ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 : Fever Starts

[fida jan]

and why the hell dardo jumped from 1983 world cup to 1996 world cup

didnt he like 1992 world cup lolzz

 

[KS]

yuvraj in place for R ashwin..not srisanth...moreover, sreesanth is not in the squad, so there is no question about that.

Raina is perfect...at his place.

Harbhajan plays the specialist bowler role and Indian team have many part time spineers..like sehwag,yusuf pathan,yuvraj,Raina,Sachin..so spin deptt is taken care of with lot of options..and oncluding Raina gives us an extra batsman.

ji...we need atleast 4 specialist bowlers......nowadays bhajji is playing the role of the 8 th batsman perfectly and Praveen kumar too can bat.

 

[Ammyy]

Down Memory Lane: The 1992 Cricket World Cup

After its inception in 1975, the World Cup had slowly developed as the biggest spectacle of the cricketing calendar. The first four editions of this quadrennial event had been hugely successful and it was definitely helping the objective of bringing people closer to the game. The fifth edition in1991-92, sponsored by Benson and Hedges and jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, continued that trend. A number of changes were introduced this time around. The return of South Africa to international cricket meant that there were nine teams in contention now instead of the usual eight. For the first time, the players would be seen in coloured clothing. It was also the first time that floodlights were going to be used in World Cup matches and so the red ball was to be replaced by a white one to provide better visibility under lights. The format was also changed and now a team had to play each of the other eight teams once in the round-robin stage with the top four teams making it to the semi finals. Defending champions Australia were hot favourites as they would be playing in their home turf. However, a few other sides like England, Pakistan, India and West Indies also looked good on paper. The tournament threw up quite a few surprises and there was no shortage of drama. In the end it was Pakistan who walked away with their first ever World Cup title.

Martin Crowe's form with the bat and innovative captaincy helped New Zealand top the league stage

In the league stage, it was New Zealand who set the pace early on. Skipper Martin Crowe led from the front with the bat as the Kiwis kept on winning match after match. Crowe’s strategy to open the bowling with a spinner, Dipak Patel, worked wonderfully as the offie managed to tie down the batsmen when the fielding restrictions were on. Crowe also used Mark Greatbach as a pinch-hitter at the top of the order to play the aerial shots so as to take advantage of the fielding restrictions. The Kiwis went on to win seven of their eight league matches, losing only the last one to Pakistan. They went into the semi-finals as the topper of the league stage. However, co-hosts Australia didn’t get off to a great start. Losses against the Kiwis and South African weren’t the best results. They did manage to sneak past India by a solitary run, but England put them back on the losing side. The Aussies went on to win three of their remaining four matches, but that wasn’t good enough to secure a semi-final berth. Their main problem was the lack of consistent performances in the batting department, something that also led to the downfall of the West Indies. They too ended with a record similar to that of Australia, four victories and four losses, and therefore failed to make it to the semis.

South Africa's performance in the 1992 World Cup raised quite a few eyebrows

South Africa made a fairy tale debut in the World Cup stage, crushing co-hosts and defending champions Australia by 9 wickets. Kepler Wessels marshalled his troops well and led by example, chipping in handsomely with the bat. The Proteas had a good run in the league stages and they managed to make it to the semis. Like South Africa, two-time runners-up England too had a good run in the league stage. They lost the last two matches to New Zealand and Zimbabwe, but that couldn’t stop them from making it to the semis. The champions of 1983, India didn’t have a great campaign. Just two wins out of eight against Pakistan and Zimbabwe was a big disappointment for the players and the fans back home. The situation was similar for India’s island neighbours Sri Lanka also. They too managed to win only two matches in the entire league stage. As a result, both India and Sri Lanka had to take the early flight back after the league stage.

Jonty runs out Inzamam in the group match between Pakistan and South Africa

However, things were different for the third Asian country in contention, Pakistan. Three defeats, a win and a no result in the first five matches was not the perfect start. But skipper Imran Khan did an excellent job in getting his troops to believe in themselves. He led with confidence, something that reflected on the rest of the team and Pakistan went on to win the three remaining matches to make it to the semis finals. They had a bit of luck too on their side. In the match against England, Pakistan were bowled out for just 74. Nothing short of a miracle could stop them from losing. Their prayers didn’t go in vain as the rain came down when England were 24 for 1. The match was washed off and both teams got a point each. This was a decisive point because had Pakistan lost the match, they wouldn’t have qualified for the semis. The Zimbabweans were undoubtedly the minnows of the World Cup and not many great things were expected from them. However, they managed to put up a decent fight at times and an upset victory over England was much more than what they might have expected. It was no surprise that they ended the league stage at the bottom of the table.

Inzamam turns one to the on-side during his match winning knock in the semi-final

The first semi-final was played between New Zealand and Pakistan at Auckland. Crowe’s (91) good form with the bat continued and he combined well with Ken Rutherford (58) to take New Zealand to a respectable total of 262. Pakistan’s reply was a bit slow to start with and New Zealand seemed to have the situation well under control. But just when a spot in the final was in sight, a young Inzamam-ul Haq played a breezy cameo that changed the entire match scenario. His 37-ball 60 took Pakistan to the doorstep of victory. Moin Khan and Javed Miandad completed the job to take Pakistan to their first ever World Cup final. The second semi-final between England and South Africa at Sydney was a highly controversial one. Graeme Hick anchored England’s innings with a steady 83 to set South Africa a target of 253 to win. South Africa’s chase was fuelled by tidy cameos and small partnerships throughout the top and middle order. The equation was down to 22 runs off 13 deliveries with Brian McMillan and Dave Richardson at the crease when the rain Gods decided to intervene. The twelve minutes of rain that followed spilled water on South Africa’s World Cup dream. After the stoppage, the scoreboard suddenly read 22 required to win off just one delivery. McMillan could only manage a single of the final delivery and England were through to their third World Cup final.

Wasim Akram celebrates that wicket of Allan Lamb that turned the match in Paksitan's favour

The World Cup final at Melbourne was a match that lived up the high expectations of the people. Each team had its moments and the momentum kept swinging from one side to the other. England got on top initially, dismissing the openers and giving away just 24 runs in the first nine overs. However, A 139-run third wicket partnership between Imran (72) and Miandad (58) set up a wonderful platform for the batsmen to follow. Inzamam and Wasim Akram made full use of it in the slog overs. The former chipped in with 42 off 35 deliveries while Akram contributed 33 off just 18. England lost wickets quite regularly until Neil Fairbrother and Allan Lamb got together to steady the ship. The duo seemed were going on quite well before Akram struck twice in consecutive deliveries. He bowled a two unplayable deliveries that accounted for Lamb (31) and Chris Lewis. Fairbrother hung around for a while before perishing for 63. That was the last nail in the coffin for England. The tailenders threw their bat around for a while, but it wasn’t enough and England eventually fell short by 22 runs.

Imran Khan with the World Cup trophy

The success of the fifth cricket World Cup was unprecedented. More than 87000 people watched the final even though neither of the host nations had reached it. It was also claimed that the global television audience exceeded 1 billion in as many as 29 countries. Pakistan did well to pick themselves up after the initial setbacks to defy all odds and win the title. Wasim Akram was awarded the man-of-the-match in the final. He was also the highest wicket taker of the tournament. Martin Crowe, the highest run-getter, was declared the player of the series. The World Cup saw the emergence of a number of promising youngsters like Brian Lara, Inzamam-ul Haq and Allan Donald, all of whom went on to become greats of the game. It was also the last World Cup for some legends like Ian Botham, Vivian Richards, Allan Border and the winning skipper, Imran Khan. Some incidents like Jonty Rhodes running in from point and diving to hit the stumps and run out Inzamam, Javen Miandad jumping so as to imitate Kiran More and More running out Crowe with a neat back-flick are still fresh in the minds of people who witnessed the incidents. The World Cup also exposed the flaws of the method used to deal with rain affected matches. The tournament not only generated huge profits, it also touched countless hearts across the world.

 

[Ammyy]

and why the hell dardo jumped from 1983 world cup to 1996 world cup

didnt he like 1992 world cup lolzz

Sirji please check again .... that time link about 1992 world cup not working but now its fine

 

[Mirza Jatt]

ji...we need atleast 4 specialist bowlers......nowadays bhajji is playing the role of the 8 th batsman perfectly and Praveen kumar too can bat.

sachin
Gambhir
Sehwag
Kohli /raina
Dhoni
Y.Pathan
Yuvraj
Harbhajan
Zaheer
Nehra
Munaf/Praveen

now what about this team ??

 

[Ammyy]

sachin
Gambhir
Sehwag
Kohli /raina
Dhoni
Y.Pathan
Yuvraj
Harbhajan
Zaheer
Nehra
Munaf/Praveen

now what about this team ??

I think Kohli is in good touch so either yuvraj or raina

 

[Mirza Jatt]

I think Kohli is in good touch so either yuvraj or raina

agreed....

 

[Ammyy]

Down Memory Lane: The 2003 Cricket World Cup

The cricket World Cup had over the years helped the game grow considerably at the global level. The popularity of cricket had increased manifolds and more and more countries were taking up the game. The eighth World Cup, in 2003 hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya, saw as many as fourteen teams participating. It was the first time that four ICC Associate members, Netherlands, Canada, Namibia and Kenya, were part of the tournament. Netherlands and Namibia were put in group A along with Australia, India, England, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Group B comprised Kenya, Canada, Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and New Zealand. The format adopted in the 1999 World where the group stage was followed by a super-six stage before the semi-finals was continued with. Each team was to play the other six teams in its group in the first stage with the top three teams of each group moving into the super-six, carrying forward the points earned in the league stage against the other qualifying teams. The teams would then play the qualifying teams from the other group in the super six with the top four teams of this stage moving into the semi-finals. Defending champions, Australia had been dominating world cricket for the past couple of years and they were hot favourites to retain their title. Hosts South Africa were expected to be tough competitors at home while India and Pakistan too had good squads on paper. Australia lost Shane Warne due to a failed drugs test hours before the start of the tournament, but they lived up to the tag of favourites and lifted the World Cup, winning all their 11 matches in the process.

Sachin Tendulkar was in the form of his life during the World Cup

Australia eased past most of their opponents with ease in the group stage. They were in difficult situations against Pakistan and England, but Andrew Symonds came to the rescue on the first occasion with a murderous 143 while against England it was Michael Bevan and Andy Bichel taking the Aussies home with a 73-run ninth wicket partnership. Australia ended the group stage with a 100% win record and they topped group A. Pakistan lost their matches against Australia and England by big margins and they were also defeated quite comfortably by arch-rivals India. They still could have made it to the semis, but their match against Zimbabwe was washed off and that brought the curtains down on their World Cup ambitions. The result hugely benefitted the Zimbabweans who were able to make it to the super-six for the second time in consecutive World Cups. They were also helped by the fact that England refused to play in Harare due to safety reasons and the ICC decided to award the match to the Zimbabweans.

India started shakily, recording an unimpressive win over Netherlands before being crushed by the Aussies. But Sourav Ganguly’s men picked themselves up and led by star batsman Sachin Tendulkar, the Indians went on to win their next four group matches to take second spot behind Australia. England’s decision not to tour Zimbabwe cost them dearly as they now had to beat two out of Australia, India and Pakistan to ensure progress into the super six stage. They defeated Pakistan and has Australia on the rocks, but Bevan and Bichel denied England a victory. A loss against India meant that England had to return home after the group stage. The minnows in the group, Netherlands and Namibia lost each of their matches against the top sides by comfortable margins. The Netherlands, making their second World Cup appearance after 1996, managed to beat Namibia to take the sixth spot in group A.

A dejected South African dressing room after being knocked out from the group stage

Hosts South Africa had a disastrous World Cup campaign despite Herschelle Gibbs’ wonderful form at the top of the order. They started off with a close 3 run loss at the hands of West Indies. A poor bowling performance led to a defeat against New Zealand. A terrible mis-calculation meant that their match against Sri Lanka ended in a tie. The South African dressing-room sent word to the batsmen, Mark Boucher and Lance Klusener, that the Duckworth/Lewis target at the end of the 45th over was 229, provided they lost no more wickets. Boucher achieved this by hitting the fifth ball from Muttiah Muralitharan for six and then blocking the last. But unfortunately for the Proteas, they had actually tied the match, a result that was not good enough to take them through. Sri Lanka topped group B with four wins and a tie. A shock defeat against Kenya was the only blotch on an otherwise flawless campaign. West Indies too didn’t have luck on their side as their match against Bangladesh was washed off by rain. Points were shared and West Indies bowed out of the group stage.

Kenya's fairytale run to the semi-final surprised one and all

The biggest success story of the group stage was Kenya. New Zealand’s refusal to play in Nairobi due to security reasons gave Kenya full points for the match without even a ball being bowled. Leg-spinner Collins Obuya’s five-wicket haul gave them a surprise victory over Sri Lanka and another win against Bangladesh to follow it up saw them through to the super six. Despite missing out on what would have possibly been a comfortable victory against Kenya, New Zealand made it to the next stage. They lost their opening match against the Lankans, but wins against South Africa and West Indies were enough to take them through. Canada’s supporters too had some moments to cheer about as their team pulled off an incredible win over Bangladesh, a side that had just attained test status. John Davison provided more joy as he struck the fastest World Cup century ever against West Indies. Bangladesh had a very disappointing campaign, losing all their matches to end at the bottom of the table.

Brett Lee was in electrifying form in the super six stage

Brett Lee was devastating in the super six for Australia, picking up 11 wickets in three matches to lead his team to three comfortable victories. India too notched three comprehensive victories to book a semi-final berth as the second placed team behind Australia. New Zealand started with a win against Zimbabwe, but despite Shane Bond’s heroics with the ball, they suffered crushing defeats against India and Australia. They hadn’t carried forward any points from the group stages either and hence they failed to make it to the last four.

Kenya’s fairytale run in the World Cup continued as they became the only African team to reach the semis ahead of their more fancied co-hosts, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Kenyans had carried over maximum possible points from the group stage and so a win over Zimbabwe was good enough to take them through. Sri Lanka recovered well from big defeats against Australia and India to register a comfortable victory over Zimbabwe that took them through to the last four. Zimbabwe, another surprise in the super-six stage, could not progress any further as they lost each of their matches in the super six to crash out of the tournament.

Sourav Ganguly raises his bat after reaching three figures in the semi-final

The semi-finals failed to provide much thrill as both the matches turned out to be one-sided affairs. Sri Lanka had Australia in a spot of bother at 3 for 51, but Symonds once again bailed the Aussies out of trouble, this time with a responsible unbeaten 91 that took Australia to 212. The Lankan top order succumbed to the pace of Lee and they were 7 wickets down for just 123 when rain interrupted play. No further play was possible and the Aussies were declared winners by 48 runs by the Duckworth-Lewis method. Kenya’s dream run was finally halted by the Indians as a century from skipper, Sourav Ganguly took them to a convincing 91-run victory that saw them through to the final of the World Cup for the first time since ‘Kapil’s Devils’ had won it in 1983.

Ricky Ponting celebrates his match-winning century in the final

The final at Johannesburg saw the two best teams in the tournament, Australia and India, facing each other. Ganguly’s decision to field first after winning the toss back fired as the Australian openers punislhed the new- ball bowlers with a 105-run partnership in just 14 overs. Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting and Damien Martin took charge after their departure as the duo put together an unbeaten 224 run third wicket stand that took Australia to a mammoth 359. Ponting ended with 140 off just 121 deliveries while Martyn contributed 88 off 81. Much of India’s hopes rested on the in-form Sachin Tendulkar, but his dismissal in the very first over made the task all the more difficult. Sehwag hung around at one end for an almost run-a-ball 82, but there was no support from the other. India were bowled out within 40 overs for just 234. Australia’s victory margin of 125 runs was the highest in a World Cup final in terms of runs. Ponting was the obvious choice for the man-of-the-match award for his destructive knock.

A jubilant Australian team after winning the World Cup

Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run-getter in the tournament, was declared the player of the tournament. Sri Lankan left-arm pacer, Chaminda Vaas, ended as the highest wicket-taker. Controversies on and off the field threatened to divert the attention away from the action, but the quality of cricket didn’t allow that to happen. England’s boycott of Zimbabwe grabbed headlines for a few days. Andy Flower and Henry Olonga of Zimbabwe were censured by the ICC for their black arm-band protest against the country’s President. Australia deserve special mention for their ruthless brand of cricket that kept people hooked to the on-field action. The Aussies became the first team since West Indies in 1979 to go unbeaten throughout the tournament. The only disappointment for viewers was the fact that the semis and the final turned out to be one-sided affairs. In terms of financial profits, this World Cup was the most successful by a long way despite the elimination of the main hosts, South Africa, from the group stage itself. By winning their second World Cup on the trot, Australia re-affirmed their domination of world cricket.

 

[Ammyy]

Cricket World cup 2011 : The “Might”y Aussies

With the World cup fever catching on, I thought of giving my opinion about the teams participating in the tournament So I start of with defending champs Australia.

THE SQUAD
Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vc), Shane Watson, Cameron White, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin (wk), Tim Paine (wk), John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Doug Bollinger.

4th IN A ROW ??

After dominating two World cup campaigns and bagging 4th world title in 2007, Australia should be the hot favourite coming into the tournament, but somewhere down the line even a die hard Aussie fan would be thinking, are they really the favourites ??

THE HOPE

Aussies always had the services of the best openers of a particular era in each of their World Cup triumphs, but this time around the opening pair is the biggest concern the Australian outfits faces. Shane Watson has most definitely cemented his place and even 40 per cent comparison to great Mark Waugh won’t hurt here. Watson is an asset for Australia if sub continent pitches are taken into consideration. He always had the power and technique to play up front but what makes him the lethal weapon for the Aussies is his maturity and the level of understanding he has developed for the game. And moreover, he is no schmuck with the ball either.

Mr. Cricket, Mike Hussey would be the biggest hope for the Ricky Ponting in this World Cup. Since his late debut in 2004 in ODI’s he has never looked back. If Ricky Pointing and Adam Gilchrist were the big match players for Aussies, this time around it would be Mr. Cricket, Michael Hussey. Provided he gets fit before the world cup after his surgery.

Mitchell Johnson for me would be the spearhead of this bowling attack though its boosts the like of Lee and Bollinger. For me the best opening bowlers for Australia are Johnson and Bollinger.

THE WORRIES

Well, lot of worries for sure and to start of with, it’s the batting, Watson is yet to find a solid opening partner. Brad Haddin, though in the recent series against England is trying very hard to fill in the boots of Adam Gilchrist. His short yet effective run a ball innings is hurting England but same cannot be said once he reaches the subcontinent. Also Tim Paine the second wicketkeeper and attacking batsmen seems to be more stable but he hasn’t proved much to earn a World cup game. Omission of David Warner is baffling.
In the bowling department, Brett Lee and Shaun Tait are like the Pandora’s Box, the two fastest bowlers, one a proven match winner but coming from a long injury lay off and the other like a jet without radar could be a risky gamble taken by the selectors. Siddle would have made more sense than Shaun Tait.

SURPRISE ELEMENT

Steven Smith and Nathan Hauritz are the lesser known faces in the Australian setup. Hauritz, though vastly experienced and being a spinner could be decisive in sub continent. He is miserly as he looks but wicket taking abilities are a question mark.
Steven Smith on the other hand would double up as an all rounder. He has shown great temperament and can hit the ball real hard and his leg break could be very effective in placid wickets.
Equally good would be Cameroon White. He can very well be equated to Yusuf Pathan, a notch higher maybe.
John Hastings selection keeping in mind Australia already had 3 all rounders is a bit confusing. But Hastings credentials in domestic circuit and his immaculate bowling performances in death overs is probably why he is in the squad. Though, Warner could have been there instead of Hastings.

CHANCES

4 time World Champions, you just cannot shrug them of even if they have a bad day at the office. Clearly not the favourites but much better than dark horses, 3rd in line to take the trophy I may say.

 

[Ammyy]

A look at the teams in the lead up to the World Cup

Admittedly a lot can change between now and the start of the World Cup in 2011,but this is my preview of the strengths and weaknesses of the teams.Ill look at 6 categories as follows:
1.Strengths
2.Weaknesses
3.Depth
4.Fielding
5.Key Players
6.Chances

Australia:

Strengths:In truth even though they have struggled of late. Few would doubt the Aussies are still the best Odi team going around.I say this because unlike other teams who pay homage to the litany of meaningless Odi tournaments going on.Australia chooses to use them as a grooming process for younger players.When there’s a big tournament on their big guns reappear.Though they are on the wane in tests. In Odi’s where the standard isn’t as high and players can hide technical and temperament deficiences.Players like Ferguson,White,Lee,Tait who aren’t test class compliment the greats like Ponting,Watson,Hussey and others in the shorter form of the game
Weaknesses.Though not as pronounced in Odi’s for spinners get very cheap wickets for batsmen have to attack. The Aussies lack a very good spinner.In Hauritz,Smith,Doherty,O’Keefe and others they are average,but in Odi’s get the job done
Depth:Unlike in tests where bar fast bowlers,they have little depth in batting or spin bowling. In Odi’s they have many players who can make an impact
Fielding: There not as good as they were but still very good
Key Players:Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting
Chances:Id still rate them as the favourites in the tournament

Bangladesh:

Strengths:In Shakib and Tamim are there two brighter young stars in the World of cricket? Also like Sri Lanka in the 96 World Cup. In Asian conditions their spinners will play a huge part in their fortunes headed by Shakib’s very refined spin.Also their batting is very underatted in Odi’s.
Weaknesses:The lack of a front line seam bowler will hurt them.For although Mortaza is indeed big hearted.He has had issues with control.
Depth:In Odi’s they have depth in the spin department, but not in other areas
Fielding:For an Asian team they are very enthusiastic and above average in this area of the game
Key Players:Shakib and Tamim
Chances.I can’t see them winning it ,but can see them being very dangerous even an outsider to make the Semi’s. For Asian conditions so favour their side

England:

Strengths:A very professional side with strength in all aspects of the game.They have steel and explosiveness in their batting with Pieterson,Strauss,Morgan,Collingwood and the like.They are very well stocked in their bowling in all aspects in regards to pace and spin with Swann the forefront of this.Then their fielding is top class.Plus believe they can win anything
Weaknesses:I can’t think of many that they have
Depth:Like Australia are very well stocked in regards to depth.Though unlike Australia have very decent spinners in reserve,who can be impactful
Fielding:An exceptional fielding side
Key Players:Kevin Pietersen and Greame Swann
Chances: Definitely one of the favourites

India:

Strengths:In their batting they are very well stocked with many explosive types like Yuvraj,Dhoni,Raina,Sehwag and others and then they have Sachin-need I say more.They have many spin options that are all very useful in Odi cricket.Then there pace attack though not threatening gets the job done in limited overs cricket.
Weaknesses:Their main one is their pace attack which is adequate,but lacks penetration.Plus the fact it is on Asian soil means they have to deal with huge expectations.That can’t be discounted for no host has ever won a World Cup!
Depth.In batting very well stocked.Also in the spin depratment they are very well stocked though in pace they are vulnerable
Fielding:Very decent for an Asian team and in the youngster coming in their all great fielders
Key Players:M.S.Dhoni and sachin Tendulkar
Chances:They have the team to win it,but I don’t think they will

New Zealand:

Strengths:The kiwi’s are always well drilled and well performed in Odi cricket,but always come up a bit short.In their batting it can be explosive highlighted by players like McCullum,Ryder and Taylor.Then the precocious young brilliant batsman Kane Williamson has the pedrigree to made an impression.Then their bowling is highlighted by Dan Vettori.At present don’t know if he’s retired from all cricket,but if Shane Bond is available it will make them very dangerous indeed.Also very well captained by Vettori.
Weaknesses:They lack penetration and depth in their pace stocks,so on batting friendly Asian pitches might get flayed.
Fielding:One of their strengths.A very fine fielding side
Depth:In New Zealand, Rugby is king,so cricket is very much a splinter sport as a result very little depth
Key Players:McCullum and Dan Vettori
Chances: I can’t see them going too far

Pakistan:

Strengths:The strength of Pakistan in any form of the game is their unpredictability.They can go undefeated and win the tournament or get beaten by a Hong Kong invitational veterans side.Also politics in this fine Country always defies logic in regards to team selection.Also the fate of their trio of players in january is key to their chances.If Asif,Butt and Aamer can play they will be formidable.I have a feeling they will get off for if the case was so conclusive they would have got outed indefinitely by now.
Weaknesses:Their unpredictability is their key one for you don’t know what you’ll get.Plus the PCB always kills anything that is good in their side.Lastly their fielding is very substandard
Fielding:It sadly borders on comical,which in limited overs cricket is a killer
Depth:There are many great young players in Pakistan,but again it depends on the PCB picking them……..
Key Players:If free to play then in Asif and Aamer they form a new ball attack that can run through any batting line up.Otherwise Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi
Chances:It all depends on the fate of their accused trio.If their free to play then they are a big chance otherwise I can’t see them going far for their bowling is very weak

South Africa:

Strengths:They have the side to win it but we say this every World Cup.In Dale Steyn they have easily the best bowler in the World of cricket.He is very well supported by Morne Morkel,Parnell,Tsosobe,Botha and others.In batting they are formidable with Smith,Amla,De Villiers,Kallis and the late order hitting of Albie Morkel and others.To top their all round appeal their fielding is exceptional
Weaknesses.None on the field,but in the mental aspect that’s a question.For they always come up short when it matters.Though they have improved from their mental midget days of Smith complaining about the ‘Big bad Aussies picking on him’.They still have question marks in this regard
Fielding:Truly exceptional
Depth;Again truly exceptional in regards to young talent on the verge of the side
Key Playersale Steyn and A.B.De.Villiers
Chances:One of the favourites without doubt

Sri Lanka:

Strengths:In Asian conditions they are definitely one of the favourites.Their batting highlighted by Sangakkara and Mahela and supported by others is very good indeed.Then their bowling in both spin and pace is very well served.Plus their fielding is top shelf in quality
Weaknesses.In truth they don’t have many being a very fine limited overs cricket side
Fielding:One of the best if not the best in the World
Depth:Very good indeed.I hope Dinesh Chandimal and Chamara Kapugedera play for there very good young players
Key Players:Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga
Chances:I think are probably the favourites going into the tournament

West Indies:

Strengths:They are a decent Odi side with many dangerous players like Chris Gayle,Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo.Though their side has many profound weaknesses that are hard to wall paper over.Even in the shorter forms of the game.They are capable of upsetting good sides,but a sustained run I think is beyond them.
Weaknesses:In all aspects of the game they have glaring weaknesses.Also they have been reduced to bickering Islands again and more worrying is their lack of respect for the proud heritages of West Indian cricket.As shown in a few not wanting to sign central contacts
Fielding.A decent fielding side
Depth.Very little depth
Key Players:Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard
Chances:They might surprise a few,but can’t see them going far

To the 5 associate teams in Kenya, Ireland,Holland, Zimbabwe and Canada who made it well done.I don’t think you will go very far in the tournament.Though i’d be pleasantly surprised if you proved me wrong!

 

[Enigma]

donno why that lousy a$$ munaf was selected, i hate him to the core

most of the times he get thrashed all over the ground, simply why was IRFAN PATHAN even not been considered ???

Irfan is a an all rounder and we need trustworthy allrounders like abdul razzak.

 

[Mirza Jatt]

donno why that lousy a$$ munaf was selected, i hate him to the core

most of the times he get thrashed all over the ground, simply why was IRFAN PATHAN even not been considered ???

Irfan is a an all rounder and we need trustworthy allrounders like abdul razzak.

Irfan should have been considered, but my friend why do you say that for Munaf ??

after zaheer, he is the key pacer for India....infact more acccurate bowler of wicket to wicket than even Zaheer...he compromised his speed for years to achieve thsi or else he can easily bowl over 150 kms each and very bowl. infact he is in a great form currently which selectors kept in mind..and whic can be tapped in this world cup.

 

[alibaz]

DARDO a nice analysis of teams but I don't think Aamir, Asif or Butt will play. May be Aamir has a extremely remote chance but not others. I don't think Asif can be very effective in Sub continent conditions considering his speed.
You are very right unpredictability is the strongest and weakest point of Pakistan team.
Tournament will be very interesting because no team is unbeatable like last two world cups.

 

[Major Sahab]

Best of luck Pakistan.

 

[Super Falcon]

Article is written by indian only 2 pakistani we are not that bad Umer Akmal is another proving prospect hit the bowl long way when he is on song he is AB de Villerd of pakistan and how can they forget umer gul and shoaib akhter