Cricket World Cup 2015: Power Ranking Teams After Group Stage
The group stage of the 2015 Cricket World Cup is over, and now just eight teams remain for the quarter-final stage.
It was an easy road for some, while others found it difficult and fraught with danger as they tried desperately to qualify.
Let’s have a power ranking of the 14 teams in the tournament now the pool stage is over.
14. Scotland
1 of 14
0 W; 6 L; 0 NR
At the bottom of the pile come Scotland, who lost all six of their games and did so pretty convincingly.
They had some good moments, especially the performances of Josh Davey with the ball, but they were generally outclassed by more experienced opposition.
13. United Arab Emirates
2 of 14
0 W; 6 L; 0 NR
Another team to finish winless were the United Arab Emirates, who were behind their opponents in terms of ability and could not quite bridge the gulf in class.
It will have been a great experience for them, although the trick now for the UAE is getting more top-class international experience and exposure.
12. Afghanistan
3 of 14
1 W; 5 L; 0 NR
Making their World Cup debut in 2015 were Afghanistan, although with one win and five losses shows that it did not go quite to plan for them.
Their victory came over Scotland in Pool A and set off some joyous celebrations, but they will be disappointed after some tough losses.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
11. Zimbabwe
4 of 14
1 W; 5 L; 0 NR
Another team to only win once was Zimbabwe, who could only beat the UAE and found themselves by far the second best against all others.
Their loss to Ireland was especially disappointing, given that they have far more experience of ODIs than the Irish.
10. England
5 of 14
2 W; 4 L; 0 NR
Perhaps the most disappointing campaign of all was England’s. Eoin Morgan's side won twice and lost four games to crash out in the group stage.
They had a talented squad but always looked one step behind their opponents, all of whom made far better use of the ODI playing conditions than they did.
9. Ireland
6 of 14
3 W; 3 L; 0 NR
There were no fairytale endings for Ireland this time, as they failed to reach the knockout stage but gave a great account of themselves.
Their surprise win over the West Indies was a highlight, while they were also delighted to overcome Zimbabwe. They missed the quarter-finals on net run rate.
8. West Indies
7 of 14
3 W; 3 L; 0 NR
Sneaking ahead of the Irish into the last eight was the West Indies, who managed to just about get themselves a berth in the quarter-finals.
They have blown hot and cold so far under captain Jason Holder and will need a vast improvement if they are to go any further in this tournament.
7. Bangladesh
8 of 14
3 W; 2 L; 1 NR
One team to reach the quarter-finals with just one win over a Full ICC Member was Bangladesh, but it was certainly a memorable victory over England.
Their washout against Australia helped proceedings, and they will take heart from only having lost to New Zealand and Sri Lanka so far.
6. Pakistan
9 of 14
4 W; 2 L; 0 NR
It was a rocky start for Pakistan, as they lost their opening two games, but they came roaring back with four straight wins to power into the knockout rounds.
They have yet to shake off their tag of being inconsistent performers, although their quarter-final against Australia might be the perfect time to do just that.
5. Sri Lanka
10 of 14
4 W; 2 L; 0 NR
Just two defeats so far, Sri Lanka have once again looked in good touch and been led by senior batsman Kumar Sangakkara.
They are undoubtedly a talented side, but their quarter-final with South Africa and their vaunted pace attack will be a real test.
4. South Africa
11 of 14
4 W; 2 L; 0 NR
Ahead of Sri Lanka come the Proteas of South Africa, who also suffered two losses but have otherwise looked strong.
Their batsmen have been in especially good touch and looked very aggressive, and they will be determined to carry that form into the quarter-finals.
3. Australia
12 of 14
4 W; 1 L; 1 NR
Co-hosts Australia have once again vaulted near the top of the tree thanks to an almost perfect effort in the group stage.
They could not have helped their washout against Bangladesh, although their loss to New Zealand definitely put a dampener on proceedings.
2. India
13 of 14
6 W; 0 L; 0 NR
Unbeaten and looking in almost complete command, India are at No. 2 due to having a marginally inferior net run rate than the No. 1-ranked team.
Their bowlers and batsmen all look in strong form, and everything seems to be clicking into place for them at just the right time.
1. New Zealand
14 of 14
6 W; 0 L; 0 NR
Ranked No. 1, co-hosts New Zealand hold a 100 per cent record and a strong net run rate that has stood them in good stead.
Captain Brendon McCullum has led an aggressive and powerful unit well, and with the sheer talent at their disposal, the Black Caps will be hopeful of making a deep run.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
