Today we look at five obstacles that could prevent the West Indians from hoisting the ICC World Cup Trophy on Saturday, April 28 in Barbados. Later, we will explore why they could win it all. read more »
Zimbabwe heads into the World Cup coming off a 2006 season in which it scored a mere 8 wins from 29 ODI matches. Of those 8 wins, only 3 were against full ICC member countries. Given the political turmoil that has beset the country and its cricket, expectations are low for this World Cup. Failed attempts to lure former international cricketers back into the side means that Zimbabwe will enter the tournament with a vastly inexperienced team. read more »
Bangladesh disappointed at the last World Cup in 2003. Their performance left many questioning why they had been granted Test status. In the four years since that time however, Bangladeshi cricket has come a long way. They have notched ODI wins over India, Sri Lanka and Australia in recent years and this cricket-mad nation will come to the World Cup with a very young and talented side. read more »
Kenya, the cinderella team of World Cups past, will enter this year's tournament on a high after comprehensively winning the inaugural World Cricket League (WCL) last month. Kenyan cricket has progressed to the point where they are no longer Associates at the ODI level, but considered a full ICC member. In fact, there have been many voices arguing for the inclusion of the Kenyan team in the Test arena. read more »
Photo courtesy of standford2020.com
The name of Kieron Adrian Pollard has been on the mouths of many West Indians since he announced his arrival into regional cricket with a magnificent 126 on January 4 of this year against Barbados. His powerful, lofted sixes have led many West Indian fans to salivate at the thought of him being a secret weapon for the Windies at the World Cup. read more »
Scotland will enter the World Cup as the top ranked ODI Associate nation, Kenya being a full ICC member at the ODI level. The Scots justified this ranking during last month's World Cricket League (WCL), losing in the finals to Kenya. The Scots have a solid team, but with most of their players being part time cricketers, they still have a long way to go to be competitive against the top teams of the world. read more »
Australia suffered another stunning defeat at the hands of New Zealand today, after failing once more to defend a mammoth total. Batting first, the Aussies were led by Matthew Hayden's unbeaten 181 - the highest ever score by an Australian in ODI cricket. Hayden's blitz, despite having to use a runner after suffering a blow to the foot, saw his team to 346/5 from 50 overs. The run spree could be attributed to the fact that New Zealand took to the field without its two most accomplished bowlers in Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori. read more »
As Cricket World Cup 2007 approaches, Rain, No Play takes a look at aging batting stars likely in search of a final taste of glory.
Brian Lara, 37, West Indies
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Dutch cricket reached its zenith in 2001 when the Dutch team won the ICC trophy and qualified for the 2003 World Cup. They just barely qualified for the World Cup this time around, finishing 5th at the 2005 ICC trophy to grab the last qualifying spot. Dutch cricket is seemingly on the rise, having finished 3rd at the World Cricket League last month with a record of 3 wins 2 losses. They will also come to the World Cup with a few young, promising players, with the best of them being 26 year old batsman Ryan ten Doeschate. read more »
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