World Cup 2015: Key clashes

GROUP A

Australia vs England (February 14)
With an intense cricketing rivalry behind them, hosts Australia will take on England on the opening day of the mega tournament at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. With their Cup preparations looking almost perfect, Australia would want to begin their quest for the fifth title in a strong fashion. England on the other side would like to hit the right note soon with newly appointed skipper Eoin Morgan capable of leading by example. The Aussies are better equipped with Glenn Maxwell and the in-form Steve Smith forming the vital cogs in the batting unit. England’s pace battery led by James Anderson and Stuart Broad must fire to stop the resilient opening pair of David Warner and Aaron Finch before they go berserk. England too can look forward to Ian Bell, Moeen Ali and Joe Root at the top for some good contribution.

Australia vs New Zealand (February 28)
One of the most successful sides of 2014, New Zealand, with a bunch of talented players can pose a serious threat to the Aussies when they host the four-time champions in their fourth group game at Auckland. Australia would be wary of the purple patch of Kane Williamson and captain Brendon McCllum as the duo has been instrumental in constructing big wins for the Kiwis in the recent past. Considered as dark horses to go till the distance in the tournament, it will take New Zealand’s energetic batting unit to ward off the threats posed by imposing fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. With the return of skipper Michael Clarke, the Australians would pin their hopes on the veteran to deliver and see his side through.

Sri Lanka vs England (March 1)  
With a bunch of youngsters seeking their moment of glory under the guidance of a few old stalwarts, Sri Lanka is one team that can never be sidelined. The English side, barring Ian Bell and Eoin Morgan, are rusty against spin, one of the major weapons in the Sri Lankan arsenal. Street smart spinners like Rangana Herath and Sachithra Senanayake can go through the gates of the England batting in the middle overs with Lasith Malinga proving to be the crucial factor in the death overs. The aging trio of Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakarra and Mahela Jayawardene will face the test of a potential England bowling attack. The encounter will see the clash of two young leaders - Angelo Mathews and Morgan. Their abilities to handle pressure will prove vital for their teams’ success.

 Group B

India vs Pakistan
(February 15)
Easily one of the most expected matches of the World Cup, India and Pakistan is all set to open a fresh chapter in their World Cup rivalry at the Adelaide Oval. India has the backing of the history, as they have never tasted defeat against their neighbours in the quadrennial big bash. But the past statistics alone cannot help Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men as they have struggled to strike form and find proper combination of late. The match can be seen as Pakistan’s best chance to break the jinx against a vulnerable Indian side. Cricket lovers will expect the mouth watering face off between Virat Kohli and Shahid Afridi to produce great moments even as Pakistan rest their hopes on experienced caps such as skipper Misbah ul Haq and Younis Khan. The Indians, with their ability to peak at the right moment, has the chance to silence their critics with a win.

India vs South Africa
(February 22)
Last time when these two teams met in the World Cup (2011), the Proteas, known for choking at pressure situations, snatched a last-over victory from the Indians. This South African side looks new and raring to go under an extremely competent leader - AB de Villiers. De Villiers has recently stunned the world, hitting the fastest ODI century ever and the Indian bowlers would be aware of his destructive abilities. The stylish Hashim Amla, , solid Faf Du Plessis and explosive David Miller makes South Africa a feared team. India will bank on their spin and swing bowling options, especially on R Ashiwn and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, to come up with a good show The Indian batsmen must cross the biggest challenge of Dale Steyn if they are to win this fascinating encounter.

West Indies vs Pakistan (February 21)
This match at Christchurch can termed as the clash of the unpredictable teams. It will be Pakistan bowlers taking on the West Indies batsmen in this key clash with the cricketing world waiting to see the electrifying contest between Shahid Afridi and Chris Gayle. The spinners in the Caribbean side will play a crucial role, pushing the Pakistani batsmen under pressure.