World Cup Predictions
Printed From: Cricket World
Category: The Archives
Forum Name: World Cup 2007
Forum Discription: Archived discussion of the ICC CWC 2007
URL: http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3121
Printed Date: 19 May 2013 at 8:39pm Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.71 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: World Cup Predictions
Posted By: -JP-
Subject: World Cup Predictions
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 12:30pm
I did try to get this going in the Shoutbox, but anyway:
Have a look http://www.cricketworld.com/media_centre/article/?aid=9253 - here , and post your own predictions in this thread.
Who do you think will win? Who will make the semis? Who will be the star of the tournament?
Give us some reasons for your choices, as well.
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Replies:
Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 12:39pm
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Semi's: Aus, S.L, W.I and S.A.
Final: Aus and S.A.
Winner: S.A.
Star player: Chris Gayle or Mohammed Yousuf.
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Posted By: HITMAN
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 2:01pm
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Semi's: Aus, S.L, W.I and S.A.
Final: Aus and S.A.
Winner: Aus
Star player: M.Hayden or S.Clarke
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Posted By: Vipera russelli
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 2:21pm
Semi Finals - Aus vs SL and SAF vs NZ
Finals - Aus/SL vs SAF
Winner - Aus/SL
Star Players: Ponting, Lara and Sangakkara
------------- Diuretics are used to look good in TV shows
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Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 2:56pm
Originally posted by -JP-
Give us some reasons for your choices, as well.
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Posted By: HITMAN
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 4:13pm
well 1st im an australin so illd neva bet againt
S.A are doing great atm (vs PAK?)
i think it will be close but aus will hit a 7 of the last abll to win (1nb 1run and 4 overthrows)
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Posted By: -JP-
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 4:27pm
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I think I preferred it without reasons.
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Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 4:45pm
Originally posted by Clobber
Originally posted by -JP-
Give us some legible reasons for your choices, as well.
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maybe now...though I don't hold out much hope
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Posted By: Freddie
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 5:19pm
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I personally think that although their recent form has been patchy, the Aussies are going to win the tournament again. They have just been the best ODI side in recent years and have the world's best players, they are favourites and it would take a brave person to bet against them doing well in the tournament.
I think the four teams that reach the semis will be Australia, because they're the number one team in the world, have the best side and are the favourites for the competition. I think the West Indies will also qualify as they are the hosts and their current one-day form in tournaments is good, having recently reached the final of the Champions Trophy. Then I think Sri Lanka will join them too. Their ODI form over the past 12 months has been great and they have one of the most complete sides in world cricket at the moment. And finally I'd give the final semi-final place to England, just pipping South Africa and Pakistan into the final four. The reason I've chosen England is because they've just found their feet in one-day matches in the last few weeks and the confidence they will have going into the World Cup could well see them through to cause a few shocks. I'm going for an Australia V Sri Lanka final though.
I think the star batsman will be Kevin Pietersen, he's never played in a World Cup before and I think the experience will benefit him a lot and he will go on to big things in the tournament. The star bowler in my opinion will be Glenn McGrath. He will be playing his last cricket competition and I feel he will bow out of the sport on a high.
------------- On extended leave...
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Posted By: BackFoot Master
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 7:46pm
semi= australia, west indies, india and south africa.
winner= west indies
player of the tournament= sachin tendulkar
------------- August 16th 2009, my team Youth Combine was crowned CHAMPION once more
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Posted By: MP12
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 9:52pm
Semi Final: Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies.
Australia vs Sri Lanka, West Indies vs South Africa
Final: Sri Lanka vs West Indies,
Sri Lanka to win by 6 wickets if batting second, if batting first Sri lanka to win by 21 runs
Player of the Tournament: Ricky Ponting, Sanath Jayasuria or Graeham Smith
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 10:07pm
Aussies are everyone's favourite for sure! They simply have everything it takes to win the Cup.
The Windies stands a very good chance. They have arguable a very potent batting attack of Chanderpaul, Lara, Sarwan and Gayle - all capable of mass destruction. Samuels has hit touch of late and Bravo will now and then do the unthinkable. Taylor will be their star with the ball.
India in my view doesn't stand a chance. They simply are very poor when it comes to playing in the Caribbean. Their fast bowlers will let them down tremendously in this competition. I will also put SA down with them too as SA never ever seems to be wanting a spinner and as the time goes by, the pitches will start to aide the spinners. Pakistan seems too inconsistant at the moment and in http://www.mrfindalot.com/find/dir.asp?a=221&si=20064&k=the%20caribbean - the caribbean , the new ball moves around and with their poor opening pair, they might pay.
NZ asusual are the dark horses but I never ever under-estimate them. They are fighters! England is my least favourite and 2 wins against the aussies doesn't change my mind at all. They have a good squad but I can't find a reason why they perform so poor.
SRI has been a great side of late and Kumar Sangakkara is in sublime form. Jayasuriya seems like he wants to burst the ball at the moment. With the experience of vaas and the deadly Murali, their bowling does pose a threat.
I fancy my chances with Australia of course, West Indies and Sri Lanka.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage.
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 10:20pm
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Do some editing for me JP in terms of font size if you are gonna transfer it. The first time I post, all kind of gibberish came under the original stuff. I went and edited it and the font size got bigger for that part.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage.
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Posted By: SL lion
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 10:28pm
semi= australia, new zealand, sri lanka and south africa.
final= south affrica vs SL
winner= sri lanka
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 10:39pm
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Give some reasons mon!
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage.
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Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 11:51pm
I think he is being very supportive of his team.......a bit patriotic???????????
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 12 February 2007 at 11:55pm
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I have no problem in him saying a team would win but I think JP wanted people's views to post on the main web site.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage.
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Posted By: SL lion
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 1:24am
Originally posted by spin wizard
Give some reasons mon! |
Originally posted by SL lion
semi= australia, new zealand, sri lanka and south africa.
final= south affrica vs SL
winner= sri lanka
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ok, here is why i think south affrica and SL will go to final.
both teams are in a good form. south affrica can be number 1 in ranking if they beat pakisthan and australia lost to nz. the way OZs playing now is not going to boost up their confidence to go to the world cup.
about the final - sory, i was just being biased. it will be any ones game actually.
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Posted By: Desi4u
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 1:40am
I am surprise you guys are writing off the world most unpredictable Team Pakistan. In there given days they can beat any team in the world. I would say Semi Final Should be Aus vs SA and Pak Vs India Final SA VS PAK Winner Pakistan
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Posted By: dips_december
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 4:30am
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Semi's: Aus, NZL, IND and S.A.
Final: SA and IND.
Winner: SA
Star player: Sourav Ganguly (I hope so)
Ill give the reasons later on in the evening .
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Posted By: bondy
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 5:15am
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I'm not to sure about the structure of the draw but Aussie, SA, SL and West Indies if not Pakistan sounds about right.
Some of the predications for stars of the tournament are very bias.
Mohommad Yousef, Ricky Ponting, Sangakarra, Asif and Gayle are likely to be the stars of the tournament from my perspective.
Possibly Shane Bond, Ntini and Pollock in the bowling category, however I think batsman will dominant.
Player of the tournament for me will either be Ponting, Yousef, or Sangakarra.
------------- Good one Graham!
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Posted By: bondy
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 5:16am
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By the way i'm not willing yet to predict the winner of the tournament but from were i'm standing SA look the most promising.
------------- Good one Graham!
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Posted By: RightHandBat
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 5:19am
Semi-Finals - Australia, India, South Africa and New Zealand Final - Australia vs South Africa Player of the Tournament - Sachin Tendulkar
------------- "His classical hits down the ground, met with a checked drive, were Tendulkar at his best. It was though he had a new lease of life." - Sachin Tendulkar's return to cricket with a 91-Ball century.
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Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 5:40am
Making predictions before seeing the pitches is rather a
lottery. Relaid surfaces take some bedding in and we could well see
some upsets.
Any of the top eight sides are capable of beating any other on any given day - as England showed just recently.
England will be strengthened by the return of KP , Vaughan
(fingers crossed!) and Jimmy Anderson. Lewis is likely to start
too , but I worry that he might be a little up and down and go for
plenty.
Australia have the talent and temperament to repeat their
triumph of 2003. That final was so one sided , India were completely
blown away as Pakistan was in 1999. The Aussies' strength lies in
it's batting , it's bowling is not as potent as 4 years ago. McGrath
has lost his 'nip' and if Lee is wayward they'll battle to bowl out the
top sides. Having said that , they are unlikely to be phased if
asked to chase 320 or so - they back themselves.
South Africa will go to the islands full of confidence after
demolishing Pakistan. Smith's return to form seems to have galvinised
the whole side and they are going to be tough to beat. They're a
fickle bunch though , a surprising loss in the super 8's to say ,
England , could see the whole side implode and not make the
semis. Kallis is the key to big scores , along with Smith and
Gibbs. If Hershelle stays smokefree he could be one of the stars
of the show. Their lack of quality slow bowlers is their achilles
heel and they could struggle to slow the runrate against batsmen that
are "in".
India have oodles of talent and have a decent chance
of a semifinal place. The batting is strong and if the starts are good
, then Dhoni can hurt any opposition. The problems are two fold I
think. They field poorly , Yuvraj apart - top sides like SA , Australia
and NZ pressurise the batsmen and run outs are commonplace when playing
these sides. My other concern is if the top order fails the
middle order looks shaky. Australia and SA can still get past 300 after
being 30-3 , I don't think India can.
Pakistan infuriate me. All the talent but the whole
side is flawed. When one isn't interested , the rest follow suit!
To win this tournament means total concentration and a hardnosed
approach - something I don't think they possess. They could have
some terrific results , but they are likely to be offest by some
diabolical losses. Making the semifinals might come down to runrate and
if they get bowled for 107 again , they can forget the last four.
Sri Lanka are doing the business and I fancy them
for the last four. Fine batsmen and the best fielding side in Asia.
Bowlers of class - just a nicely balanced side. They seem a happy bunch
and they're dangerous - they might just win the tournament!
West Indies have a chance and they've come on in
leaps and bounds in the last 18 months. Strong batting and in Taylor a
bowler capable of knocking over the top order. To qualify for the semis
I think Lara needs to bat higher and Gayle and Chanderpaul will have to
keep giving them quick starts.
New Zealand will be smarting after losing to
England , but can turn that around by beating Australia next week. If
they get beaten 3-0 , their world cup is down the tubes too. Confidence
is everything and they have to get it back. Still a useful side
that will push all the others - Bond , Fleming , Stryris and Oram must
shine for them to make the semis. The reason I think they won't is that
apart from Vettori and Bond they lack quality bowling.
So Oz , SL , SA and either England or India for me. The winner , I'll take Sri Lanka.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !!
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Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 7:11am
Originally posted by Mojo
Semi's: Aus, S.L, W.I and S.A.
Final: Aus and S.A.
Winner: S.A.
Star player: Chris Gayle or Mohammed Yousuf. |
My reasons:
Aus - How can I not include them? They're the clear favourites, with a batting line-up of note. (Hussey, Ponting, Hayden, Gilchrist)
S.L - Currently on quite a high. They have a very well-balanced side. Batting, bowling and fielding is all up to scratch.
W.I - Home ground advantage will always be a benefit. They are also a very capable team with extremely good batsmen.
S.A - Have built up a ton of momentum heading into the tournament. They'll have to put up a really poor team performance to lose.
Gayle - Still a world-class batsman, and a nifty bowler too, but he will certainly want to impress in his home nation(s), and I think he can do it.
Yousuf - Even though I don't fancy Pak's chances much, Mohammed Yousuf is truly a player of class, and his current form is outstanding.
The finals, Aus vs S.A - The two teams competing for the world number 1 spot at the moment, and what better place to prove that you're the best?
Why I'm ruling out the other teams:
Pak - Too many injuries, too little confidence. The Pakistan team is in disarray at the moment. I don't see them pulling through.
Ind - Poor poor bowling, unimpressive fielding, and batsmen who aren't performing consistently, despite being the world's best.
N.Z - Lack of momentum heading into the tournament. If they lose to Aus in the next few weeks, then all hope is lost.
Eng - Have the ability to make it through, but the other teams are gonna be too strong for them to beat.
As for the rest, let's just say that India has a better chance than any of them.
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 7:34am
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South Africa for my money is gona make this time. they are ful of confidnc, in the richest form of thier lives, have beaten Australia of late quite often!!
Australi might be the loser, may be in the semis only. They will miss Symonds!! Gilly's absence would mean Australia would carry leess points to the super eight!! Australi's bowling seems a bit weak, windies pitches wont suit them.
WINDIES because they have probably the best batting line up of the tournament!! Bowing is weak, but the batsmen are likely to make it up!!
4th team is quit difficult to predict. It will either be SRL or NZL. I rule out pakistan because they will be without Akhtar. I leave out india because they are not good enough to compete at this level!! hope they save thier game against bangladesh
------------- http://thecricketinsight.blogspot.com/
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Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 8:28am
Originally posted by RightHandBat
So, beating WI in their last series was a fluke, was it?
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No it wasn't, because India is a very tough team to beat on their home soil. But whether you're an India fan or not, you have to admit that the Indian team is nowhere near their best when they play away from home. And unfortunately for them, they're playing the world cup away from home.
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Posted By: RightHandBat
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 9:50am
Originally posted by Mojo
Originally posted by RightHandBat
So, beating WI in their last series was a fluke, was it?
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No it wasn't, because India is a very tough team to beat on their home soil. But whether you're an India fan or not, you have to admit that the Indian team is nowhere near their best when they play away from home. And unfortunately for them, they're playing the world cup away from home. |
Well then, I guess their 2003 WC Performance was poor.
------------- "His classical hits down the ground, met with a checked drive, were Tendulkar at his best. It was though he had a new lease of life." - Sachin Tendulkar's return to cricket with a 91-Ball century.
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Posted By: -JP-
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 10:21am
I've put a few of these on the World Cup Prediction page - I ran out of room so couldn't put Sledger's in.
You could make an article out of that, if you like!
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Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 10:31am
Originally posted by Desi4u
I am surprise you guys are writing off the world most unpredictable Team Pakistan. In there given days they can beat any team in the world.
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hahaha, it never takes long for this tired old cliche to be wheeled out
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Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 10:42am
Originally posted by RightHandBat
Well then, I guess their 2003 WC Performance was poor.
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I guess you're gonna start talking about India's win in the 1983 World Cup as well...
Judge the team on its current form, and relative to the form of the other current teams. Don't look at the magnificent form that it may have been in four years ago.
2006/7 season - India's home record: Good. India's away record?
India in West Indies (May 06 - Jun 06) W.I won 4-1.
DLF series in Malaysia (Sep 06) Played 4, won 1, lost 2, NR 1.
India in South Africa (Nov 06 - Dec 06) S.A won 4-0.
Total for India away in 2006/7 season - Played 14, won 2, lost 10, NR 2.
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Posted By: ANIL KUMBLE
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 10:49am
Woah that's shocking in what areas do you think they can improve away?
------------- Check out my blog http://crictopia.blogspot.com/ pretty bad though...
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Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 12:24pm
By winning mate!!
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !!
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Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 1:44pm
Lol!
Honestly, I just think India needs to start playing more games away than at home, and to pay more attention to their pace bowlers. Spin is not always gonna work outside the sub-continent. Zaheer Khan and Sree Sreesanth have tons of potential to be world-leading bowlers, but I don't think they're being pushed far enough. Too much reliance on Kumble, Harbhajan and even Sachin. (my opinion though. Subject to dispute)
In the same light, SA needs to pay more attention to their spin bowlers...
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 5:01pm
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India has played very poor in the caribbean in the past! The first series win last year tells it own story too. Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica are all famous for Bounce, but to India's greatness, only Barbados I think is being used after the first round.
Kumble will be a key man if they have to succeed.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage.
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Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 7:23pm
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From now on any posts that ignore JP's original request just get deleted
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Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 7:46pm
Originally posted by zuhair_abbasi
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WINDIES because they have probably the best batting line up of the tournament!! Bowing is weak, but the batsmen are likely to make it up!!
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Best batting line up of the tournament!!!!!!!!!  ??? Wow........I support the windies but I disagree like 101% on this statement. They only have like 4 experienced batsmen -Lara, Chanders, Gayle and Sarwan. The rest are younger, inexperienced players who will have to face really good bowling..........
The Aussies have one of the best batting line ups. LOL.....India has a good one too.
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 14 February 2007 at 4:48am
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you think 4 batsmen are not enough? Dont they make the strongest line up?
Aussies have Ponting, Hussey and Haydn for my likings. India only has big names and nothing more tha that. Same goes for Paksitan!!
------------- http://thecricketinsight.blogspot.com/
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Posted By: basharat.ali
Date Posted: 14 February 2007 at 7:17am
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Man, no chance for pakistan. Asif, the only bowler in the side. Even he may be out of action due to drugs case and a crippled bowling of non test playing nation standard will rule them out completely in the super 8!!!
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Posted By: slogger72N/O
Date Posted: 14 February 2007 at 7:45am
Originally posted by zuhair_abbasi
you think 4 batsmen are not enough? Dont they make the strongest line up?
Aussies have Ponting, Hussey and Haydn for my likings. |
What about Gilchrist mate, he's only one of the best one day players of all time, even Brad Hodge is in some form at the moment.
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 14 February 2007 at 9:51am
hmm..well you are right...i missed gilly...well that makes them par with Windies...but thest two, then are certainly the top 2 batting sides!!! and please dontt ell me the number of runs scored by the 3 great indian batsmen...!!!
------------- http://thecricketinsight.blogspot.com/
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 15 February 2007 at 2:01am
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What do you really have against the 3 great Indian batsmen. Well 2 actually.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage.
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 15 February 2007 at 5:33am
well 3 actually!! Whom dont u recognize a great? Ganguly or Dravid? well for me all three are great!! but they only are grreat batsmen, not match winners. They cant absorb pressure well, thier bowlers will let them down every time!!
------------- http://thecricketinsight.blogspot.com/
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Posted By: basharat.ali
Date Posted: 16 February 2007 at 1:08pm
The latest assault of aussis by the kiwis suggests that the upcoming world cup is going to be "Anybody's Game!".
Not sure about the pitches, if these are perfect batting pitches, South Africa may well find themselves in trouble against Asian spinners, and their bowlers will also be thrashed all over the park like Nazir and Afridi did in the 2nd ODI.
Same the case with England.
Aussies are also down.
So in the end, pitches are going to decide the fate of the tournament. If batting friendly, Asians have better chances, if bouncy ones, South Africa or West Indies!!!
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Posted By: Rifat
Date Posted: 16 February 2007 at 4:49pm
Hmmm...........difficult to choose who is going to win this time around
My Prediction: Semis: Australia, West Indies, South Africa and Sri Lanka Final: South Africa vs Sri Lanka Winner: South Africa
I just feel this is going to be South Africa's world cup, they are in good form and have a great bowling attack along with a deep batting order
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Posted By: robbie
Date Posted: 16 February 2007 at 6:34pm
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My Predicitions
Semi-Finals:Australia,South Africa,West Indies and England
Final: South Africa v West indies
Winner:South Africa
i think south africa will be unbeatible and Pollock will dominate and i also think england could do well after beating australai 3 times in a row
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Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 16 February 2007 at 6:49pm
Originally posted by zuhair_abbasi
you think 4 batsmen are not enough? Dont they make the strongest line up?
Aussies have Ponting, Hussey and Haydn for my likings. India only has big names and nothing more tha that. Same goes for Paksitan!! |
Four batsmen may probably be enough if we were sure that they were all going to make runs but that's just not so. Gayle is just a hitter. Nothing more than that. It's either he makes runs or get out so that's not very encouraging. Sarwan is a good player, one of the best ODI players the west indies have. Chanders is an anchor, you can always depend on him to stay by the wicket and make runs and most of the time he doesn't make hard, careless shots. Brian Lara is also a good player.....
but still I think that our batting line up is not the best.
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Posted By: abcdgpa
Date Posted: 17 February 2007 at 2:25am
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before i thought Australia would win but now they are not in form so i think the windies will win.
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Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 17 February 2007 at 12:56pm
I guess you are saying that the Aussies won't win it because they lost 2 matches against England and they lost one against New Zealand but that doesn't mean that West Indies will win. West Indies lost both test and ODI series against Pak recently so as far as I see it both teams have lost a couple of matches so maybe that means that both teams are out of form. I would like West Indies to win though but I am trying to be logical.
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Posted By: Doctor
Date Posted: 17 February 2007 at 1:07pm
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My tip -
West Indies v England Final - England to win World Cup
------------- Cricket - the game of Life
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Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 17 February 2007 at 5:13pm
Originally posted by Clobber
From now on any posts that ignore JP's original request just get deleted
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I am gonna let you off Alastair but consider yourself warned 
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Posted By: woodrose1983
Date Posted: 18 February 2007 at 10:23am
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WI Taking into account the home conditions and the batting depth that windies can make it to finals of the world cup.West indies could win all the matches till the semifinals, recent loss against India and pakistan should not be considered as the WI management was trying to find a pool of players for World cup.
Players to watch: Gayle,Chanderpaul,Bravo and Jerome Taylor chances: Finalists
NZ New Zealand are a team that has the maximum batting depth , They do not have any superstars but considering their abundance of allrounders,and the electric fielding will be a major force at the carrebean.Nz probably is the most settled team to go to the world cup.They have all variety of players for different roles.
Players to watch: Taylor,Mcullum,Bond and Gillepsie chances: Finalists/semi finalists
England England after beating the Australia in the CB series finals could have discovered their own faith and prowess.They too like NZ have different kind of players for different roles.Technically sound Vaughn and Bell , hitters like piterson and Flintoff. England have some decent bowling allrounders which can make then a real threat for the title.
Player to watch: Bell,Piterson,Flintoff and Plunkett. Chances:Finalists/Semi finalists
Australia They are still the champions , but the doubt created by NZ and ENGLAND has created a huge dent on their confidences key players are missing.Australians have been caught unawareness by other teams.WI,NZ and England suddenly seem better than Australia.Australian coach and management are confused with the final combination which will affect players perofrmance.There could be an upset , australians would be knocked out befor the semifinal stage just like Brazil in Football world cup.
Players to watch:Hussey and Johnson. chances: only till Super 8
SA Currently the South africans are at Number 1 postion.They deserve it.It is strange that I am writing them off. Yes , they are not as good as their position.SA have peaked to number 1 position beating teams like India and Pakistan at home and some help by Eng and NZ in toppling the aussies.This could prove costly for them.WI,NZ,England and Australia are much better then SA.
Players to watch:Kallis and Boucher chances: only till Super 8
SL They are a very good team.It will all depend on 4 players Jayasurya, Murali,Sangakkar and Mahalinga .If these players perform they can make it to semifinal stage.This side is very dangerous once it comes to Super 8 stage. They can sneak an entry to Semifianls with one great performance by likes of Jayasurya or Murali in curcial entcounters.
Player to watch:Jayasurya,Murali,Sangakara and Mahalinga Chances: An outside chance of Semifinalists
Pakistan Yes , Very unpredictable team , but it can be easily predicted that they are in total diarray at the moment. They rely heavily on hope.Have only two key players.Pakistan is in a bit tougher group with Zim and WI in the pool. Expect the unexpected, Who knows Zim might create a an upset of the World cup. Players to watch: Yousuf and Asif Chances : Will make it to Super 8 with great difficutly or could be an upset in missing out Super 8.
India.
All my wishes so that they win the world cup.
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 18 February 2007 at 4:38pm
I like how you did yours. 
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage.
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Posted By: Hedonism
Date Posted: 19 February 2007 at 9:18am
My first post, so here goes. I'll basically just make mention of the logical teams to make the Super 8 round.
Australia
Despite the new rankings, probably still the best team in the world at the moment if they can field a full strength side. As much as everyone loves to talk about the depth of talent in Aus, they've really been shown up in NZ. Their chances are going to hinge around the availability of Symonds, Lee and Gilchrist, but even without them, and the return of Ponting, they're going be incredibly hard to beat.
Prediction: Finals
England
I know everyone is raving after the VB series win, but if we're entirely honest, you can't judge a team on one good match and two wins in Duckworth-Lewis matches when they hadn't won a thing on the same tour leading in. They're sorely lacking in consistency and are relying on single match-winners far too often. Unless something happens to gel the team and provide some consistency, particularly from their bowlers, they won't make it past the Super 8's.
Prediction: Super 8
India
An amazing batting lineup packed with match winners, but a little bit of a hit-and-miss bowling attack. I have to agree with Mojo on this one: they just don't travel well, particularly in the past 12 months.
Prediction: Super 8
New Zealand
I don't think anything can be read into the current series in their own back yard against a depleted Aus lineup. NZ, like SA, consistently fail to live up to their potential and I think having the best captain in the world at the moment helps them reach heights they wouldn't normally.
Prediction: Super 8
Pakistan
Despite having just lost the series to SA, Pakistan are a very dangerous side. On their day, they can be almost unbeatable. I think the lack of a decent opening combination coupled with constant injuries to key bowlers is holding them back and will moere than likely keep them from reaching their true potential in the tournament. Even so, they're going to be tough to beat.
Prediction: Semi-finals
South Africa
I'm trying very hard not to be biased here. SA have hit a great run of form lately and certainly have the most momentum of any team going into the tournament. Barring a few misfires in the top order, there's not been much wrong with the side at all. Having said that, they're perpetual bridesmaids and just keep failing to produce when it counts. A lot of that moniker has been dropped after the '438' win, but it's something that will still be in people's minds.
Prediction: Finals
Sri Lanka
Incredibly dangerous when they're on form and absolutely shocking when they're not. Easily the most unpredictable team in the tournament and that makes it very hard to create expectations. I can't help but think we could just as easily see a repeat of 1996 as we could see them not even make the Super 8. A lot will depend on Murali and Sangakara.
Prediction: Super 8
West Indies
You just can't write them off. They showed in the Champions Trophy that they still have what's required to beat the best in the world. Again, inconsistency is their achilles heel, but if it all comes together at the right time, I don't think anyone can stop them.
Prediction: Semi-finals
I refuse to predict a winner. When it comes down to the finals, it's the best team on the day that will win and you never know who that's going to be until the end of the game. Let's face it: halfway through SA vs Aus at the Wanderers in March when Aus posted 434/4, who did you think was the best team on the day?
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Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: 19 February 2007 at 9:25am
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Nice analogy there, Hedonism. Fairly accurate, I'd say.
So who's your 4th semi-finalist? You named 5 super-8 teams.
------------- Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here may not necessarily reflect the opinions of any other forum members. They are the express property of Mojo.
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Posted By: Hedonism
Date Posted: 19 February 2007 at 9:44am
Oops. Edited now. West Indies for the 4th semi-final place. Home advantage should get them there.
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Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 19 February 2007 at 9:56am
Solid stuff Hed , nice to see a balanced view - welcome to the forum.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !!
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Posted By: GreenCap
Date Posted: 19 February 2007 at 11:19am
Yes, nice analysis. One point though:-
1. SA and Aus in same group. with the points carried, the loser in the first round may have less chances of making it to semis.
2. Similarly, Pak and WI in the same group, so again the same case, particularly Pak will have even less chances if they lose the opener to Windies.
So eliminating two groups completely while considering the semi-final probables may raise some eye-brows!!!
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Posted By: Hedonism
Date Posted: 19 February 2007 at 11:24am
Well, considering the format of the Super 8 round, I don't think it matters too much who qualifies where in each group. Each team will play each other qualifier apart from the other team from their group (three rounds of two matches each). The semis are still completely open. Anyone could end up playing against anyone else.
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Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: 19 February 2007 at 11:33am
Originally posted by GreenCap
So eliminating two groups completely while considering the semi-final probables may raise some eye-brows!!!
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Remember, this isn't the Super Sixes. It's Super Eights. The teams in it will each be playing 6 more matches after the group stages. Compare 3 games worth of points in the groups to 6 games in the Supers... Elimination of a complete group is very easily a possibility.
------------- Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here may not necessarily reflect the opinions of any other forum members. They are the express property of Mojo.
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Posted By: GreenCap
Date Posted: 19 February 2007 at 11:49am
As far as i know, each team in super 8 will play six matches, (one match it has already won or lost). So the points will be carried like this:-
If WI win, they will enter super 8 with 4 points (or whatever points for a single win). If they win all 6 matches of super8, they will end up with 24+4=28 points.
If pak lose the opener, they will enter the super8 with 0 points, no matter they have beaten zim and ireland. So they are already one match down in super8.
Please tell me if i'm wrong!!!
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Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: 19 February 2007 at 1:19pm
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You're not wrong. (by the way, I think it's 2 points for a win)
But the team will be taking in points from 1 game, and adding points from a further 6 games. That means no team is guaranteed a semi-final place, no matter how good their points are, coming into the Super 8.
------------- Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here may not necessarily reflect the opinions of any other forum members. They are the express property of Mojo.
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Posted By: GreenCap
Date Posted: 20 February 2007 at 12:34pm
That means no team is guaranteed a semi-final place, no matter how good their points are, coming into the Super 8. [/QUOTE]
For how many times you have seen the finalists of a tri-nation series being decided on the basis of Net run-rate???
Same could be the situation here, even run rate could be a cruicial factor, not to talk about the advantage of points obtained from one victory!!!
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Posted By: Superbokkie
Date Posted: 20 February 2007 at 2:40pm
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To fairly predict the winner of the 2007 World Cup I am going to run through the likely scenarios.
I believe South Africa will win the most games, coming into the World Cup as probably the form team. That includes a win over Australia who have serious bowling issues and injury worries.
I think India and Pakistan will probably finish second and third respectively. Both will lose to South Africa and perhaps one or two other teams, but will finish with equal points and be separated on runrate.
The fourth place will be most closely contested. Australia will be in the running, but if New Zealand can beat them again in the World Cup and they lose too many matches, they will be out. Sri Lanka will also be a hot contender for fourth. On current form I pick NZ to make it.
England and West Indies have little hope. One or two upset wins might impact on who makes the semifinals in what order, but I cannot see these two teams winning more than 3 games and qualifying for the semis.
1st Semifinal: SA v NZ
South Africa to win at a canter. New Zealand are a good team but they blow hot and cold - they lost 6 out of 8 CB Series matches before beating Australia 3-0 (at home, and a depleted Australia at that).
2nd Semifinal: India v Pakistan
A classic match with tension, crowd friction and high drama. I expect Pakistan to make it through thanks to Mohammad Yousuf's superb current form, Afridi's explosiveness and Asif's wicket taking ability.
Final: SA v Pakistan
I pick Pakistan to fold as they so often do when it counts. For once, South Africa should (and I say, should), have the mental strength to stand firm. With Pollock in the best form of his life, Kallis back as a genuine wicket-taking all-rounder, Smith, de Villiers and Gibbs rounding out a powerful top-order, Boucher and Kemp providing explosive run-scoring options and Langeveldt, Nel and Ntini a formidable bowling combo, South Africa have it all. No spinner won't affect them. They are the hot favourites, in my mind.
------------- JH Kallis is the only player in history to have 8000 runs, 200 wickets and 100 catches in BOTH forms of the game. Only Sobers (tests) and Jayasuriya (one dayers) have achieved half that feat.
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Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 20 February 2007 at 2:41pm
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Well the point system seems a little complicated........I don't know how good it will be for net run rate to come into play because each match situation is different therefore, the required run rate will also be different and it just may not be neccesary to hit out in order to win in some situations.
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Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: 21 February 2007 at 7:30am
Nett run rate only comes into play if two or more of the top 4 teams are equal on points after the conclusion of the Super 8. Just keep that in mind.
------------- Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here may not necessarily reflect the opinions of any other forum members. They are the express property of Mojo.
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Posted By: GreenCap
Date Posted: 21 February 2007 at 8:20am
Considering that SA and Aus are good enough to win all 6 matches of their super8, the remaining teams are Pak, Ind, Sri Lanka, NZ, Eng and WI. Quite possible for any two or three of these to have equal points at the end of super8.
So very important for these sides to maintain a good net run rate as well as enter the super8 with one victory under the belt.
For those who think victory of first round is not important, It is always good to enter a competetion with at least 14.5% of your job done!!!
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Posted By: GreenCap
Date Posted: 21 February 2007 at 8:56am
Well no more bothering on run rate or first round victory. My predictions are
Aus and SA comfortably through to semis
Any two of Pak, India and Sri Lanka.
Final: SA vs any asian side
Winner can be anyone, of course!!!
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Posted By: ukki
Date Posted: 22 February 2007 at 5:57am
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Freddie,
i think you are being a bit optimistic & patriotic towards england....
lack of steady bowlers, no good spinners & over dependence on Pietersen & flintoff does not take them anywhwere....
Also SA might be second favs.... i do not see them as any threats in Windies.
for me the countries which can adapt to slow & low pitches in West indies will reach the semis.....
West Indies surely is in, with India being the other one.... Aussies whatever from they are in they will come back hard @ reach semis for sure....
so the fourth spot for me should go NZ on current from & looking at Pakis instability abt their seamers. SL might create a stir or so.. but won bet on them
So SF line up
team 1 - Australia v/s Team 4 - WI
team 2 - India v/s Team 3 - NZ
Final - WI - INDIA ( may be ..... not 100 % , its the day that matters )
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Posted By: Titan
Date Posted: 22 February 2007 at 12:48pm
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At this stage any one of the top 8 teams can make it, to the semis.
It is very difficult to claim who will win it!The aussies have lost 5 in a row, and they have to be low on confidence after that. They have also possibly lost a few key players to injury, Brett Lee and Symonds.
Nevertheless here goes my predictions:
Semis:
SA vs Eng
I hope SA makes the semis, they defnitely shown the ability to make it.
They have unfortunately "CHOKED" on so many occasions in the past, I just believe maybe this time will be different. They have played the same eleven most of the time in the last two years, and I hope the experience of playing as a squad will take them through.
I chose England because they have improved dramatically, with KP back , they will even be beter.
2nd Semi Sri Lanka vs Aus
Sri Lanka have performed well over the last four years, they have a very well balanced team, their key players will be Sangakarra,Muri, Vaas and Jayawardene.
Aus will finish third in the super sixes, I believe that recent results will have some effect on their performances.
Final
SA vs Sri Lanka
SA to win
Close match
Player of the tournament:Ross Taylor, AB de Villiers, Shaun Pollock.
Suprise Package:Ireland
------------- I saw into the future - Ashes 2009 England 3 Australia 1!
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Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 23 February 2007 at 7:53pm
Originally posted by Mojo
Nett run rate only comes into play if two or more of the top 4 teams are equal on points after the conclusion of the Super 8. Just keep that in mind. |
Ok thanks for telling me. 
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Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 23 February 2007 at 7:57pm
Originally posted by ukki
So SF line up
team 1 - Australia v/s Team 4 - WI
team 2 - India v/s Team 3 - NZ
Final - WI - INDIA ( may be ..... not 100 % , its the day that matters ) |
You could see the windies beating the aussies...wow....that's good confidence!!!! I think they can do it too.
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Posted By: venjen
Date Posted: 28 February 2007 at 11:24am
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Semies- SriLanka, Australiya, India, South Africa
Australia- they have the habit of delivering when its really matters & know how it feels like been champions.
Sri Lanka- has the most balanced side in the competition.
India- They have the batting to do it
South Africa- more than anything they are the in form team. but not have really been tested recently.
After that its anyone's game.  but if sri lanka & Australia get it right they can easily go in to the finals over Indians & South African.
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Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 01 March 2007 at 12:27am
Yeah with the form SA is in at present it won't be surprising if they do make it to the finals....
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 01 March 2007 at 10:24am
othr than pak and england from super 8 all 6 can make into the finals....it will be such an interesting event..this world cup
------------- http://thecricketinsight.blogspot.com/
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Posted By: bondy
Date Posted: 01 March 2007 at 10:38am
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Your right, I was talking to someone the other day and we discussed who we thought would win the tournament and got no where.
I'd argee that SA are a chance, Sri Lanka and the everpresent Australians.
Outsiders include NZ, West Indies and India though I cannot see any of these sides winning it. This tournament is thorough; the best team will win.
My prediction SA v Australia/Sri Lanka final.
------------- Good one Graham!
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Posted By: venjen
Date Posted: 02 March 2007 at 3:26am
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Thats verry much spot on mate, India also can pullup an upset if they come to the semise anyway they need their two main spinners to get it right.
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Posted By: bondy
Date Posted: 02 March 2007 at 3:49am
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Indeed they do, a bit weak on the bowling side and like someone posted earlier their batsman are either on fire or plain average. Consistency will be key, and they do not possess it unlike SA and Australia.
------------- Good one Graham!
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Posted By: Siddi
Date Posted: 02 March 2007 at 11:59am
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India V England Final. Either will win. To be honest this came to me in a dream and I am quite a spiritual person. And there are some substantive reasons as well. Incidentally, my heart is with both these teams as well. So its all good.
SA and Australia, big guns, but they will fall. South Africa never deliver when it matters and they have the worst luck when it comes to the World Cup. Ozzie domination is over and I am very convinced that they are going the old, invincible Windies way.
All in all, very open world cup. Like all the top 8 really. Pak, SL, Windies, and especially NZ. But England I think are peaking at the right time and with Pieterson/Vaughan back, they will deliver, Ashes style (you know which ashes I am talking about Ozzies, so dont you *******). And India read like a dream on paper and will probably climb that mountain yet again, get in the final, and maybe get some more out of it. Don't be fooled by their away record, past instances of crumbling under pressure, bad run last year, bad record in WI et al. They are very dangerous.
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Posted By: BOBBI
Date Posted: 02 March 2007 at 2:53pm
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I still fnd it hard to count the aussies out. Lee will hurt more than any other player as McGrath is past his best apart from Bracken whom I believe with Pollock to the best at the minute, there is no support. If Australia is to function they will need heroics like we saw from Symonds and Bichel last time. Cameron White and Shane Watson could cement their names for the next decade should they perform.
Sri Lanka, Windies and Kenya for the finals. Hey Kenya did it last time???
I think as much as SA are the highest ranked team, they rely on strong powerful strikers late in the innings like Kemp and especially Boucher. In the West Indies, big hitters are not as important because a mis hit will clear these fences. Size of grounds will bring SA right back and I still doubt the mental hold the Aussies have on them.
------------- Judge the player not by their stats, but by their opposition.
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Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 03 March 2007 at 9:33pm
Originally posted by zuhair_abbasi
othr than pak and england from super 8 all 6 can make into the finals....it will be such an interesting event..this world cup |
England??? You don't think that England can make it into the finals???  They played good ODI cricket against the Aussies recently. I don't mean this to be offensive but it really is not right to classify England with Pakistan. I think England are a good squad for the world cup and if they could beat australia in their last few odi matches that they played recently then they can do it again and they can make it to the finals.
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Posted By: venjen
Date Posted: 05 March 2007 at 5:52am
Originally posted by Siddi
India V England Final. Either will win. To be honest this came to me in a dream and I am quite a spiritual person. And there are some substantive reasons as well. Incidentally, my heart is with both these teams as well. So its all good.
SA and Australia, big guns, but they will fall. South Africa never deliver when it matters and they have the worst luck when it comes to the World Cup. Ozzie domination is over and I am very convinced that they are going the old, invincible Windies way.
All in all, very open world cup. Like all the top 8 really. Pak, SL, Windies, and especially NZ. But England I think are peaking at the right time and with Pieterson/Vaughan back, they will deliver, Ashes style (you know which ashes I am talking about Ozzies, so dont you *******). And India read like a dream on paper and will probably climb that mountain yet again, get in the final, and maybe get some more out of it. Don't be fooled by their away record, past instances of crumbling under pressure, bad run last year, bad record in WI et al. They are very dangerous. |
Nex time be more rational on what you are saying  . If One or two wins means peaking at the right time every one in their peak. 
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Posted By: Siddi
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 4:00am
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Sri Lanka definitely won't win with chuckers like Muralidharan and Malinga. I hate the team.
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Posted By: bondy
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 4:21am
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They still might make it with chuckers like Murli and Malinga. It does not matter if you hate them, they're a good side.
Take your prejudice somewhere else please.
------------- Good one Graham!
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Posted By: Siddi
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 6:05am
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I guess I was a bit abrupt and blunt there with the SL remark but I don't like a team which thrives on chuckers. And no, they don't have a chance, thats my opinion; thank you very much.
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Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 6:25am
Malinga does not chuck! His slingy action is hard on the
eye , but is perfectly fair. Murali has been cleared and that's the end
of the matter.
Let's not let this thread drift into a chuckers one though - stick to topic please.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !!
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Posted By: bang
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 7:01am
Originally posted by Siddi
Sri Lanka definitely won't win with chuckers like Muralidharan and Malinga. I hate the team. |
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Posted By: GreenCap
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 7:07am
Sri Lanka definitely have a chance of winning this time. They have a strong side and many talented players.
I think personal hatered for someone must not be publicaly revealed in this forum.
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Posted By: bondy
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 8:30am
They won't win.
------------- Good one Graham!
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Posted By: Siddi
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 8:37am
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I withdraw my comments and apologize. The guy I was addressing them to seems to have been suspended from this forum. So i better keep my mouth shut. Anyways SL dont have a chance at all.
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Posted By: bondy
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 8:43am
Yeah, watch it mate. Just learn how to comment by looking through the threads.
------------- Good one Graham!
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Posted By: Siddi
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 9:33am
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Learn how to comment? I would say thats pretty patronising. Lets just calm down here and leave me to exercise better judgement when posting, shall we?
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Posted By: bondy
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 9:54am
Learn fast or you'll be out of here mate i'll make sure of it, what you said offended me greatly but i'm glad your sorry.
------------- Good one Graham!
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Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 10:01am
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yes, yes, thank you - but leave the moderating to the, uh....moderators?
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Posted By: Siddi
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 10:13am
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So as I was saying, Eng V Ind in the final. Mark my words gentlemen; and any women here.
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Posted By: GreenCap
Date Posted: 06 March 2007 at 12:49pm
Hope England would be good enough to win the world cup in 2011!!!
This time they can't make to even top 4
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 07 March 2007 at 4:53am
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england's group itself is not as easy as it seems!!! Expect anything from Kenya!!! Even the iindian group is not safe enough!!! BD is strong enough to beat them on the given day
------------- http://thecricketinsight.blogspot.com/
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Posted By: GreenCap
Date Posted: 07 March 2007 at 7:44am
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BDs victory against NZ and poor display by SA tells the whole story.
Conditions in WI are identical to those in sub-continent. So SA, NZ and Eng are all going to suffer.
Ind, Sri Lanka and Pak have won their matches convincingly. So again... at least two of the Asian sides are expected to appear in the semis!!!
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 07 March 2007 at 12:03pm
http://www.excely.com/cricket/world-cup-2007.html?excel - http://www.excely.com/cricket/world-cup-2007.html?excel It is a wonderful excel file...a world cup predictor!! Easy to use...you would enjoy for sure
------------- http://thecricketinsight.blogspot.com/
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Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: 07 March 2007 at 12:10pm
Originally posted by zuhair_abbasi
http://www.excely.com/cricket/world-cup-2007.html?excel - http://www.excely.com/cricket/world-cup-2007.html?excel It is a wonderful excel file...a world cup predictor!! Easy to use...you would enjoy for sure |
Thanks, Zuhair... This really will be quite handy. I like the feature that allows you to highlight your team.
------------- Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here may not necessarily reflect the opinions of any other forum members. They are the express property of Mojo.
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