Favourites to win the CWC 2018

Yeah despite the fact Im against a 10 team WC it will be a great sceptical, this is how I see it -

Favourites - India

Strengths - Best all round side with explosive batting and a bountiful of options in their bowling stocks, Kohli is the best 'flat track bully' not because he can't play on difficult tracks but because he rarely misses out on the flat tracks which are the norm in ODI cricket. These guys play so much ODI and t20 cricket at a high level they have all their bases covered.

Weaknesses - The only weakness I can think India have is possibly the balance of their side, none of their batsman can really bowl and none of their bowlers can really bat, this has been the catalyst for Jadeja's return to the side. If you go after one of their bowlers they don't really have the flexibility to get overs from somewhere else.

Runners up - England

Strengths -Great side they've put together with the long list of guys who can bat and bowl they bat deep and have about 6-7 front line bowlers in their side. Their top order is scary with Roy, Bairstow & Hales fighting out for the openers spot then the class of Root and Morgan finished off with the fire power and finishing of Stokes, Butler & Ali they really have the perfect balance for their batting.

Weaknesses - Home crowd expectation will weigh heavily on them and in the past it has been a load to heavy to carry, I think for them it would almost have been better to go into this WC a little more under the radar but their form in the past 12 months has been top shelf. Have they 'peaked too early' ?

Semi Finalists - South Africa

Strengths - Who else but South Africa to choke in the semis again? They have a similar side to last WC and although they will miss AB they get the inclusion of KG and Ngidi who will form the best seam attack in the tournament with Dale Steyn. David Miller also seems to be in red hot form but can he keep it going until the WC??

Weaknesses - Easy to say they're chokers but I think they're short a good batman and a good allrounder to be able to knock off England or India, Markram and Hendricks haven't set the world alight and although Amla will return is he still the batsman he once was? They like India also have balancing issues with their XI although Duminy is a good offie he can't be trusted to bowl 10 good overs so they need an allrounder. Phehlukawayo & Pretorius have done well with the ball, but with a 'shaky' top order can they bank on them for runs in the pressure situations ?

Pakistan

Strengths - I agree with Sloan this side has all the tools and all the answers you need for an ODI side, ok they messed up in the Asia Cup but I'm not holding that against them, you could argue this side is more suited to English conditions anyways. They have two good openers and one of the best ODI batsman in the World Babar at 3, it needs to be his tournament if they're going to go far. Their bowling lineup has many options they seem to be able to pull quality left armers out of thin air.

Weaknesses - Unpredictability always haunts Pakistan and they're just as likely to stink it up and lose every game, there are always unknown factors lying beneath the surface with this side that can send them off the rails. They're also a fairly young side compared to the others.

The Rest

Australia

Strengths - Crazy bowling attack when Starc is on song and with Pat and Josh backing him up, they'll also have a rejuvenated batting lineup with Warner and Smith likely to return. Australia are the most successful nation at the World Cup so they can't be totally ridden off.

Weaknesses - Where to start? Only won two games in 2018 and with all the drama surrounding Sandpaper gate the the massive upheaval on and off the pitch it's hard to see them pulling it all together in time. Selection has also became a mess with the panel deciding to fill the side with sloggers and fast bowlers, their is no craft or trickery to the side it's just all 'bang and bash' stuff and it hasn't worked.

New Zealand

Strengths - Could easily sneak into the semis because they're such a well oiled unit with a great core of players who know their role and do it well. Williamson and Taylor are class batsman whilst Boult and Southee have a wealth of skill and experience.

Weaknesses - Didn't quite have enough firepower to win the last WC and haven't replaced Brendan McCullum so I can't see them being able to take that next step. As I said they're a good unit but I think they'll struggle to win enough games in a row against the top sides.

Windies

Strengths - They seem to be getting a few players back and could field one of the most exciting sides in the competition if they get Lewis, Gayle, Bravo, Samuels, Hope, Russell, Hetmeyer etc all firing at the same time. They've shown when they 'get the band back together' they can win these types of tournaments winning two t20 World Cups.

Weaknesses - Can this side blend together in time to form a team capable of winning the whole thing?? They certainly have the players but these guys haven't been playing together consistently like the other nations. Probably lack that real class batsman like a Kohli, Root or Babar too many of their guys are hit or miss.

Bangladesh

Strengths - Best all round side they've ever had with plenty of seam bowling options to go with their spinners, they also seem to have numerous top order options now with Kayes, Sarker & Das or fighting to partner Tamim at the top of the order. They've also done well at their last three ODI major tournaments.

Weaknesses - Conditions won't suit them as much as it will most of the other nations, their batsman like the lower decks prepared on the sub-continent and even their seamers probably enjoy those conditions more. Also they won't be able to count on one upset against a top side to take them through to the next stage like they did at the last WC & CT they'll need to win multiple games against sides better than them.

Sri Lanka

Strengths - A rich history of doing well at World Cups will help give the Sri Lankans hope as they head to England, knowing they've done well in previous World Cups when they've been ridden off will be drummed into the players. Whilst their form has been very poor of late you feel they have a good young core of players just waiting to take that next step.

Weaknesses - They've been terrible in ODI's for a few years now and unlike their previous sides they don't have the World Class Players like Sanga, Mahela, Mulari, Vaas etc to count on. Their bowling attack is really poor as well they don't really have any world class bowlers at the moment which seems to be their biggest problem.

Afghanistan

Strengths - Rashid Khan and their fighting spirit are their biggest and only real strengths they'll take into this World Cup, in Khan they have the Best Spin bowler in this format so if he has a day out they're always a chance of an upset. They've also shown they can compete against the best sides on the back of their fighting spirit. They'll go into this tournament as the most dangerous side because they have nothing to lose, any win will be a bonus and for this side taking the scalp of a big team is what they're after.

Weaknesses - All round class, experience and big match know how will be lacking from the Blue Tigers which will ultimately cost them games, although they did show in the Asia Cup they can compete. Their batting has always been an issue with the side just as likely to crumble to 100 all out v Hong Kong as they are to India, although they did bat pretty well in the Asia Cup these conditions will be much different.

Outcasts - Zimbabwe :cry:

very well thought out summary Jaybro...

I would largely agree except I think NZ are slightly underrated and PAK overrated.

I will put England as firm favorites. I don't want them to win, but I think they will.

Obviously I'd love to see us, meaning India, win or otherwise South Africa... I love the likes of Hash, Steyn, Faf, Immi, Rabada... Will be great to see them win.

I like Bangladesh, will be good if they can push other teams and win some games but I still feel winning the entire thing will be difficult for Bangla boys as of now, reason I say this is because they are a spin heavy team and the batting is mercurial. Other than Tamim and Mushfiqur, all other batters, Shakib included, are vulnerable.

I beg to differ on Kriterion's views on Pakistan, they may not be looking good atm, but you never know with them, they are so mercurial they can surprise you big time, they have a very good record in England. Bowling is still very good, if only their batters can come good.

My realistic order of favorites will be:

1) England

2) India

3) South Africa

4) New Zealand

5) Pakistan

6) Australia

7) Bangladesh

8) Windies

9) Afghanistan

10) Sri Lanka

Kriterion_BD wrote: ↑Tue Nov 13, 2018 2:23 am

Pakistan are massively over rated here. 3rd best ODI team in Asia are not winning the WC next year. If they hit form, they might challenge for a semi-final spot, but it will be tough.

Think its time to bump this again. True England at home are a daunting task for anyone, but they were also beaten (whitewashed?) by Australia in the UAE sans Smith and Warner. England today chased 360 inside 45 overs losing just 4 wickets.

I will attempt to cover my ass by saying the World Cup hasn't started yet and it is conceivable that team PAK could turn things around like the 2017 champions trophy, but there is CURRENTLY SCANT evidence (if any) to hype up Pakistan's current chance's or pace attack. Out of the pace group, Shaheen is the only one who looks a decent long term prospect. Everyone else (Junaid, Hasan, express Hasnain, Amir) will merely be the equivalent of an Umar Gul ie can win you a handful of matches over a 10 year span, but will be mediocre 95% of the time. Wahab Riaz is the best case study. No shortage of pace or aggression, decent height, etc...the typical Pakistani pace bowler. When I first saw him, he looked an exciting prospect. But in 10 years, what did he end up doing? One spell vs Shane Watson and another spell vs India where he brought Pakistan into the match (PAK lost both games in the end I think).

I think Shaheen Shah Afridi will be the exception. For some reason, I really like the kid. Would love to see him excell at the World Cup (except against Bangladesh). Can't stand Amir or Hasan, and don't rate either of them even if I could.

I rate Hasan I won't lie, but he doesn't really move the ball a great deal.

Shaheen Afridi and Mohammed Shinwari are indeed two exciting prospects for Pakistan and I really hope they kick on.

I will put England as firm favorites. I don't want them to win, but I think they will.

Obviously I'd love to see us, meaning India, win or otherwise South Africa... I love the likes of Hash, Steyn, Faf, Immi, Rabada... Will be great to see them win.

I like Bangladesh, will be good if they can push other teams and win some games but I still feel winning the entire thing will be difficult for Bangla boys as of now, reason I say this is because they are a spin heavy team and the batting is mercurial. Other than Tamim and Mushfiqur, all other batters, Shakib included, are vulnerable.

I beg to differ on Kriterion's views on Pakistan, they may not be looking good atm, but you never know with them, they are so mercurial they can surprise you big time, they have a very good record in England. Bowling is still very good, if only their batters can come good.

My realistic order of favorites will be:

1) England

2) India

3) South Africa

4) New Zealand

5) Pakistan

6) Australia

7) Bangladesh

8) Windies

9) Afghanistan

10) Sri Lanka

sam_ahm wrote: ↑Fri Nov 23, 2018 6:49 pm

I like Bangladesh, will be good if they can push other teams and win some games but I still feel winning the entire thing will be difficult for Bangla boys as of now, reason I say this is because they are a spin heavy team and the batting is mercurial. Other than Tamim and Mushfiqur, all other batters, Shakib included, are vulnerable.

The Bangladeshi top order is fairly strong. Shakib may be "vulnerable" but he's almost as big a match winner as Tamim and Mushfiq with the bat. And then there is Mahmudullah. They may not have fabulous averages, but their value is a lot more than the numbers would indicate. Key point being the virtual knock out match vs NZ at the Champions Trophy. Mahmudullah and Shakib smashed Boult and Southee and the NZ attack.

The weakness for Bangladesh is that we don't have a batting lineup capable of scoring 350+ totals. But on a flat track - and 80-90% of WC matches if not all of them will be played on flat tracks - we have the lineup to consistently score 300 against any attack batting first or second. So our success will hinge on how often we can restrict teams to under 300. Mustafiz will be critical with his breakthrough wickets and death bowling. Miraz's tight off spin will be crucial, especially against teams with lots of left handed batsman. Shakib is Shakib, so thats 30 overs covered. The other 20 overs will decide games for us. Hopefully the likes of Abu Hider, Saifuddin, and perhaps this new 17 year old kid, Nayeem can help solve that problem.

Kriterion_BD wrote: ↑Sat Nov 24, 2018 4:33 am

sam_ahm wrote: ↑Fri Nov 23, 2018 6:49 pm

I like Bangladesh, will be good if they can push other teams and win some games but I still feel winning the entire thing will be difficult for Bangla boys as of now, reason I say this is because they are a spin heavy team and the batting is mercurial. Other than Tamim and Mushfiqur, all other batters, Shakib included, are vulnerable.

The Bangladeshi top order is fairly strong. Shakib may be "vulnerable" but he's almost as big a match winner as Tamim and Mushfiq with the bat. And then there is Mahmudullah. They may not have fabulous averages, but their value is a lot more than the numbers would indicate. Key point being the virtual knock out match vs NZ at the Champions Trophy. Mahmudullah and Shakib smashed Boult and Southee and the NZ attack.

The weakness for Bangladesh is that we don't have a batting lineup capable of scoring 350+ totals. But on a flat track - and 80-90% of WC matches if not all of them will be played on flat tracks - we have the lineup to consistently score 300 against any attack batting first or second. So our success will hinge on how often we can restrict teams to under 300. Mustafiz will be critical with his breakthrough wickets and death bowling. Miraz's tight off spin will be crucial, especially against teams with lots of left handed batsman. Shakib is Shakib, so thats 30 overs covered. The other 20 overs will decide games for us. Hopefully the likes of Abu Hider, Saifuddin, and perhaps this new 17 year old kid, Nayeem can help solve that problem.

Surely I agree that Bangladesh are stronger than ever before. Lets see how they go, I hope they can keep their nerve in those big games... They need to be mentally strong as well.

Kriterion_BD wrote: ↑Tue Nov 13, 2018 2:23 am

Pakistan are massively over rated here. 3rd best ODI team in Asia are not winning the WC next year. If they hit form, they might challenge for a semi-final spot, but it will be tough.

Think its time to bump this again. True England at home are a daunting task for anyone, but they were also beaten (whitewashed?) by Australia in the UAE sans Smith and Warner. England today chased 360 inside 45 overs losing just 4 wickets.

I will attempt to cover my ass by saying the World Cup hasn't started yet and it is conceivable that team PAK could turn things around like the 2017 champions trophy, but there is CURRENTLY SCANT evidence (if any) to hype up Pakistan's current chance's or pace attack. Out of the pace group, Shaheen is the only one who looks a decent long term prospect. Everyone else (Junaid, Hasan, express Hasnain, Amir) will merely be the equivalent of an Umar Gul ie can win you a handful of matches over a 10 year span, but will be mediocre 95% of the time. Wahab Riaz is the best case study. No shortage of pace or aggression, decent height, etc...the typical Pakistani pace bowler. When I first saw him, he looked an exciting prospect. But in 10 years, what did he end up doing? One spell vs Shane Watson and another spell vs India where he brought Pakistan into the match (PAK lost both games in the end I think).

I think Shaheen Shah Afridi will be the exception. For some reason, I really like the kid. Would love to see him excell at the World Cup (except against Bangladesh). Can't stand Amir or Hasan, and don't rate either of them even if I could.

I rate Hasan I won't lie, but he doesn't really move the ball a great deal.

Shaheen Afridi and Mohammed Shinwari are indeed two exciting prospects for Pakistan and I really hope they kick on.

Who are we all backing to win the 2018 CWC?

My choices are between England and Pakistan.

Pakistan seem to have unearthed a few gems in the past 18 months, all in and around the age of 22/25.

With the ball they have an abudance of young fast bowlers coming through; Shaheen Sha Afridi, Shinwari, Hashan Ali, Mohammed Amir being the most potent of the lot.

Batting wise there's a nice mix of youth and experience which is beginning to show dividens. Imam Ul Haq looks to be one hell of a find up top, Fakhar Zaman has duly taken over the role of pinch hitter from Sharjeel Khan and is averging in the 50's! When was the last time Pakistan had two openers averaging 50 in ODI cricket..? Saeed Anwar is the only opener close.

Then the middle order is as solid as it gets, with Babar Azam and Harris Sohail showing their class in this series, backed up by the experienced heads of Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Haffeez and Safraz Ahmed. I think they have a really good chance of doing something special in England next summer, with the squad they have and the players theyre moulding, adding to the fact they are all realtively young. Their fielding has been on top form, too, which has been refreshing to see.

I haven't even mentioned young Shadab Khan, either

Kriterion_BD wrote: ↑Tue Nov 13, 2018 2:23 am

Pakistan are massively over rated here. 3rd best ODI team in Asia are not winning the WC next year. If they hit form, they might challenge for a semi-final spot, but it will be tough.

And yet they won the champions trophy in England..

They stand a far better chance than the Tigers, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

zimbos_05 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 12, 2018 10:25 pm

My heart can't sway from South Africa, and the recent series with Aus gives me a lot of hope. If they can keep their three seamers fit, that is a potent bowling attack. All three of Steyn, KG, and Lungi have been bowling really well lately and constantly up and around 140+. The worry is in their batting for me. Seem to be a bit short in that department and almost relying too much on 2 or 3 guys to score. Granted those 2 or 3 are quality players who can definitely put in the yards. Fantastic knocks from Faf and Miller the other day.

England and Pakistan like you say have been in some good form though. Pakistan seem to have all the combinations there, it would just be about if it came together for them. I like England too because they have been in some decent form and are playing at home. Conditions will be a big factor I reckon and I may be wrong, but sub continent teams have tended to struggle in England

South Africa I reckon are nearly there in terms of getting their best combination sorted.

Rabada, Ngidi and Dale Steyn are going to be there. Steyn especially has been taking wickets for fun in recent ODI's and clocked up at 152 (94mph) in the last ODI. Dwayne Pretorius, Andile and Chris Morris are going to be fighting it out for an all-rounders spot, but I think Abdile will get the nod. In fairness to the bloke, his variations in the shorter formats, and the fact he bowls with a wobbly seam could work to his advantage in England. Morris is fast but he's now 31, with his ODI bowling average in the 40's! He's hardly kicked on. Dwayne Pretorious is better fit and a safer option, as he's a genuine batter and a wicket taker with the ball.

Batting wise, they need to get rid of Hendricks and open with Markram and De Kock. I think Reeza is way off the mark in terms of being an efficient modern day opener in ODI's. Amla at 3, Faf, Miller and Duminy in the middle and Klassen and the allrounder to follow. Shamsi is cannon fodder and shouldn't be amnywhere near the squad.

I'm still backing Pakistan though. I think they have a stupidly exciting crop of players right now, who are all hitting their straps. Shinwari and Sheen Afridi are the kind of finds you can only dream of. Like seriously, two kids bowling 90mph, and left arm? Sound familiar...?

sloandog wrote: ↑Tue Nov 13, 2018 9:23 am

And yet they won the champions trophy in England..

They stand a far better chance than the Tigers, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

Completely different format. They won the tournament winning just 4 games...2 of them against a terrible Sri Lanka side (who are now the worst of the 5 Asian sides), and against South Africa who will choke against just about anyone. There only meaningful wins were the games against England and India in the final, so yeah hats off for that as it totally beat my expectations. But I don't see them doing anything close to that again, especially when everyone will be looking out for them.

My current list of the 10 sides in order of their chances at the WC next summer:

1) India - imperfect side but they have the pedigree

2) England - best ODI team in the world cup, insane batting capabilities, poor bowling unit

3) Australia - will have Smith and Warner back

4) New Zealand - most well rounded side IMO, safest bet to make the semis, but lack the pedigree

5) South Africa - decent team, but will choke when push comes to shove

6) Bangladesh - solid top order, solid bowling unit but not good enough to threaten for a final 4 berth

7) Pakistan - overrated team

8) Afghanistan - shoddy batting, weak pace attack

9) West Indies - will just edge out Sri Lanka

10) Sri Lanka - could very well finish the tournament winless

Kriterion_BD wrote: ↑Tue Nov 13, 2018 10:11 am

They won the tournament winning just 4 games...2 of them against a terrible Sri Lanka side (who are now the worst of the 5 Asian sides), and against South Africa who will choke against just about anyone.

I don't really care who they were playing, they played well and beat the sides they had to. They played some exciting cricket in that tournament, and I still think the squad they have currently in the UAE Is better than their winning champions trophy squad. I think you're doing them a disservice personally.

Aditionally, If you think the West Indies are going to be down and out, think again. In Asia, sure, they'd struggle. But in Enagland on those pacey decks I'm calling it now that they'll do well. How can you say Afghanistan and Bangladesh are going to do better in those conditions..? You've seen yourself how s**t the Tigers pace bowling is on a flat deck (referring to the SA series) and they rely heavily on the big three to fire. You've got that winning order completely wrong, especially with Australia. They've just come off their worst ever ODI run, and you put them above SA and NZ..? Crazy

sloandog wrote: ↑Tue Nov 13, 2018 10:25 am

Aditionally, If you think the West Indies are going to be down and out, think again. In Asia, sure, they'd struggle. But in Enagland on those pacey decks I'm calling it now that they'll do well. How can you say Afghanistan and Bangladesh are going to do better in those conditions..? You've seen yourself how s**t the Tigers pace bowling is on a flat deck (referring to the SA series) and they rely heavily on the big three to fire. You've got that winning order completely wrong, especially with Australia. They've just come off their worst ever ODI run, and you put them above SA and NZ..? Crazy

I might tweak my rankings but at the moment this is how it is, IMO.

Australia will have Smith and Warner back. And given that they have 5 titles, they will always have the mental edge over NZ and choke Africa. On top of that the Aussie pace attack is as strong as anyone's. They might say I'm under-rating them, but the truth is right now they don't have much support for Smith and Warner.

Everyone's pace attack will be s**t on those flat English decks where 481 can be scored.