The World Cup is in full swing and this week is full of matches that should generate plenty of interest for cricket fans across the globe.
The highlight of the week is undoubtedly the massive India v Pakistan game on Sunday at Old Trafford in Manchester.
The week starts with the Proteas, with their backs to the proverbial wall, needing a win against the West Indies to stay in the hunt for a semi-final place.
Monday 10 June
Rose Bowl, Southampton (11:30)
South Africa 82/1
Tie 35/1
West Indies 21/20
The West Indies could claim they have had a decent start to the World Cup if they can knock over a Proteas team teetering on the brink after a disastrous start.
The men from the Caribbean might have got the better of Australia in their last outing, were it not for a lack of killer instinct with the ball.
The Proteas have to put aside the media row over AB de Villiers’ claims that he made himself available for the World Cup. On pre-tournament form, they should back themselves to beat the West Indies, but their bad start leaves them under pressure.
The weather forecast doesn’t look great, with a 90% chance of rain predicted for Southampton on Monday.
Verdict
West Indies to win, possibly via the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Tuesday 11 June
County Ground, Bristol (11:30)
Bangladesh 72/100
Tie 35/1
Sri Lanka 12/10
Sri Lanka had their last match rained off but might count the no-result against Pakistan as a point gained. They remain in the hunt for a semi-final place despite a blowout loss to New Zealand in their opener.
Bangladesh failed to build on their win over South Africa, suffering defeats at the hands of the Black Caps and England, to leave them with one win from three matches.
Shakib Al Hasan has been in top form for the Tigers in the tournament so far, smashing 260 runs at an average of 86.66.
Sri Lanka have yet to really light up the tournament, but if they are to challenge, they will need to get the best out of Lasith Malinga and Thisara Perera.
The two sides have developed a tense rivalry of late, with tensions centring around snake dance celebrations, of all things.
Verdict
Bangladesh to bite Sri Lanka
Wednesday 12 June
County Ground, Taunton (11:30)
Australia 37/100
Tie 35/1
Pakistan 22/10
Australia were put in their place just a little by an excellent India last time out – and will want to bounce back against a Pakistan team still abuzz from a win over England.
The rain may have taken some of the wind out of Pakistan’s sails, though, after they had to settle for a shared point against Sri Lanka.
Both of these sides have played better than most expected, but defeat will put a serious dampener on the vanquished side. Australia comfortably beat Pakistan in an ODI series in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year, but the Asian side might pose a bigger threat in English conditions in a strange twist.
David Warner and Steven Smith have both cut determined figures on their, return but their gutsy 50s were not enough to overcome India.
Verdict
Australia to keep their streak against Pakistan going.
Thursday 13 June
Trent Bridge, Nottingham (11:30)
India 47/100
Tie 35/1
New Zealand 17/10
New Zealand will get the opportunity to prove whether they have a realistic shot at being crowned world champions when facing India.
Virat Kohli’s men have made the perfect start to the tournament, but face a side who are also unbeaten. The Black Caps’ three wins have come up against the trio of Asian sides who live in the shadows of India and Pakistan, but they have got the job done well.
India look in ominously good form though and may have overtaken England as the favourites to win it all.
New Zealand might give India their first big challenge of the World Cup, but they will need to find a way to put them under pressure in a way that South Africa and Australia could not.
Verdict
India to humble New Zealand.
Friday 14 June
Rose Bowl, Southampton (11:30)
England 31/100
Tie 40/1
West Indies 5/2
The West Indies have always reserved some of their best cricket for England – and would like nothing more than to spoil their hosts’ World Cup party, yet again.
The teams shared an ODI series draw in the Caribbean recently, so the West Indies will not fear Eoin Morgan’s side.
The Windies certainly have the batting power to match England, but they have not been as consistent in delivering results as the Three Lions.
Barbados-born Jofra Archer is likely to play in what will be his first match against the West Indies since he qualified to represent England.
Verdict
England to stamp their authority onto the Rose Bowl.
Saturday15 June
The Oval, London (11:30)
Sri Lanka
Tie
Australia
There are no easy games at the World Cup, but this is a match that Australia really should see themselves winning.
After the start they have made, Australia will want to make it through to the semi-finals – and anything other than a full two points from this match might complicate that mission.
Aaron Finch’s side are a determined bunch, but if anything is going to undo them it might be spin.
Sri Lanka have not beaten Australia in a World Cup match since their famous 1996 final triumph.
Verdict
Australia to maintain their dominance over Sri Lanka.
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (14:30)
South Africa
Tie
Afghanistan
The two sides share the unfortunate distinction of being the first to record three defeats at the 2019 World Cup.
The match will be the very first ODI between the two nations, making South Africa the last full member to face Afghanistan in the format.
The Proteas aren’t stepping into a world of the total unknown, having faced Afghanistan players in T20 Leagues across the globe.
Afghanistan have struggled against the game’s elite, but there appears to be no better time to face the Proteas than now.
Verdict
South Africa to win one at last.
Sunday 16 June
Old Trafford, Manchester (11:30)
India
Tie
Pakistan
As soon as the World Cup fixtures had been finalised, everyone checked to see when India would face Pakistan in cricket’s ultimate blockbuster.
As much as Pakistan have a reputation for their tournament play, they have never beaten India at the World Cup.
On current form, Pakistan would need to find special inspiration to get one over an Indian team who have looked superb so far.
Pakistan have had some low lows and high highs already this tournament – and this match is unlikely to give them any middle ground.
For India, the pressure to deliver victory will be immense – this is the one match their fans cannot contemplate losing.
Verdict
India must win.
Written by @JonhenryWilson
