Friday, February 25, 2011

Ind vs Eng; Pak vs SL: The real battle for ICC WC begins

FIVE DAYS have passed since the start of ICC World Cup but nothing interesting has happened except some huge scores by the top teams and big defeats for the minnows. No drama nor any shocking result has taken place.

Should the weaker teams be given a chance to play in the World Cup as they are unable to make any difference? All the top teams who were expected to win their respective matches have showed that they are well prepared for this tournament. So a lot of entertainment is guaranteed as the tournament progresses.

Teams such as Bangladesh and Netherlands have given a courageous fight but that was not enough for a win.

In the first match, Indian batsmen hammered the Bangla bowlers and scored a huge total of 370. It looked like the batting order of Bangladesh will collapse under the pressure of such a massive score, and it will be a cake walk for Indian bowlers. But the Bangla batsmen, in reply, gave their best to entertain the crowd.

The crow also supported the home team as they batted fearlessly. The same approach was shown by the Netherlands against England. The way these two teams are playing makes the competition tougher for the seventh and the eight place for the quarterfinals.

The real battle will begin after South Africa plays against the West Indies. It will be followed by some interesting matches, which will make it interesting for ricket fans. This weekend promises to deliver full excitement. On February 25, defending champion Australia will face New Zealand at Nagpur while the co-hosts Sri Lanka will fight against Pakistan on February 26 at Colombo.

The big match is on Sunday when England will play against the hosts, and favourites India play England at Bengaluru. This match will be the most awaited match in the first week of the world cup and it guarantees lost of thrills and spills.

The empty stands, which is  worrying the organising committee, are likely to be packed on Saturday and Sunday as the home team will be playing.

Australia is the favourites in the match against New Zealand as they are the better side among the two. But with the likes of Styris, Mccullam and Vettori, the Kiwis can surprise the world champions any time. The middle order will be a worry for Ponting, while Vettori will be busy thinking about the strategy to be adopted against the Aussie bowling attack consisting of Lee, Tait and Johnson.  

This speed trio is capable of breaking any batting order in the world. Kreja will be watched closely as he can be the danger man. The Sri Lanka-Pakistan should be a good contest as well as both teams are almost on the same keel though Sri Lanka may have an upper hand. Both teams have won their first match and will be ready for this crucial game. New talent players such as Umar Akmal and Perrera are likley to attract the spotlight.

In the match between India and England, Indians are the clear favourite. The pressure of playing at home can affect the Indian team in both ways. The young brigade of Dhoni along with the experienced campaigner Tendulkar will set the ground on fire when they enter the Chinnaswami stadium. England will have to deal will the crazy Indian crowd and will have to really play well to shut them up. If they succeed in doing so then their world cup campaign will be little easier.

So get ready for some great action on this weekend as the world cup progresses into the second week. Here we go!!

Read More on>>>> ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Cricket Live Score, Cricket World Cup Points Table, Cricket World Cup Schedule

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