Balance of World cup groups.

[dial_100]

Ppl (or rather Indians and Paks) lost interest in the WI tourney because both teams were knocked out in the first round. Had both teams gone into the second round' date=' there would have been a lot more interest in the tournament.[/quote'] You cant help it. Both the team were pathetic and they lost. India was in complete disarray. Thats what will happen to Pak this time as well. They will be out defeted by either Ind or SA in QF.

[bharathh]

Pak should make the quarter finals for sure. Who knows what will happen at that time? Don't write off Pak completely. They can spring a surprise or two... If Gul or any of their bowlers have a good day, and one of their batsmen click, they can easily make it past the more fancied teams.

[dial_100]

Are you kidding me? Gul or bull, there is nothing much you can do on Indian pitches in ODIs. Even after getting first 5 wickets Kiwis could not win the game. They were playing absolutely Indian B team. The total was way above 300 and still chased down by B team. SA has same batting strength. Unless you give this unknow Pak team a chance over these two teams I dont see them going past QF? They need to come in TOP of group A, above SL and Aus to be able to meet weaker team like Eng or Bang in the QF. For that they need to beat NZ and SL (Or Aus) comfortably. Or else they will end up playing against TOP 2 teams in Group B, which could be SA or Ind.

[bharathh]

England IMO is better than SA atm. They've got a really good, balanced team (barring injuries) and should do well next year. Anything can happen in cricket boss.... that's the whole point of playing - otherwise why not just hand over the cup to the Aussies as they have been the most consistent team over the past few years? To write off any of the top 8 teams is not very smart IMO. May I remind you that BCCI was ranked pretty close to the bottom when they won in 83... or Aus in 87, Pak in 92 , SL in 96 etc

[dial_100]

Well, I am not denying them a chance. But then these rankings give you general idea. On a bad day, best team can lose. But trouble is bad team cannot keep performing at their peak in every single game, thats all.

[fineleg]

weaker team like Eng or Bang in the QF.

The new United Nations team of England+Ireland+South African players playing for them is not a weak team. They were weak in ODIs when they did not have the Irish and S.A. players in the squad.