Chances of Pakistan qualifying for the 2019 World Cup Semi-Final

[shah_1]

Vs West Indies, England, Sri Lanka, Australia, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. This is all in order.


We are capable enough to beat Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and West Indies but its going to be tough to beat them all. After that we have to somehow beat two more teams. This is the formula I see for Pakistan and other low ranked teams to qualify


India, Australia, and England look certain for me. The fouth spot is up for grabs and NZ being the favourite to sneek through. I expect South Africa, Bangladesh West Indies and Pakistan to give a tough fight to Kiws .

 

[Wasim_Waqar]

Correct on what we need to do. Not sure what Australia have done to suggest they will make it through.

I’m hoping our 1 month extra in England will pay dividends.

 

[Titan24]

Pak just needs to do basics right. If Pak doesnt loose comparatively easy matches against WI, Srl, BD, Afg than there would already be a big chance as they will have to be winning 1,2 or more agianst Ind, Eng, Aus, NZ and SA considering the scenario.

Main point is to not loose any of the slightly easier matches. Obviously its WC so no match is gonna be easy but still relatively easier matches should be taken advantage off.

Perfromance wise NZ has been much better than Aus in last couple of years.

 

[in_cutter]

Vs West Indies, England, Sri Lanka, Australia, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. This is all in order.


We are capable enough to beat Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and West Indies but its going to be tough to beat them all. After that we have to somehow beat two more teams. This is the formula I see for Pakistan and other low ranked teams to qualify


India, Australia, and England look certain for me. The fouth spot is up for grabs and NZ being the favourite to sneek through. I expect South Africa, Bangladesh West Indies and Pakistan to give a tough fight to Kiws .

Recently, even the Windies have had the better of Pakistan in big tournaments.

 

[Wasim_Waqar]

Recently, even the Windies have had the better of Pakistan in big tournaments.

This time, we have a much better side than previous tournaments. We have to win v WI In our opener.

Probably the best side we have put out there since 1999 (2011 was also very good, but I think this is a young side that can get better whereas in 2011 we had a lot of veterans).

 

[Mamoon]

Are slim.

 

[Wasim_Waqar]

Are slim.

Crowd support will help. It usually does in England. Extra month of preparation should help.

 

[Sean143]

It would be disappointing if we don't make it to the semis.

We are amongst the favourites along with England and India, but you never know how things pan out in case of PCT.
We should have won against SA in ODIs but rather lost 3-2 to them, so brain fades can't be ruled out.

 

[hisham_ashraf]

There isn't any favourite in this tournament.Last WC Australia were quite clearly the strongest side and they won quite easily too but this time no team is invincible.Ind have lots of issues to address before going to the WC.England's main concern is their bowling and their ability to crumble if there is any assistance in the pitch.I won't be surprised if neither India nor England go on to win the WC.
Australia will most probably perform well.Their team is shaping up well.
Pakistan should make it to the semis.

 

[barah_admi]

Vs West Indies, England, Sri Lanka, Australia, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. This is all in order.

I think they will lose the first two, and then beat sl, aus, possibly India, def South Africa, which would really only require them to win against afg and bang.

Semi finalists will be England, India, NZ and Pakistan

 

[a_tahir]

Are slim.

Not THAT slim.

It's looking more likely now that it looked 6-7 months ago.

 

[Rayyman]

Going by your theory, the Australia (Taunton) and South Africa (London) games will be the most winnable as they are on slow surfaces.

Hardest game will be vs England match which is at Nottingham. It's Pak's 2nd match.

India at Manchester and NZ at Birmingham will be the two other really difficult games. I do think we will win those games though as the team has lost a lot to both of them recently and will be fired up.

I'ma predict this:
L (v WI), L (v ENG), W (v SL), W (v AUS), W (v IND), L (v SA), W (v NZ), W (v AFG, W (v BD)

 

[Hitman]

Not going to lie here, I want Pakistan to qualify for the quarter finals at least and then face India. That is provided my worst fears don't come true about our Govt. intervening.

I'm a cricket fan, and I don't mix the game with other factors.

 

[Rayyman]

Pak just needs to do basics right. If Pak doesnt loose comparatively easy matches against WI, Srl, BD, Afg than there would already be a big chance as they will have to be winning 1,2 or more agianst Ind, Eng, Aus, NZ and SA considering the scenario.

Main point is to not loose any of the slightly easier matches. Obviously its WC so no match is gonna be easy but still relatively easier matches should be taken advantage off.

Perfromance wise NZ has been much better than Aus in last couple of years.

Recently, even the Windies have had the better of Pakistan in big tournaments.

This time, we have a much better side than previous tournaments. We have to win v WI In our opener.

Probably the best side we have put out there since 1999 (2011 was also very good, but I think this is a young side that can get better whereas in 2011 we had a lot of veterans).

The WI game is an L unless Fakhar can fluke a 150+ and take us to 350.

Best batting ground in the world and those guys have the most explosive lineup.

Vs West Indies, England, Sri Lanka, Australia, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. This is all in order.

I think they will lose the first two, and then beat sl, aus, possibly India, def South Africa, which would really only require them to win against afg and bang.

Semi finalists will be England, India, NZ and Pakistan

I agree with this but I think we'll beat NZ instead of SA.

 

[Titan24]

Not going to lie here, I want Pakistan to qualify for the quarter finals at least and then face India. That is provided my worst fears don't come true about our Govt. intervening.

I'm a cricket fan, and I don't mix the game with other factors.

Quarter finals?

I dont think there are any. Its Round Robbin with to 4 teams playing in the semis.

 

[jadaja]

I don't like this round robin format, a side can win all its league matches and have one bad day and lose to team which barely qualifies to semis.If they play round robin format they need to reward the top two teams in league format.

Pakistan has a very good chance like many other teams.

 

[topspin]

West Indies will finish above Pakistan so forget about top 4.

What will cost Pakistan:

1. Inclusions of Sarfraz as captain and batsman + Malik in the batting order
2. No Sharjeel

 

[sjahmed23]

Don't have the batting. Again in PSL we saw more fast bowlers emerge but no batsmen of international calibre.

 

[aloo paratha]

Australia are not making the semis.

 

[Rana]

I have a strange feeling that one of either India or England and New Zealand will crash out before the Semis. India's concentration seems to have derailed from cricket and is more focussed on national pride and image, even though this team has been preparing the hardest for the tournament in the last 4 years.

One of Pakistan or South Africa will be in the top 4.

 

[barah_admi]

The WI game is an L unless Fakhar can fluke a 150+ and take us to 350.

Best batting ground in the world and those guys have the most explosive lineup.

I agree with this but I think we'll beat NZ instead of SA.

Could be...I just feel Pakistan have the kosh over SA in tournaments.

 

[Stalin]

I don't like this round robin format, a side can win all its league matches and have one bad day and lose to team which barely qualifies to semis.If they play round robin format they need to reward the top two teams in league format.

Pakistan has a very good chance like many other teams.

Yes. May be an IPL style playoff. The top two teams must have some advantage over the next two for their consistency in the pool stages .

 

[Hitman]

Quarter finals?

I dont think there are any. Its Round Robbin with to 4 teams playing in the semis.

Sorry, bhai. Pata nahin tha.

 

[Nov15]

I have a strange feeling that one of either India or England and New Zealand will crash out before the Semis. India's concentration seems to have derailed from cricket and is more focussed on national pride and image, even though this team has been preparing the hardest for the tournament in the last 4 years.

One of Pakistan or South Africa will be in the top 4.

Indian cricketers generally never let outside events affect their game. Even during the Asia Cup, Imran Khan's "small men in high offices" jibe directed at Modi heightened tensions before the match. Pakistani media went overboard with CT17 glory, UAE home advantage & "Kohli bhaag gaya".

 

[moghul]

Better than BD, Afghanistan, SR and WI.

 

[Sachin136]

I have a strange feeling that one of either India or England and New Zealand will crash out before the Semis. India's concentration seems to have derailed from cricket and is more focussed on national pride and image, even though this team has been preparing the hardest for the tournament in the last 4 years.

One of Pakistan or South Africa will be in the top 4.

India just came back after series wins in NZ and Australia. Not sure why you think they aren't concentrating on cricket just because they chose to wear a certain cap.

 

[Ab Fan]

Between India, England and Pakistan.

My prediction is that a fascinating spell of Shaheen will knock out England in knockouts.

Semi-finalists will be: -

England
India
Australia
Pakistan

Finals: -

India vs Pakistan

Winner: -

India

 

[Bewal Express]

Quite small but these tournaments are all about momentum in the tournament. I just don't see our batting doing much, it lacks quality and depth. The other reason is historical- our record in the last 4 tournaments is very poor, with only 2011 being decent.

 

[Chokli]

Versus West Indies - Pakistan
Versus England - England
Vesus Sri Lanka - Pakistan
Versus Australia - Pakistan
Versus India - India
Versus South Africa - Pakistan
Versus New Zealand - New Zealand
Versus Afghanistan - Pakistan
Versus Bangladesh - Pakistan

6 wins

 

[Chokli]

Pakistan Vs New Zealand
India Vs England

Pakistan Vs England

Pakistan win by 22 runs

 

[CricVet]

It would be funny If the hot favorites get knocked out early. Rain may also play a big role. All TOP 8 teams start even and any of 4 can go to Final 4. I do not see much separation among them.

 

[ChTab]

Although most of Pakistani's are sure that we will play semi final I'm not one of them So my predictions.

vs WI Loss @ Trent Bridge
(Recent series of W.I vs Eng shows that WI are quite capable of beating Pakistan their batting is stronger than Pakistan's & it is more suited to ODI & they also have very potent fast bowling attack. Whereas in Pakistani side only Fakhar,Babar are players who can play quick rest are slow plus there is Sohaib Malik in team as well who will be a walking wicket in England for sure )

vs Eng Loss @ Trent Bridge
( I don't think their is any need to explain why this will end up in defeat for Pakistan. Pakistan only got maybe 5% chance of wining this game)

vs S.L Win @ Bristol
(S.L team has some good players but S.L haven't defeated Pakistan in ODI WC plus Pakistan side is better then S.L . So this will be another win in ODI WC for Pakistan vs S.L)

vs AUS 50-50 @ Taunton
(Aus will win if Smith & Warner are playing otherwise it will be a close encounter & Pakistan will win it.)

vs IND @ Manchester
(It's going to another humiliation for Pakistan. Their batting is definitely superior than Pakistan's & their bowling is also slightly better than Pakistan's. So easy win for India)

vs S.A Win @ Lords
(S.A team isn't very good plus their recent record vs Pak isn't that great especially in ICC tournaments. So Pakistan will win this game)

vs N.Z Loss @ Edgbaston
(N.Z ODI team is very good plus their record vs Pakistan in last few years is so dominating. So another loss for Pak)

vs AFG Win @ Leeds
(Afghani's aren't experienced enough so they will loose)

vs Ban Win @ Lords
(Pakistan will win vs Bangladesh ).

So Pak will end up with 4 or 5 wins & that won't be enough to take them in semi's

 

[BaankeJi]

How is everyone so confident of winning against Bangladesh? If I am not wrong, Bangladesh fancy their chances against Pakistan.

 

[a_tahir]

How is everyone so confident of winning against Bangladesh? If I am not wrong, Bangladesh fancy their chances against Pakistan.

Some bangladeshis fancy their chances of winning the wc, that doesn't mean they will.

 

[PakLFC]

60% chance we'll qualify.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I find it funny people think Australia will flip a switch and start steam-rolling every team enroute to a semi-final spot.

Also, Warner and Smith might not even get selected.

 

[Justcrazy]

Versus West Indies - Pakistan

Versus England - England

Vesus Sri Lanka - pakistan

Versus Australia - Australia

Versus India - Pakistan

Versus South Africa - Pakistan

Versus New Zealand - New Zealand

Versus Afghanistan - Pakistan

Versus Bangladesh - pakistan

I think Pakistan will win 6 of there games.

 

[Shafi]

Very unlikely!!!! Not a single power hitter apart from Hit and miss Fakhar. Babar is the only batsman, Haris is subjective to injury any time and others are pretty average.
Our bowlers always cannot bowl opposition around 175-200 in flat tracks since Inzi didn't invest on any young batsman for last 3 years.

 

[saeedhk]

The lack of power hitters will be difference. We have absolutely no one down the order. Even if Pak bats well, 290 will be the highest. Would be an achievement if we could win against Bangladesh, Afg and WI. Pak team looks fragile batting wise, except Babar.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Very unlikely!!!! Not a single power hitter apart from Hit and miss Fakhar. Babar is the only batsman, Haris is subjective to injury any time and others are pretty average.
Our bowlers always cannot bowl opposition around 175-200 in flat tracks since Inzi didn't invest on any young batsman for last 3 years.

What about Asif Ali? Umar Akmal is also in strong consideration and if he can bring back that fire he had around debut and perform consistently throughout WC then we can still hit 270-280 and occasionally 300. And relative faith can be put into our bowling attack to defend that kind of total.

My real concern here is our imploding whenever chasing which was a problem 4 years ago and will still be a problem whenever chasing 270+ I feel.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

What about Asif Ali? Umar Akmal is also in strong consideration and if he can bring back that fire he had around debut and perform consistently throughout WC then we can still hit 270-280 and occasionally 300. And relative faith can be put into our bowling attack to defend that kind of total.


My real concern here is our imploding whenever chasing which was a problem 4 years ago and will still be a problem whenever chasing 270+ I feel.

Are you having a moment of madness? Why are you even mentioning Asif Ali? Asif Ali is not even a Pakistanis C levlw player and is a complete hack. His FC cricket average of 20 and List A of 26 should explain it all.

The worst or ever batsmen to play for Pakistan and should never play again.

 

[Greenstorm]

We can qualify if we manage to get rid of Malik and Hafeez by than.

 

[Sean143]

ODI series against England will tell us the actual standing of Pakistan

 

[Hasan123]

I find it funny people think Australia will flip a switch and start steam-rolling every team enroute to a semi-final spot.

Also, Warner and Smith might not even get selected.

Australia without Smith and Warner are running a full strength Indian team very close. India at full strength beat us black and blue most times.

Don't rule Australia out.

 

[Hasan123]

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Sarfaraz

We all know more than likely that this will be our batting line up. We can all hope that xyz is selected but we know this will be our batting line up. I don't think this line up is good enough to win a WC.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

We can qualify if we manage to get rid of Malik and Hafeez by than.

This!

 

[MMHS]

Australia should qualify for SF. The latest Australia team for UAE has 7 specialist bowlers + Maxwell & Stoinis out of 15 men squad. Which actually suggests that Smith & Warner will be back for WC - they are trying as many bowlers possible but not many batsmen. This happens when think tank is confident about batting options.

In this format Poms & India should definitely make the first cut; one odd day can be covered in such formats and India, England is too good to miss out after 9 games.

Last spot will be fought by 4 teams actually - in that order NZ, WIN, SAF & PAK. Most people are not considering WIN here but they are probably the surprise team in this WC. WIN drew 2-2 against full strength ENG at home & made it 1-3 in India with one win & one tie - I don’t think other 3 teams in this block can do either. WIN pace attack is good, in UK they will be least handicapped by lack of spinners and their batting is explosive; on their day can chase almost anything.

Rest 3 are outsiders - more than qualifying for SF, they’ll spoil some party.

 

[NauV]

Australia should qualify for SF. The latest Australia team for UAE has 7 specialist bowlers + Maxwell & Stoinis out of 15 men squad. Which actually suggests that Smith & Warner will be back for WC - they are trying as many bowlers possible but not many batsmen. This happens when think tank is confident about batting options.

In this format Poms & India should definitely make the first cut; one odd day can be covered in such formats and India, England is too good to miss out after 9 games.

Last spot will be fought by 4 teams actually - in that order NZ, WIN, SAF & PAK. Most people are not considering WIN here but they are probably the surprise team in this WC. WIN drew 2-2 against full strength ENG at home & made it 1-3 in India with one win & one tie - I don’t think other 3 teams in this block can do either. WIN pace attack is good, in UK they will be least handicapped by lack of spinners and their batting is explosive; on their day can chase almost anything.

Rest 3 are outsiders - more than qualifying for SF, they’ll spoil some party.

Agree with your comments about England, Ind and WI . .
Also agree with your analysis of what Aus is doing . .

But I do think you're over estimating Australia's chances . . Smith and Warner haven't played any real cricket in a year . . no idea what their return will bring . . In fact, Smith isn't even certain to be fit . . and he surely won't be selected without any proper cricket . . Aus' bowling is good but batting is dopey . . I would put them in the same category as WI, SAF and Pak . . I think NZ is the 3rd fav . . with AUS, SAF, WI and PAK battling for the 4th spot (in that order)

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Australia should qualify for SF. The latest Australia team for UAE has 7 specialist bowlers + Maxwell & Stoinis out of 15 men squad. Which actually suggests that Smith & Warner will be back for WC - they are trying as many bowlers possible but not many batsmen. This happens when think tank is confident about batting options.

In this format Poms & India should definitely make the first cut; one odd day can be covered in such formats and India, England is too good to miss out after 9 games.

Last spot will be fought by 4 teams actually - in that order NZ, WIN, SAF & PAK. Most people are not considering WIN here but they are probably the surprise team in this WC. WIN drew 2-2 against full strength ENG at home & made it 1-3 in India with one win & one tie - I don’t think other 3 teams in this block can do either. WIN pace attack is good, in UK they will be least handicapped by lack of spinners and their batting is explosive; on their day can chase almost anything.

Rest 3 are outsiders - more than qualifying for SF, they’ll spoil some party.

I think you're underrating NZ a lot. With Seifert and Neesham , they have enough explosiveness and if Kane finds form, they have a solid lineup. They are a more consistent team than Windies as well.

 

[MMHS]

I think you're underrating NZ a lot. With Seifert and Neesham , they have enough explosiveness and if Kane finds form, they have a solid lineup. They are a more consistent team than Windies as well.

Not underestimating Kiwis, but just don’t think they are better than full strength Australia outside their home - other 2 sides have beaten them by clear margin at their home recently. I have kept them 4th in order, just behind Australia (why, read next post).

WIN is peaking at right time and they have a great leader now to lead the side - often this becomes a critical factor in long tournaments. As of now, I'll definitely keep WIN slightly ahead of SAF & PAK. If it was in Asia, they would have been behind even SRL as well, but in UK they are a different side.

 

[MMHS]

Agree with your comments about England, Ind and WI . .
Also agree with your analysis of what Aus is doing . .

But I do think you're over estimating Australia's chances . . Smith and Warner haven't played any real cricket in a year . . no idea what their return will bring . . In fact, Smith isn't even certain to be fit . . and he surely won't be selected without any proper cricket . . Aus' bowling is good but batting is dopey . . I would put them in the same category as WI, SAF and Pak . . I think NZ is the 3rd fav . . with AUS, SAF, WI and PAK battling for the 4th spot (in that order)

Australia is the Germany of cricket - never underestimate them. Often Australian sides give false impression about their strength because they use bilateral games for different purpose - Australia hardly plays their best XI outside WCs in LO format.

Coming to Smith & Warner - I do understand your point. But, these two are not in their 40s, they are in their best age for batsman and such long tournament allows them to get into their stride smoothly. Besides, there is enough time in between 1st game and English tour for proper acclimatisation.

Even without these players, look what Aussies are doing in the toughest place to tour these days - they are actually without their top 5 starters against a full strength IND at home, and still in the series till 3.75 games, could have been 2-1 up by now with a little experience- I can bet apart from ENG, no team will even come close to this.

Australia has been hurt mostly by spinners in last few years - in early English summer, spin will be least effective. Other than that, their attack is among best for UK World Cup, their fielding is top, top class and their mental toughness is 2nd to none - they have won 5 WCs and have made other 2 finals out of 11 attempts speaks volume. And remember, 1979 WC, they were under strength for Packer issues, 1983 WC they had to send a compromised squad for rebel SAF tour and they failed to make the SF at home in 1992 with the contemporary best squad.

I’ll always overestimate Australia for global events (not only in cricket) than under estimating them. Also, they missed the SF of last ICC event in UK with a better team; they’ll make that up this time.

 

[Markhor]

We have to beat West Indies, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and find two wins against India, England, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa to be sure.

Taunton is the most spin friendly ground in England so I fancy our chances against Australia. We've also beaten South Africa in the last two ICC tournaments and competed well in their backyard. English pitches are slower and not as bouncy as in SAF so we shouldn't be as troubled by their short balls.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

We have to beat West Indies, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and find two wins against India, England, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa to be sure.

Taunton is the most spin friendly ground in England so I fancy our chances against Australia. We've also beaten South Africa in the last two ICC tournaments and competed well in their backyard. English pitches are slower and not as bouncy as in SAF so we shouldn't be as troubled by their short balls.

Pakistan are facing windies on a fresh Trent bridge pitch. Winning that game won't be easy. I'll only give clear advantage to PAK over SL, AFG and maybe BD. They will have to be on top of their game to have a chance against any of the other sides.

 

[Chokli]

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Sarfaraz

We all know more than likely that this will be our batting line up. We can all hope that xyz is selected but we know this will be our batting line up. I don't think this line up is good enough to win a WC.

That middle order inspires no confidence

 

[a_tahir]

Pakistan are facing windies on a fresh Trent bridge pitch. Winning that game won't be easy. I'll only give clear advantage to PAK over SL, AFG and maybe BD. They will have to be on top of their game to have a chance against any of the other sides.

I still remember the 2015 match. 1/4.
Don't want that to happen again.
But the good thing is that our current team is miles better than that one

 

[NauV]

Australia is the Germany of cricket - never underestimate them. Often Australian sides give false impression about their strength because they use bilateral games for different purpose - Australia hardly plays their best XI outside WCs in LO format.

Coming to Smith & Warner - I do understand your point. But, these two are not in their 40s, they are in their best age for batsman and such long tournament allows them to get into their stride smoothly. Besides, there is enough time in between 1st game and English tour for proper acclimatisation.

Even without these players, look what Aussies are doing in the toughest place to tour these days - they are actually without their top 5 starters against a full strength IND at home, and still in the series till 3.75 games, could have been 2-1 up by now with a little experience- I can bet apart from ENG, no team will even come close to this.

Australia has been hurt mostly by spinners in last few years - in early English summer, spin will be least effective. Other than that, their attack is among best for UK World Cup, their fielding is top, top class and their mental toughness is 2nd to none - they have won 5 WCs and have made other 2 finals out of 11 attempts speaks volume. And remember, 1979 WC, they were under strength for Packer issues, 1983 WC they had to send a compromised squad for rebel SAF tour and they failed to make the SF at home in 1992 with the contemporary best squad.

I’ll always overestimate Australia for global events (not only in cricket) than under estimating them. Also, they missed the SF of last ICC event in UK with a better team; they’ll make that up this time.

Fair points. It's the same for me. I wouldn't ever under estimate Australia, but I personally don't think they are the 3rd favorite team. I think on overall strength, NZ is perhaps better . . The other thing that worries me about both NZ and Aus is their spin bowling. The tournament will be around the same time that the Champions trophy took place in 2017. In fact, the final is in early July. I believe that spinners will have a role to play later in the tournament.

For me, Eng and India are obviously out and out favorites . .

All other teams will be fighting for the remaining 2 slots . . Will be an interesting tournament . .

On your other point though, I completely agree on WI . . People are grossly under estimating them! Truly think they will be the dark horses

 

[Pak Warrior]

We have a good chance with this new team. I think the extra time in England before WC is going to give us huge help. SA have a knack for choking on the big stage, we got them. The smaller teams we should beat, as long as our boys dont loosen up and take them lightly. Even Aus is not looking as strong as usual, so I'm liking our chances to be in Semifinals.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Australia without Smith and Warner are running a full strength Indian team very close. India at full strength beat us black and blue most times.

Don't rule Australia out.

Surprised. Australia has been ordinary to say the least in ODIs in the past two years. And here they are smashing India in India.

I wouldn't be surprised if they end up dropping the series to Pakistan B in the coming weeks. Weird team.

 

[Mamoon]

Australia have done well, but India have been surprisingly poor at home recently. They nearly lost to West Indies as well.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

England, India and Australia are locks.

4th spot between Pak, NZ and SA. WI can easily be there too. Our team is too weak in batting to give us real hope.

 

[happydavy]

This world cup should be one of the most exciting one with so many teams having the potential to end up in semis.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Australia have done well, but India have been surprisingly poor at home recently. They nearly lost to West Indies as well.

The scoreline against windies was 3-1. They drew 2-2 with England as well. It's not as bad a result as people are making it out to be.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I still remember the 2015 match. 1/4.
Don't want that to happen again.
But the good thing is that our current team is miles better than that one

This is certainly a better team than 2015. But windies are much better too. They look pretty strong.

 

[Couch Cricketer]

The only way I see us qualifying is if a few upsets happen where India, England, Australia, SA lose to other teams apart from each other and then we sneak through. But this world cup is going to be tough as all the other 6 teams are capable of beating the top 4 when things go their way. So it's going to be a really interesting world cup.

 

[Mamoon]

The scoreline against windies was 3-1. They drew 2-2 with England as well. It's not as bad a result as people are making it out to be.

A tie and a win is a very good result for West Indies in India. New Zealand pushed India to the brink in 2017-2018 as well.

While they seem to be invincible at home in Test cricket, India is losing some of its aura in ODIs at home. They have been a bit vulnerable for a while.

 

[saeed5646]

The odd looks good .People are preferring west indies and aus our pakistan which is good sign for us.we always perform poorly when called favorites

 

[Hitman]

Australia's resiliency is simply off the charts.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

A tie and a win is a very good result for West Indies in India. New Zealand pushed India to the brink in 2017-2018 as well.

While they seem to be invincible at home in Test cricket, India is losing some of its aura in ODIs at home. They have been a bit vulnerable for a while.

But that's compensated by our excellent record away in SA,NZ and OZ on our last tours in these places.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

With all this talk of Pakistan needing another solid batsman somewhere in the line up to good in the WC, what if the selectors bring Butt bhai back?

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Also:

Should we scrap Fakhar and have someone like Umar Amin open with Imam? Or maybe even have Umar Akmal open in a few games where we need a good start.

How about a top six of:

1) Imam
2) Umar Amin
3) Umar Akmal
4) Babar Azam
5) Haris Sohail
6) Sarfraz (Don't know where else to put him... Feel this might be the best position for him).

Yes I am selecting the Umars on the basis of their PSL campaign, however, both actually seem to have improved/disciplined themselves and are looking in fine touch. Also, I think those six bring the right balance of attacking play and conservative batting to the plate. Umar Akmal is the only real one who can force boundaries but the rest like Babar and Umar Amin and even Imam can score freely once set and not under pressure.

Furthermore, Imam, Umar Amin, and Haris are lefties while Babar, Akmal and Sarfoo are right-handed, thus also providing a good left-right hand combo at all times.

 

[pakistani pride]

With all this talk of Pakistan needing another solid batsman somewhere in the line up to good in the WC, what if the selectors bring Butt bhai back?

You say solid and then mention Butt?

 

[Justcrazy]

It will be exciting WC. The team that has specialists will triumph. Teams relying on Bits and pieces players will be exposed.

 

[Hasan123]

Surprised. Australia has been ordinary to say the least in ODIs in the past two years. And here they are smashing India in India.

I wouldn't be surprised if they end up dropping the series to Pakistan B in the coming weeks. Weird team.

Lol they play weaker teams in bilaterals. Wouldn't read too much into that.

You get the vibe they have found a combination. With Smith and Warner to come back, they are a dangerous side.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Lol they play weaker teams in bilaterals. Wouldn't read too much into that.

You get the vibe they have found a combination. With Smith and Warner to come back, they are a dangerous side.

The team that just beat India has been playing since Smith and Warner got banned.

Saw a stat where it said they had won only 6 ODIs out the 28 they have played in the past two years. No series wins. You can't help but read a lot into that.

Australia may well do great at the World Cup, but they have been terrible in the LOI format for a long time now, with or without Warner and Smith.

 

[a_tahir]

Lol they play weaker teams in bilaterals. Wouldn't read too much into that.

You get the vibe they have found a combination. With Smith and Warner to come back, they are a dangerous side.

You're just assuming smith and warner will come back and start smashing it. It takes some time. But ipl will help

 

[Hasan123]

You're just assuming smith and warner will come back and start smashing it. It takes some time. But ipl will help

IPL will give them enough game time and the WC is a long tournament so they have time to get back into form.

Also Shane Warne who has been what Smith and Warner has said they will feel motivated and really what to do well after their actions. I agree with those sentiments.

 

[Hasan123]

The team that just beat India has been playing since Smith and Warner got banned.

Saw a stat where it said they had won only 6 ODIs out the 28 they have played in the past two years. No series wins. You can't help but read a lot into that.

Australia may well do great at the World Cup, but they have been terrible in the LOI format for a long time now, with or without Warner and Smith.

Australia can beat Sri Lanka ,Bangldesh,Afghanistan?West Indies ,and Pakistan. I would back them to beat NZ and South Africa in a pressure game.

That's enough for them to get into the semis. 2 good days and they have won the tournament.

Trust me don't read anything into bilaterals from 1 or 2 years ago.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Australia can beat Sri Lanka ,Bangldesh,Afghanistan?West Indies ,and Pakistan. I would back them to beat NZ and South Africa in a pressure game.

That's enough for them to get into the semis. 2 good days and they have won the tournament.

Trust me don't read anything into bilaterals from 1 or 2 years ago.

Didn't Australia comprehensively lose a three match series to South Africa at home recently? New Zealand will be a massive struggle for them too.

Pakistan and West Indies will be tough matches, while I expect them to beat Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

 

[Hasan123]

Didn't Australia comprehensively lose a three match series to South Africa at home recently? New Zealand will be a massive struggle for them too.

Pakistan and West Indies will be tough matches, while I expect them to beat Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

They lost 2-1 . And a World Cup game is different to a bilateral.

I would back Australia to beat NZ .

Australia best ODI 11 is better than Pakistan. Deep down you know that.

West Indies have impressed me in the recent games against England. Can't say that's a given for Australia.

 

[a_tahir]

They lost 2-1 . And a World Cup game is different to a bilateral.

I would back Australia to beat NZ .

Australia best ODI 11 is better than Pakistan. Deep down you know that.

West Indies have impressed me in the recent games against England. Can't say that's a given for Australia.

I mean it's quite obvs their best 11 is better than ours. But they're not world beaters YET.
They have their weaknesses. But wi have performed at home i highely doubt they'll do the same away.