World Cup 2015: Express Predictions – South Africa will edge India; Sri Lanka to survive Afghanistan scare
This Indian Express series will predict the results of the matches a day before the first ball is bowled.
India play arch-rivals Pakistan in their first match of World Cup 2015.
This Indian Express series will predict the results of the matches a day before the first ball is bowled. We may be right, we may be wrong but we have our set of thought process behind the same.
Day 9
India vs South Africa: Result – South Africa win
How do you predict this? On paper, SA win. On form, SA win. If Indian bowlers come to play, India win. On Sunday, SA win. It’s SA 3 India 1. You know the result.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Result – Sri Lanka win
Sri Lanka will be itching to get a win. They lost to New Zealand in their first match but they have been in the country for three months now! They cannot give any excuse now. Get your things together and play the game you are famous for. Their opposition, Afghanistan will have to play their ‘A’ game to beat Sri Lanka. Even if they don’t, they will love playing Sri Lanka in a World Cup in Dunedin.
Day 8
Australia vs Bangladesh: Result – Australia win
Michael Clarke’s return! Oh wait, Cyclone Marcia has other plans. Going by the weather forecast, Brisbane will receive rain, rain and some more rain. It’s difficult to get a game on Saturday but if we do see some action, Australia should find it easy. Bangladesh should focus on making it difficult for the home team.
Pakistan vs West Indies: Result – Pakistan win
Both teams have lost their opening match and both will like to get their campaign on track. While West Indies lost to associate nation Ireland, Pakistan lost to India which hurt them more they will come out as a wounded lion. West Indies are not clicking as a unit but Pakistan are not clicking at all. Still Pakistan win? Yes, they just look better on paper with their bowling.
Day 7
England vs New Zealand: Result – NZ win
They have been rampant till now and New Zealand will be difficult to stop from here. For England, facing hosts in first two matches of WC will sound a bit harsh on them. England need to get together and gain that confidence to beat any team. They have match winners, in fact all of their 11 players can win it for them on any given day. Ah wait! New Zealand has match winners and they are is red-hot form. Also, home team has the advantage.
Day 6
Zimbabwe vs UAE: Result – Zimbabwe win
UAE are back at the World Cup. They will love to stay here but Zimbabwe will be a tough opponent. They showed it against South Africa. Had it not been for David Miller and JP Duminy and their a strong bowling comeback from South Africa, Zimbabwe might have pulled off the most shocking upset in WCs. They should beat UAE easily but then UAE have nothing to lose.
Day 5
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan: Result – Bangladesh win
Afghanistan will make their World Cup debut in this match and they will like to make it a memorable but the Tigers are a hard side to beat. Bangladesh not only have a good, aggressive batting line-up but also attacking bowling. Afghanistan have a talismanic leader in Mohammad Nabi and he would like his team to step to the occasion and prove that they belong there but for a World Cup win, they need to wait a bit longer.
Day 4
New Zealand vs Scotland: Result – New Zealand
New Zealand began their World Cup campaign with a thumping win against Sri Lanka and they look strong enough to continue the winning run. Scotland will love to make a match out of it. In Nelson, New Zealand will look for an early finish and Scotland would to make it difficult for them.
Day 3
West Indies vs Ireland: Result – WI win
We all know what Ireland did in 2007 and 2011 and they can do it this time as well. But West Indies is no ordinary team. They will go into the match as favourites and they should be able to win it, if not comfortably. On the other hand, Ireland will be up for the fight and give WI a run for their money. Windies win but didn’t they survive Scotland scare in warm-ups? So? Windies win! Period.
Day 2
India vs Pakistan: Result – India win
India enjoy a 5-0 record over Pakistan in World Cup matches and they are expected to make it 6-0. Both teams are almost equal on paper with youth and experience but Pakistan fails to absorb the pressure of an Indo-Pak clash. While India’s pace attack is not in form, Pakistan’s batting is not consistent as well. It will be win or lost, as always, between India’s batting and Pakistan’s bowling.
South Africa vs Zimbabwe: Result – South Africa win
South Africa are a champion side. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, can put up a fight but an upset win is very unlikely. With the world’s best pace attack and one of the best batting line-up, South Africa can defend or chase any total. Zimbabwe will be happy to put up a spirited performance and make a match out of it.
Day 1 Results:
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka
Australia beat England
Our predictions (24 hours before the match)
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Result – New Zealand win
Hosts New Zealand are expected to dominate Sri Lanka in all three aspects of the game. The Brendon McCullum-led unit are all bases covered and have perfect blend of caution and aggression in their ranks. Not suggesting that Sri Lanka are an inferior side, but early in the tournament the Lions might find it difficult in the breezy and swinging New Zealand conditions.
Australia vs England: Result – Australia win
If the recent results and Australia’s form is taken into account, the Kangaroos will tame the Three Lions in the World Cup opener. Bailey and Co. have a fearsome bowling attack backed by some very effective batsmen. With David Warner and Aaron Finch at the top and the likes of Shane Watson and Steve Smith in the middle, the hosts are set to pose some serious threat in home conditions.
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