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.
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. Known to bounce back, Aussies brought down the challenge of Pakistan as they pipped them 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.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai names the finalists
An ardent cricket fan himself, Google CEO Sundar Pichai has opined that India will play hosts England in the final of the ongoing cricket world cup. The 46-year-old from Madurai further said that New Zealand and Australia are also the top contenders.
“It (ICC Cricket World Cup final match) should be (between) England and India. But, you know, Australia and New Zealand, these are all very, very good teams,” Pichai said during India Ideas Summit of USIBC.
