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 game against New Zealand was washed off due to rain in Nottingham. In the biggest rivalry of world cricket, India faced Pakistan in their fourth fixture and they pipped the Sarfaraz Ahmed led team by a huge margin of 89 runs to take a lead of 7-0 against men in green in the world cup history.
The men in blue faced a tough task from a low lying Afghanistan in their next clash which turned out to be a low scoring thriller. India scored just 224 runs in their quota of 50 overs and Afghanistan fell just 11 runs short of the target.
In their sixth clash against an unpredictable West Indies, India’s middle order was again exposed as they finished on 468/7 at the end of 50 overs. Indian bowling line up led by Jasprit Bumrah proved too good for the Windies batsman as they were bowled out for 143 runs to hand a 125 run victory to India. Mohammed Shami picked four wicket for India yet again.
Michael Vaughan makes a bold prediction
Following India’s resounding win over West Indies, former England skipper Michael Vaughan opines that the team which will beat India will go on to win the ongoing world cup on 14th July at the iconic Lord’s.
“Will stick to it… Whoever beats India will win the World Cup,” Vaughan tweeted.
Will stick to it … Whoever beats India will WIN the World Cup … !!! #CWC19
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 27, 2019
England face India in a do or die encounter
India will face a depleted England in a spin friendly conditions at Edgbaston in Birmingham on 30th June 2019. This will be a must win encounter for England to stand a chance to qualify for the semi-finals of the world cup. A win for Eoin Morgan’s led side will keep them in contention for a place in the last four. If they also manage to win their last encounter against New Zealand, then they will sail through to the semis and rule out Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from a top four finish.
India defeated West Indies in their last encounter by a comprehensive margin of 125 runs to almost guarantee a place in the semi-finals. While, England lost their last two encounters against Sri Lanka and Australia to be on the cusp of elimination from the show piece event.
