India has the wood on Australia but South Africa looms as the biggest threat. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor)
Photo Courtesy of ICC. © ICC 2023 (media contact; Trevine Rodrigo – ICC approved media partner
India underlined their favourite tag with a clinical win over Australia proving that the recent series success has definitely given them the wood over another World Cup favourite.
The Aussies were all at sea against a varied and skilful Indian bowling attack that made heavy inroads after David Warner and Steven Smith earlier looked set to steer them to a winning total.
The exit of Warner and Smith signalled a steady stream of wickets as India’s pace spin combination disassembled the strong Australian batting to keep them down to less than 200 and apply enough pressure to ensure no fightback.
But the Aussies are known for their grit and determination when the chips are down. They fought back as expected rattling the strong Indian top order dismissing the top three for two runs setting up a possible fightback of sorts.
But they reckoned without the depth of India’s batting as Virat Kohli and KL Rahul steadied the ship to see India to their gettable target without too much alarm.
All indications at this stage, early as it is, points to India and possibly a team I believe can go all the way, South Africa, making it to the final. My gut feel says that South Africa will be harbouring dreams of winning their first World Cup.
They have got close before, but this particular group have been brainwashed to remember and address former failures and a new focus of correcting the fall at the last hurdle.
My vivid memory goes back to when Herschelle Gibbs dropped a catch against Australia and Aussie skipper Steve Waugh was very vocal in telling him, he just dropped the World Cup. And they did.
South Africa looms large recently with their consistency in this format, and if India crumble under the pressure of expectation, this could well be a dream come true.
India, South Africa, New Zealand, England and Pakistan is my top tip. But expect a few upsets from the lesser knowns before it gets to the business end.
