India are likely to face Bangladesh in the quarterfinals of the World
Cup 2015 on March 19 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The
quarterfinals encounter between the two teams got more-or-less confirmed
after New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by three wickets on Friday. The
only 'magical' result that can stop this from happening is an Australian
defeat in the hands of hapless Scotland, that too with a huge margin
such that Australia's net run rate (+1.597) dips below Bangladesh's NRR
(+0.136).
Ignoring such a drastic defeat, we can safely assume that India will be facing Bangladesh in the quarterfinals.
That
said, it is interesting to note that none of the other quarterfinal
slots are sealed as of now as the position of the teams in Pool B is yet
to be sealed.
Even though cricket is a game of glorious
uncertainty, some results can be guessed based on past matches and the
current form of a team.
So let us explain the expected outcomes
of the remaining matches and come up with what the quarter-final
timetable would frame out to be.
There are four games remaining in the league round of this World Cup.
Mar 14 - India vs Zimbabwe
The
outcome of this match is not of importance as it will not play any role
in deciding the sequencing of first four teams from each group.
Mar 14 - Australia vs Scotland
As
discussed above, a brutal Australian defeat in the hands of the
Scottish may push Bangladesh to the third spot. But whom are we kidding,
Australia are dead-on favourites to win and that would take them to
second spot in Pool A.
Mar 15 - Pakistan vs Ireland
Now,
this is one of those matches where predictions take a back seat. Both
the teams have their pluses and minuses and with Pakistan’s topsy-turvy
form, it is very tough to say that a particular side will win. However,
we will stick our necks out to predict a Pakistan win based on the
following factors.
1. Pakistan has a weak batting line-up but
Ireland doesn't have a bowling star who can make use of this. In the
five matches Ireland have played in this World Cup, the opposing batsmen
have crossed 400 once and 300 twice. The Irish allowed Zimbabwe to
score 326 and won by just 5 runs. Even UAE were allowed to score 278, a
match which Ireland eventually won by 2 wickets with just 4 balls to
spare.
2. Ireland are no pushovers with the bat but Pakistan's
charged-up bowling attack is raring and in full-form. Zimbabwe were
all-out for 215 and UAE were restricted to 210 against Pakistan in the
league games. In their most recent high-profile encounter, Pakistani
bowlers proved their mettle by claiming all South African wickets for a
meagre 202.
3. So it's Pakistan's weak batting vs Ireland's weak
bowling and Pakistan's strong bowling vs Ireland's good batting. If
Ireland had a stronger batting line-up, then this encounter would have
got a 50:50 tag. But as of now the compass is leaning towards a narrow
win for Pakistan. Thus a close Pakistani win would put them in third
slot in Pool B.
Mar 15 - West Indies Vs UAE
A
West Indies victory is more-or-less assured. But the victory has to be
big. If Chris Gayle or any of the big-hitters go after the UAE bowling
and they get a massive victory, then their NRR goes beyond Pakistan and
Ireland. However, they can only secure fourth place in Pool B since they
will be on 6 points. If Pakistan win the Ireland encounter, a mere win
against UAE would suffice. But if Ireland beat Pakistan, then the
Windies will need a big win. It all depends on Gayle and Co.
But
since we are predicting a Pakistan win, West Indies would most probably
get the fourth place in Pool B, as a mere win would place it on the
same number of points as that of Ireland. And Ireland's NRR (-1.014) is
bad compared to West Indies’ NRR (-0.511). With a win, the Windies' NRR
would be boosted further. But as they can't surpass Pakistan on points,
they would stay in the fourth slot.
Thus, here is our prediction for the World Cup quarter-finals:
QF 1 | Mar 18, 9am IST | Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
South Africa
vs
Sri Lanka
QF 2 | Mar 19, 9am IST | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
India
vs
Bangladesh
QF 3 | Mar 20, 9am IST | Adelaide Oval
Australia
vs
Pakistan
QF 4 | Mar 21, 6.30am IST | Westpac Stadium, Wellington
New Zealand
Vs
West Indies
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