Aussies favourites, India dark horses

Cricketnext verdict

Based on our point assessments across various key parameters of major World Cup competing teams, we have come to the following conclusions: -

Semi Finalists: South Africa, New Zealand, India and Australia

Winner: Australia

Forget the recent downslide and even the crippling injuries, Australia remain favorites to win a hard hat-trick of World Cups. Sir Gary Sobers may end up playing perfect host. The Australian juggernaut will roll, roll-over and rule.

New Zealand seemed an unstoppable force in 1992, until a younger and less corpulent Inzamam-ul-Haq of Pakistan upset the Kiwi-cart in the semi-finals. But 2007, and after pummeling the Aussies in two consecutive record chases, Craig McMillan & Co. are dangerously ominous. The Black Caps look mean, hungry and ready for a chase (literally!). New Zealand should ‘Bond’ all the way to the semi-finals.

We seriously doubt if the South Africans are gleefully gloating over the default No 1 ODI ICC rankings themselves. But deep down inside they know that they have their best chance to break the World Cup jinx.

We believe that while a semi-final berth seems highly probable, they could do with some reading of Duckworth-Lewis calculations, should heavenly interventions occur (remember 1992 and 2003??).

The Indians have threatened to prosper, and ended up flattering to deceive in the past. This time though the team composition looks solid and they have tasted honey-sweet success of late. We expect Dravid’s Dadas to make the last four grade convincingly. After that, it is anyone’s game. Maybe Sachin Tendulkar will still have the last hurrah. May be on April 28.

Sri Lanka could be the biggest spoiler of India’s chances to make it to the last four stage, as they are a rejuvenated side, and can be highly unpredictable. We see them as running all the semi-finalists close, but finally falling short of the finishing line. M Murlitharan’s teesra also may not do the trick for them.

Pakistan remains a raw, rustic and robust team that can suddenly crumble into sawdust. The coach will slap someone, or someone will slap a spectator. Or better still, they will all be slapping each other. Brilliant individual talent, yes, but a collective disaster. Will board the Rawalpindi Express homeward bound on time.

The West Indies will do an occasional samba, but no Calypso music and gyrating to drum-beats will save them. Extinction guaranteed to the gracious hosts, Brian Lara’s bombastic predictions notwithstanding. Sure, it will be hard for local fans, but barring an occasional flash and dash, don’t expect no fireworks.

England will go all out to save the Queen but they are likely to return early to see Tim Henman practice for his farewell Wimbledon. No chance!