The cricket world cup started with hosts England thumping South Africa in world cup opener with a massive margin of 104 runs to start their world cup campaign on a high. The world cup got underway on May 30 and will conclude on July 14, with the finals at the iconic Lord’s in London.
England are the firm favourites to lift the trophy, however some experts claim India to be a force to reckon with alongside Australia who are high in confidence after pipping India 3-2 in India and clean sweeping Pakistan 5-0 in United Arab Emirates(UAE). The returning Steve Smith and David Warner will add more strength to the team.
India started their world cup campaign on a positive note after they pipped a determined South Africa in their world cup opener by 6 wickets. They next pipped a much fancied and top contenders- Australia in their next clash by 36 runs to take two wins in as many matches. Their third match against New Zealand was washed off due to consistent rain in Nottingham.
Defending champions Australia started their campaign against minnows Afghanistan and emerged victorious by 7 wickets. They next thumped a dangerous looking West Indies by 15 runs but lost their third match to India by 36 runs. They were up against a dangerous looking Pakistan but some fine touch by David Warner with the bat won them the game by 41 runs.
Hosts England announced their arrival in style by defeating South Africa by 104 runs. They were the overwhelming favourites against Pakistan but the men in green had some other ideas as they put up a score of 348 runs which England failed to chase in their quota of 50 overs, losing the match by 14 runs. England pipped Bangladesh by 106 runs in their third world cup game.
Shoaib Akhtar predicts the semi-finalists
The former Pakistani quick said if Pakistan can beat India in the clash on 16th June, then the tournament will be wide open. “I think this is the tournament of India, England, Australia and Pakistan,” Akhtar said while interacting on his official Youtube channel.
The Rawalpindi express further went onto predict that Pakistan will beat India on June 16 if the men in green win the toss and put run on the board.
