ICC WC 2011 – XI - Group Stage Round-Up (So long and thanks for all the fish!)

The rather cryptic heading is taken from the title of a Douglas Adams book (the 4^th instalment of the HGTG 'trilogy in 4 parts'). What I mean is that the associates have been now seen off and the tournament proper can begin. Lip service has been paid to extending the game to other areas of the world and we can bid the associates good-bye for the next four years.

So, what has the last four weeks really thrown up and what does that augur for the quarter-finals ? Let's go team by team and find out.

QF1 – Pakistan vs West Indies

Pakistan has remained inconsistent as expected, capable of great highs and also of abysmal lows (the keeping of Kamran Akmal for example). Afridi seems to have forgotten that he can bat and seems to be happy that he is taking wickets. Younis Khan and Misbah ul-Haq have been solid without being feared by opponents, Shoaib Akhtar maybe has already played his last match, unless he can summon up one final burst of energy. Umar Akmal has reinforced his image as an exciting batting talent. Pakistan should get by the West Indies (one hesitates to use the word 'easily') and will await the winner of the India-Australia match.

West Indies have surprised no one in the tournament. They have played well in parts but the problems that have plagued West Indies cricket for the past few years have been on full display in the tournament. A lack of consistency both in batting and bowling, means that they have struggled to score runs and defend totals. They have capitulated badly against both England and India and these are the last two performances that they are taking to the quarter-finals. Their future in the tournament rests on the broad shoulders of Chris Gayle. Period.

Prediction: Pakistan wins

QF2 – India vs Australia

India have played below potential in almost every match. Their batting has only truly clicked once (in the first match against Bangladesh) and since has promised much but not delivered. The one positive has been the batting of Yuvraj Singh, however he will need to produce the goods for the next three matches. Ashwin made his long awaited debut in the World Cup and everything he did suggests that he should have played much earlier. India will look to Sehwag and Tendulkar to dominate against Australia in the quarter-finals and for the support bowlers like Munaf and Yusuf Pathan to hold their nerve.

Australia have been scratchy in form, however their excellent work ethic and hard playing style has ensured that they keep winning. Their batting is now heavily dependent on Watson and a late contribution from any of the middle-order. Their bowling is what has kept them in the hunt and Lee and Tait have been bowling well. Ponting continues to struggle and he is going to be under increased pressure against India in the quarter-finals.

Prediction: India wins

QF3 – South Africa vs New Zealand

New Zealand have dominated the associates like a school yard bully but have found the going tough against the established sides. The absence of Vettori is not doing them good and they would hope for him to return for the key match against South Africa. New Zealand need Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor to fire against South Africa and for Jesse Ryder to find some form. Their bowling looks capable but may not be enough to dent the South African line-up. New Zealand have to bat well to win.

South Africa have looked like the best prepared team till the quarter-finals stage. They had just the one blip against England but played well in every other match. The surprise of the tournament has been that Peterson and Imran Tahir have not just been able to contain batsmen but also taken key wickets. Smith is the only batsman who has not scored big and the main relief for South Africa must be that Kallis is finding some form. I expect Steyn and Morkel to blow away New Zealand and cruise into the semi-finals.

Prediction: South Africa wins

QF4 – Sri Lanka vs England

Sri Lanka have played well for most of the tournament as expected. What is ominous is that Murali is getting among the wickets. Their three main batsmen, Sangakarra, Jayawardena and Dilshan have all scored runs but their lower order has not contributed much. Sri Lanka remain a dangerous team especially on sub-continent wickets but will come up against England who have reserved their better performances for test sides. I expect the Sri Lanka – England match to be closest in the quarter-finals.

England have to dig deep to find the reserves necessary for a final burst over the next 3 games. England need to find a way to rejuvenate Anderson and ensure that Bresnan continues to perform well. At the moment Swann is the only fully dependable bowler in the squad and I don't expect Tredwell to play against Sri Lanka. This match will also be about the England batting against the Sri Lankan bowling. Given the way the last few England matches have gone, this is likely to provide the closest finish for the quarter-finals and though Sri Lanka will be expected to win, it is not likely to be easy.

 
Prediction: A tough match with Sri Lanka prevailing in the end