New Zealand
New Zealand will play proud co-host to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
and will be hoping that a home crowd advantage as well as past
semi-final experience will help achieve its first finals appearance in
the tournament. Can the home fan base motivate New Zealand to its best
World Cup performance yet?
Sri Lanka
A competitor since the inaugural tournament in 1975, Sri Lanka has seen
success on the World Cup stage. It won the title in 1996, overpowering
Australia in the final but was unable to repeat the feat in either 2007
or 2011 when it was defeated in the final by Australia and India
respectively.
Teams News
Sangakkara takes aim at Nishantha and SLC again
Kumar Sangakkara
has once again taken aim at Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Nishantha
Ranatunga, as well as the country's former sports minister, labeling
their actions in the approach to the 2013 Champions League "shameful and
corrupt" in an email to the board that makes fresh allegations against
it.
Sangakkara and Ranatunga had clashed
in August that year, when the batsman accused Ranatunga of publically
framing his choice of playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad or Kandurata
Maroons as a "country versus money issue" when the Champions League was a
"franchise-based tournament, where franchises play franchises". At the
time, Ranatunga had suggested the IPL players in the Kandurata team
would play "for their country" in the Champions League.
Now Sangakkara has alleged that someone within the board withheld
communication that he had actually been given written clearance to play
for Sunrisers by the national selectors. If Sangakkara had received such
clearance, he may have felt less compelled to play for the Kandurata
team, as he eventually did. That choice cost him approximately $140,000
from Sunrisers, as per the IPL contract at the time.
Sangakkara, who said he had only recently learned of the board's
withholding of his clearance, also slammed former sports minister
Mahindananda Aluthgamage, in his email to cricket operations manager
Carlton Bernardus.
"All I can deduce is that you and all concerned, including Nishantha
Ranatunga and Mahindananda Aluthgamage, tried to intentionally cause me
embarrassment and tarnish my reputation in the public arena as part of a
shameful and corrupt attempt," he said in an email dated January 21,
whose details first appeared in The Island newspaper. "This is reprehensible but not unexpected from characters such as they."
Sangakkara added: "Why did the Secretary try to intentionally and
publicly cause embarrassment to me and to unethically put pressure on me
by saying I had to choose between money or playing for the country when
it came to the Champions League, when no such choice or question
arose?"
In a related email earlier in the month, Sangakkara also said Ranatunga
and Aluthgamage's actions during the saga had been "reprehensible,
biased and shameful".
Clashes between senior cricketers and administrators have been common in
recent years. Most recently, both Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene lashed out at
Ranatunga and SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva, for the board's
handling of news of their retirement from T20 internationals. Sangakkara
and Jayawardene have had a frosty relationship with some administrators
for several years.
Former sports minister Aluthgamage was replaced earlier this month when
Sri Lanka's government changed hands. His passport has since been
impounded by authorities while he is being investigated by the Bribery
and Corruption commission.
Australia
Australia has competed at each of the 10 editions of the ICC Cricket
World Cup, winning the title four times - more than any other country.
As co-hosts of the 2015 tournament, Australia will be out to wow the
hometown fans and claim an unprecedented fifth World Cup title.
England
Despite coming runners up in 1979, 1987 and 1992, England is yet to win
an ICC Cricket World Cup title. With a large ex-pat population in both
Australia and New Zealand and the vocal support of the traveling ‘Barmy
Army’, you can expect the English to bring strong support to make
history in 2015.
Teams News
South Africa
After qualifying for the first time for ICC Cricket World Cup in 1992,
South Africa has made it through to the knock-out stage in all bar one
tournament (2003) but is yet to win. The team will be looking to take
its performance one step further in 2015 by securing a spot in the final.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe first joined the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1983 and became a
full-member nation of the International Cricket Council in 1992. In 1999
and 2003 it made it through to the final ‘Super 6’ but is yet to
progress through to the knock-out stages of the tournament
Teams News
Pakistan
The last time the ICC Cricket World Cup was held in Australia and New
Zealand, it was Pakistan which was crowned champion. After three
successive appearances in the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup,
Pakistan made it one step further in 1992 when Imran Khan led his side
to a 22-run win over England in the final at the MCG. It reached the
final again in 1999 but failed to get out of the group stages in the
last two competitions. Pakistan will be hoping for an encore of 1992 in
2015.
India
India's triumph in the ICC Cricket World Cup 1983 is still talked about
today but it wasn’t until 2011, under Mahendra Singh Dhoni, that it
repeated the feat at home in Mumbai. India beat co-hosts Sri Lanka in
the final, leading to wide celebrations across the country. After its
taste of glory in 2011, India will be out to claim back to back titles
in 2015
Teams News
Record Breakers on display at #cwc15
AB de Villiers record-breaking 31-ball century lit up the cricket world
yesterday. The fastest one-day international ton, scored from just 31
balls, was an ominous show of form from the South African captain and
number one ranked ODI batsmen ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Labelled the “most valuable player on the planet” by Adam Gilchrist just last week, fans in Hamilton, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra Auckland and Wellington will be treated to the de Villiers show when the tournament kicks off next month.
But de Villiers is not the only scintillating prospect heading to cricket’s biggest event.
But de Villiers is not the only scintillating prospect heading to cricket’s biggest event.
Here’s a look at some of biggest hitters, including New Zealand’s Corey Anderson who held the record for fastest ODI ton until yesterday, bound for #CWC15.
JAVED MIANDAD – Good that India-Pakistan are playing early in the tournament
Having the India-Pakistan clash happen early in the ICC Cricket World
Cup 2015 will allow both teams to concentrate on their remaining pool
matches, writes former Pakistan captain No cricketing contest can ever match the thrill and excitement of what a
Pakistan versus India contest offers. It is the mother of all matches.
Whether it’s a one-sided game or a nail-biting finish, people from both countries get involved so much that sometimes it is just not cricket! Whenever or wherever we play against each other, fans from all age groups in our two cricket-mad countries forget their Things To Do. They simply get glued to their television sets or watch the action on giant screens in a hope that only their team would win.
The lucky ones have tickets to the Adelaide Oval for the absorbing contest, which is now just 29 days away. It was the first match of the mega event which got sold out within hours of the tickets going up for sale on 14 February 2014.
I think the ICC did the right thing to showcase this iconic game early in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, instead of slotting it midway through the group stage. It will take off some pressure from both the sides and they will concentrate more on their remaining pool matches. I do believe that all the matches in an ICC Cricket World Cup deserve equal importance, but there are some contests which builds extra pressure and stress on the players.
Whether it’s a one-sided game or a nail-biting finish, people from both countries get involved so much that sometimes it is just not cricket! Whenever or wherever we play against each other, fans from all age groups in our two cricket-mad countries forget their Things To Do. They simply get glued to their television sets or watch the action on giant screens in a hope that only their team would win.
The lucky ones have tickets to the Adelaide Oval for the absorbing contest, which is now just 29 days away. It was the first match of the mega event which got sold out within hours of the tickets going up for sale on 14 February 2014.
I think the ICC did the right thing to showcase this iconic game early in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, instead of slotting it midway through the group stage. It will take off some pressure from both the sides and they will concentrate more on their remaining pool matches. I do believe that all the matches in an ICC Cricket World Cup deserve equal importance, but there are some contests which builds extra pressure and stress on the players.
What I would like to see is another exciting contest and whoever wins in
Adelaide, fans should treat it as a loss on sporting field and nothing
else. I would like to see the Pakistan versus India rivalry more on the
cricketing field and the only way going forward is by improving our
cricketing relations – both on and off the field.
While it’s tough to pick a winner of the 15 February encounter, Pakistan's loss of Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal through injuries and suspension, respectively, is a huge setback. Considering the depth in India’s batting lineup with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane and Mahendra Dhoni, their big batting pillars, Umar and Saeed could have been proved handy for Pakistan. Without these two, I can now only hope that Mohammad Hafeez clears his retest as Pakistan needs experienced bowlers against what is sure to be a highly-experienced India batting line-up.
India’s recent 2-0 Test defeat in Australia will count for nothing in defence of its ICC Cricket World Cup title. In fact, it will be more acclimatised and have more knowhow of the pitches than the Pakistan team. The India cricket board did its homework well by scheduling its team's tour to Australia before the all-important event. Players need time to adjust to the conditions and pitches in countries like Australia and New Zealand, and the India team has grabbed that added advantage.
While it’s tough to pick a winner of the 15 February encounter, Pakistan's loss of Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal through injuries and suspension, respectively, is a huge setback. Considering the depth in India’s batting lineup with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane and Mahendra Dhoni, their big batting pillars, Umar and Saeed could have been proved handy for Pakistan. Without these two, I can now only hope that Mohammad Hafeez clears his retest as Pakistan needs experienced bowlers against what is sure to be a highly-experienced India batting line-up.
India’s recent 2-0 Test defeat in Australia will count for nothing in defence of its ICC Cricket World Cup title. In fact, it will be more acclimatised and have more knowhow of the pitches than the Pakistan team. The India cricket board did its homework well by scheduling its team's tour to Australia before the all-important event. Players need time to adjust to the conditions and pitches in countries like Australia and New Zealand, and the India team has grabbed that added advantage.
Remember, we also went to Australia in 1992 a month before the World
Cup. We didn't win a single warm-up or practice match, but the
experience of playing on various pitches helped our players when it
mattered most in crucial matches.
Pakistan hasn’t played in Australia for quite some time now.
Misbah-ul-Haq, Younus Khan, Shahid Afridi and Ahmed Shehzad need to adjust quickly in a short time. We need big scores, keeping in mind the bowling resources we have and I feel nothing less than 300-325 could challenge India’s strong batting. In one-day cricket, not all of the top six batsmen have to score. What Pakistan should not forget is it needs, at least, two of its top-order batsmen to score heavily and then the rest could chip in with 30s and 40s to give the scoreboard a solid look.
Pakistan should also forget the horror stats of having never beaten India in a World Cup match. In fact, what it should remember is that we lost against it in 1992 too, but it was us who lifted the World Cup trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pakistan should not get sidetracked in case the result doesn't go in its favour on 15 February. The focus should be to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015!
Playing and winning the first match in any big tournament gives a team an added confidence, but it doesn't guarantee you a place in the final. Similarly, for the losing side, it doesn't mean the end of the tournament. In fact, the loss should push you to do more, and better, in the remaining games of the tournament.
I would love to see good gestures from players of both teams and send out a strong message around the world that we love to play against each other. I know the tempers could flare up in the heat of the moment, but I do hope the captains of both sides will lead by example and there will be no nasty incident on the field during the course of what is expected to be an engrossing battle between the bat and the ball.
In the end, one team has to win and the other has to finish on a losing side. There should be no hard feelings. I have been part of a number of India versus Pakistan matches played with tremendous intensity and emotions. As a professional cricketer, I believe your country should always come first. Nobody likes to lose, but if you don't lose, it won't make you a better player.
Pakistan hasn’t played in Australia for quite some time now.
Misbah-ul-Haq, Younus Khan, Shahid Afridi and Ahmed Shehzad need to adjust quickly in a short time. We need big scores, keeping in mind the bowling resources we have and I feel nothing less than 300-325 could challenge India’s strong batting. In one-day cricket, not all of the top six batsmen have to score. What Pakistan should not forget is it needs, at least, two of its top-order batsmen to score heavily and then the rest could chip in with 30s and 40s to give the scoreboard a solid look.
Pakistan should also forget the horror stats of having never beaten India in a World Cup match. In fact, what it should remember is that we lost against it in 1992 too, but it was us who lifted the World Cup trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pakistan should not get sidetracked in case the result doesn't go in its favour on 15 February. The focus should be to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015!
Playing and winning the first match in any big tournament gives a team an added confidence, but it doesn't guarantee you a place in the final. Similarly, for the losing side, it doesn't mean the end of the tournament. In fact, the loss should push you to do more, and better, in the remaining games of the tournament.
I would love to see good gestures from players of both teams and send out a strong message around the world that we love to play against each other. I know the tempers could flare up in the heat of the moment, but I do hope the captains of both sides will lead by example and there will be no nasty incident on the field during the course of what is expected to be an engrossing battle between the bat and the ball.
In the end, one team has to win and the other has to finish on a losing side. There should be no hard feelings. I have been part of a number of India versus Pakistan matches played with tremendous intensity and emotions. As a professional cricketer, I believe your country should always come first. Nobody likes to lose, but if you don't lose, it won't make you a better player.
Neigbours will always remain neigbours and by playing against each other
in tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup, we can help in making
our relationship even stronger. Sport is an ideal tool to unite people.
Everything else will fall in place if we play against each other more
often with lots of sportsmanship.
I don't want to pick my winner of the 15 February contest. I just wish both sides a big good luck and whomever performs better on that day should be a well-deserved winner. The losing side should take the defeat gracefully and sportingly, and without any hard feelings.
I don't want to pick my winner of the 15 February contest. I just wish both sides a big good luck and whomever performs better on that day should be a well-deserved winner. The losing side should take the defeat gracefully and sportingly, and without any hard feelings.
West Indies
West Indies saw early success in the ICC Cricket World Cup winning the
first two titles in 1975 and 1979 but since then has only featured twice
in the knock-out stages, reaching the semi-finals in 1996 and the
quarter-finals in 2011.
Ireland
Still relatively new on the ICC Cricket World Cup stage, Ireland will be
in Australia and New Zealand in 2015 for their 3rd Cricket World Cup
after qualifying for the first time in 2007. Ireland is the first
affiliate nation to qualify for Cricket World Cup 2015 through their
dominance of the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Championship 2011-2013.
During their last two appearances at the Cricket World Cup in 2007 and
2011 managed to beat traditional cricketing nations Pakistan and England
respectively.
Teams News
Narine withdraws from West Indies CWC squad
The bowler requires more time to be able to confidently bowl for a sustained period in international cricket with his new action Narine has undergone intense remedial work on his bowling action and
preliminary tests have shown him bowling all his deliveries under the 15
degrees flexion allowance. However he requires more time to be able to
confidently bowl for a sustained
period in international cricket with his new action.
“Playing for Red Force and winning the NAGICO Super50 has been a big boost, but going in to the World Cup is a little too much too soon and, after consulting the WICB, for both West Indies and my sake we have decided to delay my return to international cricket until I am 100% confident in all that I do,” Narine said.
"Whilst I am very happy with the progress made to date with my action, and I express my thanks to the coaches working with me in Trinidad and Dr. Daryl Foster in Perth, Australia, I am withdrawing from the World Cup,” Narine explained.
The WICB supports Narine’s decision to withdraw from the CWC squad as to risk his exposure to the intensity of the Cricket World Cup would be both unfair to him and the West Indies squad. A replacement will be named shortly.
Narine has taken a positive approach to his remedial work, remains in an optimistic frame of mind and looks forward to returning to international cricket at the earliest opportunity.
“I would like to thank the WICB for their support and wish the West Indies team the very best for the World Cup campaign," Narine said
period in international cricket with his new action.
“Playing for Red Force and winning the NAGICO Super50 has been a big boost, but going in to the World Cup is a little too much too soon and, after consulting the WICB, for both West Indies and my sake we have decided to delay my return to international cricket until I am 100% confident in all that I do,” Narine said.
"Whilst I am very happy with the progress made to date with my action, and I express my thanks to the coaches working with me in Trinidad and Dr. Daryl Foster in Perth, Australia, I am withdrawing from the World Cup,” Narine explained.
The WICB supports Narine’s decision to withdraw from the CWC squad as to risk his exposure to the intensity of the Cricket World Cup would be both unfair to him and the West Indies squad. A replacement will be named shortly.
Narine has taken a positive approach to his remedial work, remains in an optimistic frame of mind and looks forward to returning to international cricket at the earliest opportunity.
“I would like to thank the WICB for their support and wish the West Indies team the very best for the World Cup campaign," Narine said
Scotland
Coached by former England Test star Paul Collingwood, Scotland made it
to the ICC Cricket World Cup for only the third time ever. The side had
previously made its ICC Cricket World Cup debut in 1999. It then
qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007. Scotland qualified by
finishing on top of the Super Six table in the ICC Cricket World Cup
Qualifier New Zealand 2014.
Teams News
Afghanistan
The Afghanistan Cricket Federation (now the Afghanistan Cricket Board)
was formed in 1995 and became an affiliate member of the ICC in 2001, at
the same time the national team was formed. It has been a remarkable
journey for Afghanistan over the years. After rising rapidly through the
Pepsi ICC World Cricket League, starting in Division Five in May 2008,
the team qualified for its maiden ICC Cricket World Cup on 4 October
2013 when it defeated Kenya to finish second in the Pepsi ICC World
Cricket League Championship. Afghanistan was confirmed as the 37th
Associate Member of the ICC in 2013.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh got a real taste of ICC Cricket World Cup action when it
co-hosted the tournament in 2011, alongside India and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh qualified for its first ICC Cricket World Cup in 1999 where
it shocked Pakistan in its last group match before making a creditable
exit. Although its 2003 campaign went winless it bounced back in 2007 to
achieve significant victories over India and South Africa.
Teams News
UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made it to the ICC Cricket World Cup
for the first time since 1996. Coached by former Pakistan pace bowler
Aqib Javed, UAE has made it to a global event for only the third time.
It recently even qualified for ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014. UAE
finished second in the Super Six stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup
Qualifier New Zealand 2014 to seal its place at the showpiece event.
Teams News
Teams News
PAKISTAN ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 TOURNAMENT PREVIEW & GUIDE
A side as talented as any other who travel down under looking to emulate
the class of ’92 and give Pakistan their second World Cup Title When Pakistan takes on India on February 15 in its opening encounter of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015,
it will be with the knowledge that the last time the World Cup was held
in Australia and New Zealand, the side under Imran Khan scripted an
unbelievable come-from-behind victory to lift the Cricket World Cup
1992.
This time, the team has travelled Down Under with another veteran leader in Misbah-ul-Haq, who has also announced that he will retire from One-Day Internationals after the tournament. He is the same age as Imran Khan was in 1992 and Pakistan fans will be hoping that is an omen
In Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez and Younis Khan,
Pakistan has a wealth of experience to back up Misbah, while Waqar
Younis, the coach of the side, will be extra motivated to see his wards
do well – having missed out on the victorious 1992 campaign because of
an unfortunate injury.
History:
Pakistan has played in all ten World Cups so far, registering 36 wins from 64 matches for a winning percentage of 56.25 in cricket’s flagship event.
Pakistan’s biggest win in terms of runs came in World Cup came in 2011 in Hambantota, when it defeated Kenya by 205 runs. In the same edition, Pakistan also registered its biggest win by wickets, outplaying the West Indies in the quarter-final by ten wickets in Mirpur. Pakistan lost to arch-rivals India in a high-voltage semi-final encounter in Mohali by 29 runs.
Its best result, of course, was the triumph in 1992, but Pakistan has done well otherwise too, reaching the final in 1999, and the semi-finals in three successive world cups from 1979, 1983 and 1987, while making the quarter-final in 1996. Only in 1975, 2003 and 2007, did Pakistan not progress beyond the group stages.
Pool: Pakistan is grouped in Pool B along with India, the defending champion, South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and United Arab Emirates.
Captain: Misbah-ul-Haq
Coach: Waqar Younis
Preview:
Pakistan’s bowling has been its traditional strength, and even when its frontline bowlers have been unavailable through a variety of reasons, it has found able reserves, putting their hands up and embracing the big occasion.
The batting also wears a solid look this time. The dependable duo of Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad can be steady or flamboyant at the top of the order, while the rock-steady calmness of Misbah and Younis will steer the team in the middle overs. Afridi’s aggressive lower-order hitting provides the thrust at the end and he comes into the tournament in superb form with the bat and ball.
Pakistan did suffer a setback before the tournament with Junaid Khan, one of its frontline pacers, ruled out of the tournament, and the selectors have named the relatively untested Rahat Ali as a replacement.
Nevertheless, it is a given in the cricketing world that the Pakistan side can never be underestimated, and the players are capable of pulling rabbits from hats as routinely – and indeed with as much effect – as magicians.
Strength:
Pakistan’s unpredictability remains its biggest strength, and because it has traditionally been capable of summoning performances that no team could plan for, opponents always start against the side on an uncertain footing.
The team has historically done its best when pushed to a corner, and recent ODI form notwithstanding, the hunger of some of the veterans who have come close to tasting World Cup glory but been denied, makes for a nice blend with the freshness and freedom of play that someone like an Umar Akmal or Sarfraz Ahmed brings.
Pakistan’s bowling will be led by Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz. Irfan’s towering seven-foot frame is ideally suited to exploiting the conditions on offer, while Riaz has proved he’s a big-match player in the past, with returns of 5 for 46 in the semi-final against India in 2011.
Recent form:
Pakistan lost the two-match ODI
series in New Zealand 2-0 before the World Cup. The team played 18 ODI
matches in 2014, and registered only six wins, including series losses
by 2-3 and 0-3 margins against New Zealand and Australia in the United
Arab Emirates.However, Pakistan had bright moments too, including a good showing in the Asia Cup, where it reached the final.
Star player: Shahid Afridi
In Pakistan’s first ODI against New Zealand in the series that preceded the World Cup, Afridi blasted 67 off 29 balls, showing a clear liking for the kind of pitches that will be on offer in both New Zealand and Australia.
In a career spanning over 18 years, Afridi has time and again shown that he can run away with the match with both bat and ball. Known as ‘Boom Boom’ for his batting style, Afridi’s leg-spin has often done the trick for Pakistan too.
Since the start of 2014, Afridi has played 18 matches and shown form in both departments, scoring 432 runs and taking 18 wickets. For Pakistan to go deep into the tournament, their 34-year-old talisman – who has announced this will be his last ODI outing – will be crucial.
One to watch out for: Mohammad Irfan
It’s no secret that pitches in Australia and New Zealand offer plenty of bounce and movement for pace bowlers. Towering at a height of 2.16 metres, Mohammad Irfan provides Pakistan the luxury of exploiting the conditions to the fullest. The 32-year-old can generate steep bounce from a good length, and has picked up 57 wicket from 40 ODIs so far at an average of 29.92.
Identified for his potential by Aaqib Javed, the former Pakistan seamer and current coach of the UAE side, Irfan made his ODI debut against England in 2010. His large frame has meant he has to take extra care of his body, and guard against injuries, but both Irfan and Pakistan have made sure the pacer is in fine fettle and waiting to be unleashed in the World Cup.
Fun facts
Misbah-ul-Haq – He has a master’s degree in business administration.
Mohammad Irfan – At 216 cms he is the world’s tallest bowler.
Sarfraz Ahmed – He captained Pakistan to an ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup
Shahid Afridi – He has his own clothing line.
Younis Khan – He enjoys fishing when not playing cricket.
Sohaib Maqsood – He has a master’s degree in Sports Science.
Key Match: India v Pakistan, Adelaide Oval, February 15
The India-Pakistan clash has always been a fascinating one for the fans, players, administrators and everyone who follows the game. As a team, Pakistan has had the upper hand against India, having won 72 of the 126 ODIs so far, but on the other hand, India has a perfect 5-0 record against its rival on the biggest stage of all – in World Cup matches. India has won against Pakistan in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2011.
The two side last met in 2014 in Asia Cup, where Afridi’s strokeplay took the match away from India as Pakistan registered a thrilling one-wicket win.
Scott Styris’s Prediction: Pakistan: Quarter- Final
“Pakistan is always the mixed bag at cricket World Cups. Always has
class and always has inconsistency. The top order of Shehzad and Hafeez
need to score runs to allow the real power of Sarfraz, Umar Akmal and
Afridi to be able to cut loose. Watching the 7 ft 1 giant Mohammed Irfan
bowl is a treat but unless they get Junaid back I fear they don't have
the wicket taking ability to advance further.”Quotes
"I am happy that we are not favorites. To be very honest it's big pressure of being favorites. We were not favorites last time (in 2011) too but we played excellent cricket. Similarly this time, there are teams which play on those bouncy wickets like Australia and South Africa, and are probably bigger favorites than us. But we hope that with the type of resources we have we can do well." - Waqar Younis, Pakistan coach.
“We are focused for the match and the players are going to play with lot of passion and commitment to try to win the match. I think we have our best possible preparations for the World Cup and we are going with a positive mindset and try to win every match and the World Cup. We have only one thing in mind that is to play our best cricket in this event because we know how closely the World Cup is followed by everyone and the expectations attached with our team.” - Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan captain.
“It (the World Cup) is a big event and every player has a desire to play. I want to do what Wasim Akram did for Pakistan in the 1992 World Cup. It feels good that I perform for Pakistan. It’s my greatest desire to do well for Pakistan so that people remember me when I finish my career.” - Mohammad Irfan, Pakistan pacer, on emulating Akram – the Man of the Match in the 1992 final.
Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz
BANGLADESH ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 TOURNAMENT PREVIEW & GUIDE
Confident after the clean sweep against Zimbabwe at home, Bangladesh
will be the team to watch out for in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 provides a great opportunity for Bangladesh
to make strides in its performance in Australia and New Zealand.
Bangladesh has played 12 One-Day Internationals combined in both
countries, without tasting victory so far. The fact that its yet to win a
match in any of the host nations could work in Bangladesh’s favour
though, with players hungrier than ever to register a first win.
Led by Mashrafe Mortaza,
a veteran of 144 ODIs who has a wealth of experience spanning over 13
years in international cricket, Bangladesh also boasts of a very
experienced think-tank in Shakib-al-Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamin Iqbal, all of whom have played well over a hundred ODIs.
Bangladesh is currently ranked No. 9 in the Reliance ICC ODI Team
rankings but they will be looking to go at least one place better and
qualify for the quarter-final stages down under.
Past World Cup performances
Bangladesh started its World Cup journey in 1999 against New Zealand at the County Ground in Chelmsford, in England. It didn’t have to wait too long for first World Cup win as it defeated Scotland in its third match of the tournament by 22 runs. However, it caused the biggest upset of the 1999 edition when it defeated Pakistan by 62 runs in Northampton.
Bangladesh had to wait for a while before its next World Cup win, going win-less in 2003, but when victory did arrive, it was nothing short of a dream start to its 2007 campaign. Bangladesh put it across India in what was the first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 for both sides, winning by five wickets to earn a passage to the Super Eights stage. That remains the only occasion Bangladesh moved past the first round of a World Cup.
Bangladesh was a dark horse for making it to the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Cup too, but although it registered wins against Ireland and the Netherlands, and beat a third Test playing nation at a World Cup by clinching a thriller against England, the team narrowly missed out on progressing beyond the first round.
Past World Cup performances
Bangladesh started its World Cup journey in 1999 against New Zealand at the County Ground in Chelmsford, in England. It didn’t have to wait too long for first World Cup win as it defeated Scotland in its third match of the tournament by 22 runs. However, it caused the biggest upset of the 1999 edition when it defeated Pakistan by 62 runs in Northampton.
Bangladesh had to wait for a while before its next World Cup win, going win-less in 2003, but when victory did arrive, it was nothing short of a dream start to its 2007 campaign. Bangladesh put it across India in what was the first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 for both sides, winning by five wickets to earn a passage to the Super Eights stage. That remains the only occasion Bangladesh moved past the first round of a World Cup.
Bangladesh was a dark horse for making it to the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Cup too, but although it registered wins against Ireland and the Netherlands, and beat a third Test playing nation at a World Cup by clinching a thriller against England, the team narrowly missed out on progressing beyond the first round.
Pool: Bangladesh is in Pool A, with New Zealand, Australia, England, Sri Lanka, Scotland and Afghanistan.
Captain: Mashrafe Mortaza
Coach: Chandika Hathurusinghe
Preview
One of the factors that could work well for Bangladesh is its unpredictability. On his day Shakib-al-Hasan can turn a match on its head with either bat or ball. Bangladesh will also bank on Tamim Iqbal for a brisk start, and will hope the likes of Mominul Haque, Tamim, and Mushfiqur Rahim can build the innings. If the batsmen fire, the bowling is more than capable of running through sides on its day.
The Bangladesh batting is going to revolve around Rahim, who has been in good touch in 2014, scoring 704 runs at an impressive average of 44.00 and also has a century to his name, which came against India in the Asia Cup. Both Shakib and Mashrafe Mortaza are going to be vital cogs in Bangladesh’s wheel to get wins in the tournament. Shakib was Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs in 2014 with 21 victims, while Mortaza was second with 18 sticks from 13 matches.
Strengths: That the selectors have relieved Rahim from his captaincy duties could work in its favour, allowing him to focus on his batting. The diminutive wicketkeeper-batsman is a classy bat with strokes all around the wicket, and can pack a punch when required too.
Shakib, the top ranked all-rounder in ODIs, will be a vital contributor. As for Bangladesh’s bowling, the talented young Taskin Ahmed started his career with impressive performances against India at home, while Taijul Islam, the left-arm spinner, recently became the first bowler to claim a hat-trick on ODI debut.
Recent form
Bangladesh began 2014 searching for a win for the longest time, but as its recent 5-0 rout of Zimbabwe at home shows, the signs were there of the side coming together well. It played 18 ODIs in 2014, winning five, losing 12 and with one match against India in Dhaka abandoned due to rain.
Star Player: Shakib-al-Hasan
A left-hand batsman and left-arm spinner, Shakib will be playing his third World Cup. He has been the team’s mainstay in both batting and bowling, and is ranked as the ICC’s top all-rounder with good reason. If Bangladesh are to progress, the man who will have to provide the star turn will be Shakib. Besides, he is the only one to have experienced Australian conditions recently, having participated in the Big Bash League Twenty20 tournament. In the last 12 matches he has scored 289 runs, including a century, but more importantly he as picked up 21 wickets at an impressive average of 16.80.
Captain: Mashrafe Mortaza
Coach: Chandika Hathurusinghe
Preview
One of the factors that could work well for Bangladesh is its unpredictability. On his day Shakib-al-Hasan can turn a match on its head with either bat or ball. Bangladesh will also bank on Tamim Iqbal for a brisk start, and will hope the likes of Mominul Haque, Tamim, and Mushfiqur Rahim can build the innings. If the batsmen fire, the bowling is more than capable of running through sides on its day.
The Bangladesh batting is going to revolve around Rahim, who has been in good touch in 2014, scoring 704 runs at an impressive average of 44.00 and also has a century to his name, which came against India in the Asia Cup. Both Shakib and Mashrafe Mortaza are going to be vital cogs in Bangladesh’s wheel to get wins in the tournament. Shakib was Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs in 2014 with 21 victims, while Mortaza was second with 18 sticks from 13 matches.
Strengths: That the selectors have relieved Rahim from his captaincy duties could work in its favour, allowing him to focus on his batting. The diminutive wicketkeeper-batsman is a classy bat with strokes all around the wicket, and can pack a punch when required too.
Shakib, the top ranked all-rounder in ODIs, will be a vital contributor. As for Bangladesh’s bowling, the talented young Taskin Ahmed started his career with impressive performances against India at home, while Taijul Islam, the left-arm spinner, recently became the first bowler to claim a hat-trick on ODI debut.
Recent form
Bangladesh began 2014 searching for a win for the longest time, but as its recent 5-0 rout of Zimbabwe at home shows, the signs were there of the side coming together well. It played 18 ODIs in 2014, winning five, losing 12 and with one match against India in Dhaka abandoned due to rain.
Star Player: Shakib-al-Hasan
A left-hand batsman and left-arm spinner, Shakib will be playing his third World Cup. He has been the team’s mainstay in both batting and bowling, and is ranked as the ICC’s top all-rounder with good reason. If Bangladesh are to progress, the man who will have to provide the star turn will be Shakib. Besides, he is the only one to have experienced Australian conditions recently, having participated in the Big Bash League Twenty20 tournament. In the last 12 matches he has scored 289 runs, including a century, but more importantly he as picked up 21 wickets at an impressive average of 16.80.
One to watch out for: Tajiul Islam
Left-arm spinner Tajiul Islam made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in Mirpul on December 2014. The 22-year-old shot to fame in his very first match, becoming the first bowler to claim a hat-trick on ODI debut. He played a key role in cleaning up the tail, ending with figures of 4 for 11 in a match that Bangladesh won by five wickets. He was also adjudged the Man of the Match.
Fun facts:
Tamim Iqbal - In 2011 he was named as one of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack four Cricketers of the Year.
Anamul Haque – He was the leading run scorer at the 2012 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Shakib Al Hasan - The first player ever to top the ICC all-rounder ranking in all 3 formats at the same time.
Mushfiqur Rahim – He made his international debut when he was just 16 years old.
Key match: Afghanistan v Bangladesh, February 18, Manuka Oval
Bangladesh will start its campaign against Afghanistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Both teams have played each other just once in an ODI, where Afghanistan emerged victorious by 32 runs at Fatullah during the Asia Cup in 2014.
Bangladesh will want to not only avenge that loss, but also being its campaign on a winning note. Up against strong teams, every win and all points on offer are precious, and victory against Afghanistan will also put the side on firmer footing before taking on the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Quotes
“Three wins give you a chance, but if we win four games, we will probably make sure that we qualify for the quarterfinals. I think the Brisbane stint as well as four matches over there will give us a good indication about where we are.” - Chandika Hathurusinghe, the Bangladesh coach.
“Obviously we want to go to the second round. But it’s a tough job. We really need a good start in the tournament. If we can start well, we will be confident against every other side.” - Mashrafe Mortaza, the Bangladesh captain.
“We can definitely cause an upset and get to that quarterfinal stage, that's our big goal. But to guarantee that we have to upset two big teams. We also have to make sure we beat Scotland and Afghanistan, who we can't take lightly. It's a big ask and it will be tough to beat Australia and New Zealand in their home conditions. But we've got players, and if they perform on a certain day, they can be match winners.” Heath Streak, the Bangladesh bowling coach.
Scott Styris’s Prediction: Bangladesh: Group Stage
Predicting where Bangladesh will finish is relatively easy based solely on where the tournament is played. In the subcontinent they're a force and a certainty to knock over a top 8 opponent. Down in the southern hemisphere they will struggle with the extra bounce and lack of spin. This tournament will teams will rely on their pace bowlers and with a dearth of quality options I think they will be chasing big scores more often than not.
Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan (vice-capt), Mahmudullah Riaz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Nasir Hossain, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Arafat Sunny.
Left-arm spinner Tajiul Islam made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in Mirpul on December 2014. The 22-year-old shot to fame in his very first match, becoming the first bowler to claim a hat-trick on ODI debut. He played a key role in cleaning up the tail, ending with figures of 4 for 11 in a match that Bangladesh won by five wickets. He was also adjudged the Man of the Match.
Fun facts:
Tamim Iqbal - In 2011 he was named as one of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack four Cricketers of the Year.
Anamul Haque – He was the leading run scorer at the 2012 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Shakib Al Hasan - The first player ever to top the ICC all-rounder ranking in all 3 formats at the same time.
Mushfiqur Rahim – He made his international debut when he was just 16 years old.
Key match: Afghanistan v Bangladesh, February 18, Manuka Oval
Bangladesh will start its campaign against Afghanistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Both teams have played each other just once in an ODI, where Afghanistan emerged victorious by 32 runs at Fatullah during the Asia Cup in 2014.
Bangladesh will want to not only avenge that loss, but also being its campaign on a winning note. Up against strong teams, every win and all points on offer are precious, and victory against Afghanistan will also put the side on firmer footing before taking on the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Quotes
“Three wins give you a chance, but if we win four games, we will probably make sure that we qualify for the quarterfinals. I think the Brisbane stint as well as four matches over there will give us a good indication about where we are.” - Chandika Hathurusinghe, the Bangladesh coach.
“Obviously we want to go to the second round. But it’s a tough job. We really need a good start in the tournament. If we can start well, we will be confident against every other side.” - Mashrafe Mortaza, the Bangladesh captain.
“We can definitely cause an upset and get to that quarterfinal stage, that's our big goal. But to guarantee that we have to upset two big teams. We also have to make sure we beat Scotland and Afghanistan, who we can't take lightly. It's a big ask and it will be tough to beat Australia and New Zealand in their home conditions. But we've got players, and if they perform on a certain day, they can be match winners.” Heath Streak, the Bangladesh bowling coach.
Scott Styris’s Prediction: Bangladesh: Group Stage
Predicting where Bangladesh will finish is relatively easy based solely on where the tournament is played. In the subcontinent they're a force and a certainty to knock over a top 8 opponent. Down in the southern hemisphere they will struggle with the extra bounce and lack of spin. This tournament will teams will rely on their pace bowlers and with a dearth of quality options I think they will be chasing big scores more often than not.
Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan (vice-capt), Mahmudullah Riaz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Nasir Hossain, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Arafat Sunny.
MUTTIAH MURALIDARAN: Eleven spinners to watch out for at the ICC Cricket World Cup
I do not expect spin to play a major role in this ICC Cricket World Cup
(ICC CWC) as a combination of two new balls, fielding restrictions and
the pitches will all count against them.
But that does not mean spinners will be redundant and they will still have a part – maybe even a crucial part – to play.
History shows spinners can be very effective in an ICC CWC in Australian and New Zealand conditions and the last time it was held there, in 1992, Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed grabbed 16 wickets, a mark bettered only by fellow countryman Wasim Akram.
True, Mushy was an outstanding spinner but it highlights the fact there will still be opportunities for the very best slow bowlers to perform key roles and even become match-winners.
So, who are those spinners who have the potential to be key men for their teams in this tournament? I thought it would be fun to select 11 to keep an eye out for during the action.
The conditions mean there is no guarantee some will play very much at all, and other slow bowlers like off-spinners Moeen Ali of England and Ireland’s Paul Stirling or left-armers such as Australia’s Xavier Doherty and Sri Lanka’s own Rangana Herath may well feature at some point, but looking into my crystal ball, these are spinners who may figure prominently.
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – Not a big spinner of the ball but a smart bowler and the fact he has been playing in the Big Bash League just before the tournament means he has got recent and relevant first-hand experience of conditions. The downside may be that he will have to be both a stock bowler, keeping it quiet, as well as a wicket-taker, so for him to be very effective it will need other members of the Tigers attack to step up and take wickets too. If they do not then opponents will be content to just play out Shakib’s overs knowing they can score off the other bowlers.
Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – Another bowler with recent experience of Australian conditions and although he has not had an especially successful time, that experience will stand him in good stead. Has clever variations and will also revel in the extra bounce he is likely to find. Ashwin is also an excellent performer in the powerplay overs and when batsmen are looking to attack him, which could count in his favour.
Ravindra Jadeja (India) – A key figure in India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales in 2013. Not a big spinner of the ball but, like Ashwin, his experience of batsmen attacking him and how to deal with that situation thanks to the Pepsi Indian Premier League will be invaluable in this tournament. Will skid the ball on and, if he can be accurate and consistent, then batsmen may well perish trying to take liberties against him.
But that does not mean spinners will be redundant and they will still have a part – maybe even a crucial part – to play.
History shows spinners can be very effective in an ICC CWC in Australian and New Zealand conditions and the last time it was held there, in 1992, Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed grabbed 16 wickets, a mark bettered only by fellow countryman Wasim Akram.
True, Mushy was an outstanding spinner but it highlights the fact there will still be opportunities for the very best slow bowlers to perform key roles and even become match-winners.
So, who are those spinners who have the potential to be key men for their teams in this tournament? I thought it would be fun to select 11 to keep an eye out for during the action.
The conditions mean there is no guarantee some will play very much at all, and other slow bowlers like off-spinners Moeen Ali of England and Ireland’s Paul Stirling or left-armers such as Australia’s Xavier Doherty and Sri Lanka’s own Rangana Herath may well feature at some point, but looking into my crystal ball, these are spinners who may figure prominently.
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – Not a big spinner of the ball but a smart bowler and the fact he has been playing in the Big Bash League just before the tournament means he has got recent and relevant first-hand experience of conditions. The downside may be that he will have to be both a stock bowler, keeping it quiet, as well as a wicket-taker, so for him to be very effective it will need other members of the Tigers attack to step up and take wickets too. If they do not then opponents will be content to just play out Shakib’s overs knowing they can score off the other bowlers.
Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – Another bowler with recent experience of Australian conditions and although he has not had an especially successful time, that experience will stand him in good stead. Has clever variations and will also revel in the extra bounce he is likely to find. Ashwin is also an excellent performer in the powerplay overs and when batsmen are looking to attack him, which could count in his favour.
Ravindra Jadeja (India) – A key figure in India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales in 2013. Not a big spinner of the ball but, like Ashwin, his experience of batsmen attacking him and how to deal with that situation thanks to the Pepsi Indian Premier League will be invaluable in this tournament. Will skid the ball on and, if he can be accurate and consistent, then batsmen may well perish trying to take liberties against him.
Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – He has it all:
experience, temperament and knowledge of conditions. He may not be the
same bowler he was in his prime, not quite able any more to drive
through his action, but his accuracy and subtle variations in pace and
flight mean he will be very dangerous. This tournament has been the
driving force keeping him going and he will be desperate to go out on a
high.
Yasir Shah (Pakistan) – Has the potential to do what Mushtaq did in 1992. Quality leg-spinners are rare enough in this tournament and he definitely has the talent to succeed. He spins the ball, will relish the extra bounce of the Australasian pitches and with Saeed Ajmal banned there is the chance for him to play a pivotal role in his side’s attack.
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – Knows conditions, has good variation and his ability to skid the ball on means he represents a real threat to batsmen not getting their bats out in front of the pad. He and Yasir Shah both need the Pakistan seam bowlers to be effective as, if they are not and leak runs instead, it will allow batsmen to simply milk them. Has already made it clear this is his last ICC CWC so after captaining the side to the semi-finals last time and losing in the final in 1999 he has one final shot at the title, which is the perfect incentive to produce the goods.
Sachithra Senanayake (Sri Lanka) – Conditions will suit his style of bowling with the over-spin he puts on the ball helping to generate bounce. His ability to keep things tight as well as his athleticism in the field and his handy lower-order batting will probably mean he will get the nod ahead of Rangana Herath as Sri Lanka’s frontline spinner.
Imran Tahir (South Africa) – Benefits from the high quality of South Africa’s seam attack because when they keep things tight he tends to pick up wickets as batsmen look to attack him. Difficult to rate him in the top rank of spinners but his strike-rate demands attention. As his batting and fielding are modest, he faces a challenge from left-armer Aaron Phangiso for a place in the starting eleven.
Mohammad Nabi and Samiullah Shenwari (Afghanistan) – The focus will be on Afghanistan’s fast bowling stocks but these two play a key role in tying down sides in the middle orders and also picking up handy wickets. Captain Nabi is a tall wicket-to-wicket off-spinner who generates decent bounce, while Shenwari is a skiddy leg-spinner who averages a wicket every 40 balls in One-Day Internationals. Neither can be underestimated.
George Dockrell (Ireland) – Although he is only 22, the left-armer already has a vast amount of experience, having played in his first ICC World Twenty20 at 18, back in 2010, and the ICC Cricket World Cup a year later. His seven wickets with an economy rate of just 4.43 runs per over in that latter tournament was impressive, as was his command of line and length. Among bowlers from Associate countries, only Ryan ten Doeschate has reached 50 ODI wickets in fewer matches and he will be one of Ireland’s go-to men with the ball. 2015 © ICC Development (International) Limited
Yasir Shah (Pakistan) – Has the potential to do what Mushtaq did in 1992. Quality leg-spinners are rare enough in this tournament and he definitely has the talent to succeed. He spins the ball, will relish the extra bounce of the Australasian pitches and with Saeed Ajmal banned there is the chance for him to play a pivotal role in his side’s attack.
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – Knows conditions, has good variation and his ability to skid the ball on means he represents a real threat to batsmen not getting their bats out in front of the pad. He and Yasir Shah both need the Pakistan seam bowlers to be effective as, if they are not and leak runs instead, it will allow batsmen to simply milk them. Has already made it clear this is his last ICC CWC so after captaining the side to the semi-finals last time and losing in the final in 1999 he has one final shot at the title, which is the perfect incentive to produce the goods.
Sachithra Senanayake (Sri Lanka) – Conditions will suit his style of bowling with the over-spin he puts on the ball helping to generate bounce. His ability to keep things tight as well as his athleticism in the field and his handy lower-order batting will probably mean he will get the nod ahead of Rangana Herath as Sri Lanka’s frontline spinner.
Imran Tahir (South Africa) – Benefits from the high quality of South Africa’s seam attack because when they keep things tight he tends to pick up wickets as batsmen look to attack him. Difficult to rate him in the top rank of spinners but his strike-rate demands attention. As his batting and fielding are modest, he faces a challenge from left-armer Aaron Phangiso for a place in the starting eleven.
Mohammad Nabi and Samiullah Shenwari (Afghanistan) – The focus will be on Afghanistan’s fast bowling stocks but these two play a key role in tying down sides in the middle orders and also picking up handy wickets. Captain Nabi is a tall wicket-to-wicket off-spinner who generates decent bounce, while Shenwari is a skiddy leg-spinner who averages a wicket every 40 balls in One-Day Internationals. Neither can be underestimated.
George Dockrell (Ireland) – Although he is only 22, the left-armer already has a vast amount of experience, having played in his first ICC World Twenty20 at 18, back in 2010, and the ICC Cricket World Cup a year later. His seven wickets with an economy rate of just 4.43 runs per over in that latter tournament was impressive, as was his command of line and length. Among bowlers from Associate countries, only Ryan ten Doeschate has reached 50 ODI wickets in fewer matches and he will be one of Ireland’s go-to men with the ball. 2015 © ICC Development (International) Limited
