Cricket World Cup 2015 Quarter-Finals: Form Guide, Key Players and Predictions
The 2015 Cricket World Cup is reaching its business end with the quarter-finals now upon us, and there's four mouthwatering clashes to look forward to.
Sri Lanka kick things off when they take on South Africa in arguably the tightest match of the round, while Bangladesh will be hoping to upset the odds when they take on unbeaten India.
Then it's the turn of the hosts, with Australia taking on an in-form Pakistan side and New Zealand needing to avoid complacency in their tie with West Indies.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Here is the full fixture list, and a look at the key players who can decide the quarter-finals.
Sri Lanka vs. South Africa
Form Guide (last 6 fixtures)
Sri Lanka: WLWWWL
South Africa: WLWWLW
It's a battle of the batsmen in this tie with the two best ODI run-scorers in the world going head-to-head.
For Sri Lanka, it is of course Kumar Sangakkara.
The 37-year-old is rolling back the years at the World Cup and comes into the quarter-final as the name on everyone's lips, having scored a record four consecutive centuries in his last four matches:
Here he is putting Scotland to the sword:
Sangakkara's stock couldn't be higher, and the way he's knocked the ball around with such freedom has been a joy to watch. Bowlers Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn will need to be at the top of their game or he'll punish them ruthlessly.
South Africa's not-so-secret weapon is AB de Villiers.
Ranked as the top ODI batsman in the world, De Villiers has also had an impressive tournament so far, having scored 417 runs.
De Villiers' ability to pick and vary his shots at will are a huge threat to any side, and like Sangakkara is no stranger to breaking world records.
With South Africa's quality spread throughout the side, thanks to the likes of the aforementioned Steyn and Hashim Amla, they have enough to overcome Sri Lanka. Though far from a one-man team, the Lions can't match the Proteas man for man.
Prediction: South Africa win
India vs. Bangladesh
Form Guide
India: WWWWWW
Bangladesh: LWWLW
India's Mohammed Shami is having a magnificent World Cup and will surely continue his form into the quarter-finals.
The Men in Blue have been dominant so far and shone in virtually every department, but Shami's 15-wicket haul has stood out.
The 25-year-old has bowled excellently with pace, reaching 140 kmph with ease, per IANS via Hindustan Times. With Shami on his game, it could be a short afternoon for Bangladesh's batsmen.
Facing off against Shami is Bangladesh's Mohammad Mahmudullah, whose two centuries in his last two matches have brought him to the forefront of Bangladesh's options. He'll need to replicate his earlier performances for his side to stand a chance here.
Mahmudullah is growing into the tournament which should serve him well, but against India's overwhelming strength and the quality of their bowling, he's unlikely to see his side progress.
Prediction: India win
Australia vs. Pakistan
Form Guide
Australia: WWWLW
Pakistan: WWWWLL
The leading bowler of the tournament so far, Mitchell Starc, is set for another key role in this quarter-final.
With 16 wickets, the left-arm pace bowler is a threat to any batsman he faces. Just ask New Zealand, against whom he managed an impressive six-wicket haul:
The Australian's performances have not failed to catch the eye of ESPN Cricinfo's Freddie Wilde:
Per Reuters, via IBN Live, Starc's bounce and variation could hold the key to an Australian win against Pakistan.
Just two matches into his comeback after being benched for Pakistan's first four matches, Sarfraz Ahmed sealed his side's quarter-final place with a 101-run outing against Ireland.
The wicketkeeper-batsman inspired his team to the crucial victory, and Pakistan have bounced back brilliantly following their two opening defeats.
With key bowler Mohammad Irfan out of the World Cup with a hip injury, per ESPN Cricinfo, Pakistan's chances of victory are now slim, even with Sarfraz in good form.
The co-hosts will be the favourites here and rightly so.
Prediction: Australia win
New Zealand vs. West Indies
Form Guide
New Zealand: WWWWWW
West Indies: WLLWWL
Tim Southee and Trent Boult have shared the headlines for the Black Caps at the World Cup so far, with the former taking 13 wickets and the latter taking 15.
The pair are widely considered to be the best bowling partnership at the tournament, and rightly so, taking wickets with ruthless efficiency.
West Indies' Chris Gayle will need to be at his best to help his side beat the odds here. The 35-year-old hit a double ton against Zimbabwe, but has failed to pass 50 in every other match.
Against the might of New Zealand, Gayle won't be afforded the luxury of picking and choosing his boundaries as he was against Zimbabwe.
Only complacency can defeat New Zealand, and with the co-hosts playing with such ruthless efficiency, there's little chance of that.
Prediction: New Zealand win
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
