Folks after some great performences from New Zealand it is obvious that they are a contender for the world cup as well. They have some good quality batsmen and fair bowlers.
Vittori is a class act and so is Shane Bond.
Looks like we are heading for an all white world cup this time. For me the challengers for the trophy are:
SA
Australia
New Zealand
England
I would be extremely happy if Pakistan or India give any of these countries a run for their money but with our current form I doubt it very much.
I think both India and Pakistan would do well even if they make it to the semis.
Would love to hear from the rest their thoughts
this is all bogus... any of the teams can choke.... Like Imran Khan said.. who ever can take the pressure and play will win... white or black world cup... if they are playing well.. they deserve to win....
Based on schedules for group phase, I think following teams will advance to Super Eight:
Group A: 1. South Africa (SA) 2. Australia (AU: Since SA will win against Australia) Group B: 1. Sri Lanka (SL) 2. India (IN: since SL will have more moment after playing Bermuda in first game than India who will play BD in first game) Group C: 1. New Zealand (NZ) 2. England (EN: KEN or CAN may upset ENG) Group D: 1. West Indies (WI) 2. Pakistan (PK: WI may win first game against PAK)
Super Eight:
27/3 D2 (PK) vs. A1 (SA) 28/3 A2 (AU) vs. B1 (SL)
29/3 D2 (PK) vs. C1 (NZ) 30/3 D1 (WI) vs. C2 (EN)
31/3 A1 (SA) vs. B2 (IN) 01/4 D2 (PK) vs. B1 (SL)
02/4 B2 (IN) vs. C1 (NZ) 03/4 D1 (WI) vs. A2 (AU)
04/4 C2 (EN) vs. B1 (SL) 07/4 B2 (IN) vs. A2 (AU)
08/4 A1 (SA) vs. C2 (EN) 09/4 D1 (WI) vs. C1 (NZ)
10/4 D2 (PK) vs. A2 (AU) 11/4 C2 (EN) vs. B2 (IN)
12/4 B1 (SL) vs. C1 (NZ) 13/4 A1 (SA) vs. D1 (WI)
14/4 A2 (AU) vs. C1 (NZ) 15/4 B2 (IN) vs. D1 (WI)
16/4 A1 (SA) vs. B1 (SL) 17/4 A2 (AU) vs. C2 (EN)
18/4 D1 (WI) vs. B1 (SL) 19/4 D2 (PK) vs. B2 (IN)
20/4 A1 (SA) vs. C1 (NZ) 21/4 D2 (PK) vs. C2 (EN)
Highlighted is winner, while underlined mean if Pakistan is a full strength squad with Afridi, Akhtar, Asif and Gul in the side then PAK win else underlined team may win.
Number of wins for each team:
AU: 05
EN: 00
IN: 03/04
NZ: 01/02
PK: 01/05
SA: 05/06
SL: 04/05
WI: 01
Thus semi finalists will be:
1. SA 2. AU/PK 3. SL/AU 4. IN/SL
Its mean if Pakistan was full strength side and performed then:
1. SA 2. PK 3. AU 4. SL Else
1. SA 2. AU 3. SL 4. IN
Semi finals:
In first case:
24/4 Team 2 (PK) vs. Team 3 (AU)
25/4 Team 1 (SA) vs. Team 4 (SL)
In case 2.
24/4 Team 2 (AU) vs. Team 3 (SL)
25/4 Team 1 (SA) vs. Team 4 (IN)
The cup can be called white only because of the white kookaboora ball otherwise, every team has people of different ethnic origins.
So no team is a pure white team.
Unless you mean white crescent and star of Pakistan team.
Very true:
Look at SA, mostly rely on Ntini, Nel, Gibbs, Prince, all are malatoo (African/White mixed)
Look at AUS, success will be greatly dependent on Symond, otherwise may happen things like Hadlee-Chappel trouphy.
In NZ I suspect if Ross Taylor is white? or Jeeta Patel?
England: Mehmood, Bohpara, etc.
according to the bookies australia is favorite followed by south africa then srilanka and then india.pakistan is way down the list just above bengladesh
On form, fitness, capability and hardwork I think SA and Australia deserve to lift the cup. They are perhaps the most professional teams in present day cricket
As for anyone can pick the cup I understand but don't agree. Even if Pakistan is to lift the WC by some minor miracle it would not mean that we have the best team around.
BTW i really enjoyed the scenarios by Cricketfan (are you a statistician by any chance?)
Guys please don't make this a racist thread. It is a simple thread where I feel the majority white players in a team composition are doing better than the rest of the world. Hope this statement is politically correct enough for the sensitive souls on this board
Cheers
