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.
India will next face a low lying England which will promise to be a must win encounter for the Eoin Morgan led side to be in the race of semi-final.
West Indies legend Clive Lloyd make a bold prediction
The West Indies batting legend backed Australia and India are the top contenders to win the ongoing world cup. He further said that the team which will beat India can go on to win the world cup.
“I have been impressed by India – I think the winner of the whole thing is going to be one of them or Australia. Any team that wants to lift the trophy will have to beat India, they are unbeaten so far and look a very well-balanced side.” said Lloyd, who led West Indies to victory in 1975 and 1979 world cup.
