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.
The tournament is played in round robin format with all the participating teams playing the other nine teams in the league stage. The format was last followed in 1992 world cup where Pakistan emerged victorious.
Michael Clarke predicts the winner
The 2015 world cup winning skipper feels that his home side- Australia can win the ongoing world cup. “I think Australia can win this tournament, they really do. Eight months ago i wouldn’t have said that, right now the momentum they have got from beating India in India and then going to UAE and beating Pakistan and now addition of David Warner and Steve Smith back into the team, i think this Australian team can win another world cup,” Michael told India Today.
Australia started their world cup campaign against Afghanistan on June 1 and the defending champions didn’t break a sweat as they pipped the Asian team by 7 wickets with 91 balls remaining. Australian bowlers first bowled out Afghanistan on 207 runs in 38.2 overs and then David Warner scored an unbeaten 89 to start Australia’s campaign on a winning note.
The men in yellow will next face an uphill task against West Indies on June 6, who thumped Pakistan in their world cup opener by 7 wickets.
Michael Clarke’s winner of 2019 world cup– Australia
