The 2015 Cricket World Cup kicks off in earnest on Saturday with high profile two matches. Co-host nations New Zealand and Australia will go to the pitch against Sri Lanka and England, respectively.
Before the first bowl is tossed, here is a makeshift list of power rankings for those looking to suss out which countries are contenders, and which are pretenders, at this year's tournament.
14. Afghanistan
This is the first time Afghanistan's ever even qualified for the World Cup. When all's said and done they're really just happy to be there.
13. UAE
Their first appearance since 1996. UAE fans will be satisfied with just a single win in group play.
12. Zimbabwe
A fun squad to root for, and their recent warm up win over Sri Lanka was a pleasant surprise. Still doesn't have the firepower to hang with the big dogs, though.
11. Bangladesh
Warm-up matches notwithstanding, the Tigers haven't competed on the international stage in almost two-and-a-half-months. While other squads will be operating in peak form, Bangladesh will just be dusting off its own cobwebs.
10. Scotland
This team will go as far as Kyle Coetzer is able to take them.
9. Ireland
The Irish made a name for themselves in the World Cup history textbooks when they sent the heavily-favored Pakistan home early in 2007. Do they have it in them to play the role of spoiler once more? A strong performance at last month's Dubai Triangular Series is a good indicator.
8. West Indies
A frisky roster that is uniquely suited to maximizing its potential during single-day matches. They don't have the raw talent to overpower traditional juggernauts like Australia and South Africa, but they always keep things close. Expect them to make multiple teams sweat out narrow victories, while stealing a few of their own to boot.
7. England
A long shot to take home the trophy, but a surefire contender to at least potentially reach the semi-finals. Their performance since last month's Carlton Tri Series has been encouraging.
6. Sri Lanka
Just a few weeks ago Sri Lanka seemed like a sure bet to reach the Cup's semifinals, if not finals. However, they played poorly in a recent seven match ODI series vs. New Zealand, and lost Thursday by seven wickets to Zimbabwe in their final warm up match.
5. India
The defending World Cup champs are second in the world rankings, and the sheer preponderance of talent on the roster makes them instant contenders. However, the Men in Blue have played like anything but a top squad in recent appearances. Their listless performance in last month's Carlton Tri Series was borderline embarrassing. Can they turn it on now that it truly counts?
4. Pakistan
A talented, veteran squad with talent from one to eleven.
3. New Zealand
The Black Caps have never won a World Cup before. This is really their best chance. Not only are they on fire in recent matches (they won back-to-back ODI series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and then walloped South Africa by 134 runs in a warm up match), but they'll also be serving as the Cup's co-hosts with Australia. Kane Williams is playing like the best cricketer in the world right now.
2. South Africa
That recent loss to the Kiwis notwithstanding, South Africa is still a major contender for the tournament title. AB de Villiers is up there with Williamson for the distinction of best batsman on the planet. The Proteas are uncannily deep at all positions.
1. Australia
They're number one in the global ODI rankings, they're playing on their home turf, and they're playing in the memory of fallen countryman Philip Hughes. There's simply little reason to bet against the Baggy Greens.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
