There haven’t been a lot of reasons to celebrate for many teams in this World Cup, but I still think there were quite a few positives to take back. Just a few:
Kenya: The story of the World Cup. Many said it was thanks to NZ’s decision that they advanced to the Super Six, and got the lucky end of the draw to make it to the semis. Even though it may have contributed, it’s pretty much hogwash as it wasn’t rain and politics that propelled them through. I think they had a brilliant attitude in the field (the very kind Pak needed) and weren’t ever intimidated by the quality of the opposition. They went about and played their positive cricket and it paid off big time. Beating 3 Test-playing nations and giving a couple more a run for their money is no mean feat. They were clearly the most improved team from the previous edition(s).
Notable positives: Maurice Odumbe, Collins Obuya, Steve Tikolo, brilliant fielding, catapulted their claim for eventual Test status by a considerable margin.
India: Vastly improved on their performance after going from bad to worse across their West Indies and New Zealand series. Good to see Nehra emerge as an improved bowler in the tournament, and although Tendulkar was always Tendulkar, he had a brilliant world cup and carried the team on its back to the final. Well played India.
Notable positives: Ashish Nehra, Sachin Tendulkar, improved unity, bowling attack went up a notch.
Pakistan: Nothing much to write home about, as the positives came in bits and pieces. Was good to see Anwar return to form late in the tournament, and see Taufeq Umar doing a very decent job keeping to Wasim, Waqar and Shoaib when required. Wasim and Shoaib were destructive in bursts, but failed at the crunch. The fielding was pretty improved though and can only get better with the new crop of youngsters in the current squad.
Notable positives: Anwar, Taufeeq’s keeping promise, improved fielding and willingness to increase and maintain fitness.
**West Indies:**The unluckiest side in the tournament in my mind. They deserved to go to the next round after putting up some great batting displays and fightbacks, although their bowling still needs improvment.
Notable positives: Ramnaresh Sarwan, resurgence in ability to fight back and finish the job, Lara showing touches of his class after a long drought.
**Holland:**Brilliant attitude, willingness to learn and taking every match as it comes. A favorite with the crowds and good promising cricket.
Notable positives: Kloppenburg, Lefebvre, Tim De Leede, put up a good display, will have cricketing bodies speaking their praise as a result of their ‘nice’ attitude.
Canada: Put up a brave fight in a couple of games and seemed determined despite being the most inexperinced side in the competition. John Davison’s exciting play at the crease gave the opposition and crowds alike plenty of eye-candy.
Notable positives: John Davison, take back valuable experience.