Cricket WORLD CUP: Race to the top 4
The cricket world cup is the most awaited moment of the cricketing calendar. It comes once in four years. It helps the sports channel to get a sudden hike in their TRP’s. Each year the world cup is a delight to watch & fans from all over the world come to support their country. It is an event which unites a nation.
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The world cup this year has been a thrilling one. This time instead of 16 there are only the 10 best teams playing in this world cup. The format has changed. Which means each match would be a close match. In this world cup till now there have been some breathtaking catches, destructive bowling performances, & eye-catching innings. Ben stokes catch to dismiss Phelukwayo & Sheldon Cottrell’s one-handed catch on the ropes were the best this year. Eoin Morgan’s quick 148 against Afghanistan & Rohit Sharma’s knock of 140 runs against Pakistan were the best this year. I personally liked Mohammad Amir’s 5 for 30 against Australia, Mitchell Starc’s game changing 5 for 46 against the West indies. Each person would have a different favorite innings or bowling performance or favorite catch. Feel free to give your opinions in the comments section.
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This world cup is going to be close, with many teams playing exceptionally well. Unfortunately, only 4 will qualify for the semifinals. You never know which team might upset the other. Sri Lanka defeating England was one of the biggest upsets this world cup. England were looking strong favorites while Sri Lanka had only won one out of their five matches. I think picking the four semifinalists this year would be a tough call.
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If I were to pick any four semifinalists, I would pick……
1. India-
India are a well-balanced side who remain unbeaten after the halfway stage of the tournament. They have received huge blows after the inform opener Shikhar Dhawan & pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar got injured. Despite that, they are still one of the strongest side in the competition because they have a balanced team & a good bench strength. Rohit Sharma & Rahul always give India the base to reach big totals. Then Virat Kohli helps set a foundation for the middle order. India’s top three are the best in the world without any doubt. Then calm & composed Vijay Shankar can help build an innings if India loses early wickets. If only 10-15 overs are left, then Hardik Pandya & Dhoni can come in & showcase their hard-hitting skills. They also have an extra batsman in Kedar Jadhav who can also play a good innings. India’s spin twins can spin a web around the opponent’s middle order, while Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammad Shami can help the team build pressure by getting early wickets. Bumrah is known to be a very economical bowler whereas Shami is known to get wickets. India are certain favorites. They have ticked all boxes & they are strong contenders to win the world cup this year.
2. Australia
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Australia is the most successful world cup side having won 5 world cups. They are always hungry to take the cup home. Australia are known to have the best openers in the world in David warner & Aaron Finch who provide quick fire starts to the team. The openers along with number three Usman Khawaja help create the base for hard hitters like Maxwell & Stoinis. Steven Smith also helps compose the innings. They also have one of the best pacer in the world in Mitchell Starc who is complemented well by Couter-nile & Pat Cummins. Adam Zampa is a young spinner who is a good wicket taking option. Australia are certain semifinalists & are strong contenders to win the world cup.
3. New Zealand-
I feel New Zealand is an under rated team. They are capable of a lot more than they are expected to do. Colin Munro & Martin Guptill are fiery openers who always give quick starts. They capitalize on the powerplay field restrictions which helps them reach big totals. Then they have a calm & composed player in Kane Williamson who can build big innings & stick in the crease till the end. Their top three complement each other well. Ross Taylor & Tom Latham also help build innings. These two also have the ability to stick till the end. Colin De Grandhomme are having power hitters who close the innings well & help the team finish the game. Mitch Santner can also bat if required & he is also a good spinner of the ball. New Zealand have depth in their batting. Lockie Ferguson & Matt Henry are quick bowlers who clock over 140kmph consistently. They also have a good swinger of the ball in Trent Boult. He has proved to be vital for them & is one of the best new ball bowler in the world. The New Zealand team is a well-balanced side & they compliment each other well. I feel they are certain semi-finalists. They will have to put their best foot forward if they want to lift the world cup for the first time.
4. England-
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England were the number one ODI team coming into the world cup. I feel they are a strong side. Winning 4 out of their 6 matches they are looking to dominate all the team this year. They have a balanced squad. They have a good top order in Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy & Joe root who can build up an innings. Then the middle order which consists of Eoin Morgan, Jos butler & hard-hitting all-rounders in Moeen Ali & Ben stokes. They also have a strong pace attack in Jofra Archer & Mark Wood who constantly clock over 145 kmph. Supporting them there are Chris Woakes & Adil Rashid who are good bowlers & can bat when required. I feel England are one of the most balanced squads this tournament. They are looking good to reach the semifinals but will be getting a tough fight from other countries. There loss to Sri Lanka was like a wake-up call to them. They can’t be complacent if they want to reach the semis.
A lot of other teams are showing character. I feel Bangladesh & Sri Lanka also have a slim chance of qualification. But Australia, India, England & New Zealand are my top four. (not in order). I feel these are the dominant teams this world cup. But you never know, the world cup is a tournament of upsets. Anything can happen. Everyone would have a different opinion on this. Don’t forget to share your opinions in the comment section. I also feel this world cup is going to be a thriller. We have already seen a lot of nail-biting games. I will try to analyse & write another blog this world cup.
Thank you.