Daily Times

It’s been four years since we saw the mighty Australians continue their tyrannical rule over their fellow cricketing partners. But much has evolved and revolutionized since that fine Australian summer night in MCG.

Now we move ourselves to jolly old England where the sport itself was invented. A place not really known for cricket any more but football, royalty and fish n’ chips. But having already hosted four World Cups, England sees it as a chance for change in the cricketing world. For once it’s no longer a haven for the bowlers but has rather transformed into a batsmen’s paradise.

The English themselves will tell you that. With teams posting momentous totals soaring over 400, even the Indian captain Kohli stated, “England obsessed with getting 500” it’s going to be a rollercoaster, while the English captain Eoin Morgan made a statement, “A team will get 500”. Let’s just hope the English weather is on the winning side as it is notorious to be a travesty for cricketing conditions.

Moving back to scoring 500. For teams now it’s PUH EASY. With players like Jos butler, Virat Kohli, Johnny Bairstow (don’t forget the Windies), Chris Gayle and Glenn Maxwell it will be probably be raining sixes in English pitches instead of usual summer rain. And if you ask me, the conditions have become any bowler’s nightmare. (Just look what happened in the recently concluded England vs Pakistan series). To make it worse Grounds like Trent Bridge have averaged net run rates of 7.20.

To make it even better, the Afghanistan and Bangladesh cricket teams have scored over 300 plus in such heavenly conditions. So, it’s anyone’s guess who’s going to win.

THE FAVOURITES

So let’s cut to the chase. Who’s going to win the World cup.

1. England

As we discussed previously the hosts have packed quite a bunch in the past couple of years. Scoring 350 – no problem, 400 – stroll in the park, 450 – first to do it, 500 – easy. Just name it and the Englishmen have done it. Considering it’s their home grounds they’re an even bigger threat. With the highest net run rate in first ten overs (6.20) and highest win percentage (66%) maybe for the first time “Cricket might be coming home”.

2. India (or Kohli XI)

The overlords of cricket, the Kings of South Asia and perhaps England’s biggest obstacle….King Kohli and his Indian squad. With the likes of Dhoni, Dhawan, double century makers like Rohit Sharma and the captain himself this World Cup is surely in their grasps. Being 2nd in ODI rankings and having won a World cup here this title could very much be theirs to lose. By winning they could redeem what they lost in 2015.

So, this might well be the most exciting World Cup and most likely the highest scoring one to date.

3. Pakistan (Always the Dark Horse)

The walking stereotypes. Well considering they won the Champion’s Trophy they are always the probable favourites. Their recent data shows they have a strong batting line-up. They have one of the most dangerous bowling attacks. Moreover, they are most likely to defeat England keeping in mind 1992 World Cup and 2017 champions trophy. But whenever or wherever, the Shaheens never fail to impress. They might be this tournament’s biggest disappointment or upset. You just watch!!!

The writer is an O-level student