New Zealand and England look the favourites but an India- Pakistan final will be a winner – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports editor)
Pakistan may well reflect on a Houdini act that saw them scramble into the semi finals of the T20 World Cup, but their joy could be short lived against a well balanced New Zealand.
The Kiwis who dropped their guard and were overrun by England after a near faultless campaign upto that stage, are still a formidable force I believe should go all the way.
England and India battle for the second spot in a game that is evenly balanced and could go either way depending on whose day it is.
England has been building gradually, and if Jos Butler and Alex Hales continue their consistency, are well justified in their belief they are capable if unsettling the Indians who have shown plenty of vulnerability.
Image Source: Sky Sports
India on paper are weighed down by the overbearing expectation from a cricket crazy nation. This could unsettle them from the weight of expectation.
Virat Kholi’s dominant form with the bat and his inspirational fielding definitely injects a surge of belief and confidence to the rest. But much like England, India will hope the skipper Rohit Sharma and K.L Rahul will give them the explosive start that will inspire them to a winning total. Adelaide has been Kholi’s happy hunting ground and that knowledge will be in New Zealand’s game plan to prise him out early.
Image Source : espncricinfo
Pakistan has, and always remain the unpredictable force. Their four pronged pace attack holds a huge responsibility to unsettle a potent New Zealand batting line-up. If they fail to deliver, the Kiwis will be halfway there to win their first World cup.
Image Source: Pro Pakistani
The popular dream and anticipation, is for an India- Pakistan final which would be a money spinner for the ICC in a average following World Cup which has achieved way below anticipated expectation.
The ICC and the MCG would be big winners if the Asian rivals go head to head. It will be a sellout at the 100 thousand venue.
On the flip side, a England- New Zealand final will not be as big a draw seeing the home side is not in contention.
It has been a fabulous World Cup leaving fond memories of top class cricket from all teams in and out of the 16- team format.
The word ‘minnow’ will be one that will be deleted from further competition in the future for its irrevelance, after some breathtaking cricket from the emerging nations. It augurs well for the expansion of the game at a global level.
