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.
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.
Misbah-ul-Haq names the two favourite teams
The captain of Pakistan team in 2015 world cup said that India and England are the top two teams in the tournament. The 45-year-old further said that cricket is a game of unpredictability and anyone can win on their day.
“India and England are the top two teams on paper because of their performances. Then the rest of the teams come. Cricket is unpredictable and anyone can win on their day. No team is invincible,” Misbah was quoted as saying in an interview with ARY News.
India next face an uphill task against New Zealand in June 13, while hosts England face West Indies on June 14th.
