World Cup Cricket 2007

Once upon a time I was a cricket fanatic and a quite decent player for my University. When I got visa to USA I was pretty excited, on the back of my mind there was a plan to go attend World Cup 2007 at Caribbean. Although I was a passionate cricket follower, I had never got an opportunity to see top notch matches in the stadium, so Caribbean was my best shot.

However, after staying here in USA my lifestyle changed completely, out of the blue I became football (American) follower. Not only did I lose my interest in cricket, I decided to save my vacation to go visit Nepal instead of Caribbean. Only time will tell if I made smart choice or not.

I still follow the scores, but I wonder will I have the same patience and time to watch a long cricket match. Anyways, I have decided to scratch my head and list my prediction of top five countries that can lift the Cup.

1. Australia: ‘Mates’ are the most complete team of the tournament. They have all the firepower as well as genuine professionalism a cricket team will ever need. The only drawback could be their inexperienced bowling and aging superstars. Besides, one day cricket can be turned around by individual brilliance, if they are unfortunate enough to face the music when the likes of Lara’s or Tendulkar’s are on song. In addition, I am hoping they do not win this time, for the sake of Cricket.

2. India: ‘Bhai log’ always boast a strong batting line up on the paper, and it’s no different this time too. However, this time they also have a very efficient bowling line up. The slowing Caribbean pitches will ensure that they keep their ribcage intact, that’s a big morale booster for them. Lack of big match temperament/attitude and indifferent fielding could lead to their downfall.

3. West Indies: ‘Bob Marley’s’ this year have good chance of wiping the jinx that host nation can never win the cup. One day game can be one man show, just ask South Africa what Lara is capable of. Besides Lara, they have Cool Gayle who can turn the match on his own (and has done many times before). All they have to do is ensure that they don’t drop more than 2 catches a match and give less than 20 runs in extras. Oh yes, batsman should quit playing games like “who returns to pavilion fastest”.

4. South Africa: ‘Mandela’s’ are always regarded the favorites, never living up to their expectation. They are the only team in the tournament who can win match even after its five down in 10 overs. All-rounders are their strength, and they have lots of them. The only drawback besides being a ‘choker’ is they have one dimensional bowling attack, if they get a dust bowl pitch then they are over and out.

5. Sri Lanka: ‘Ranatunga’s’ are full of hustlers, they would be licking their lips in prospect of playing at slow sluggish wicket. They have army of slow bowlers that can turn their arm over and ensure that the ball remains low. Besides, Sanath ‘Albert Pujol’ Jaisurya at top of the order, they have class batsman like Sangakara & Jayawardana who can thwart any attack. However if Vaas and Muralitharan have a bad day they have no one to turn into. I personally don’t like their ‘containing’ type cricket.