lahore.
I doubt whether India would be a force in the WC considering the lackluster performances in the recent past. MS Dhoni and his side will have to play out of their skin to retain the WC title. New Zealand and Pakistan would be the dark horse for this tournament as they possess the ability to beat any side on their days. Caribbeans, despite having intimidating names of Gayle, Pollard and Bravo, may struggle to come to grips with other top sides. I take this opportunity to tow down to the statements made by former English cricketers, Michael Vaughan and Graeme Swann, writing off England’s chances in the tournament. Overall, fun and excitement will go the hilt in Australia and New Zealand. I simply can’t wait for the mega clash to kick off.
PS: The article in written by CricBol.com intern Vikas Das.
