World Cup 2015 — So Close Yet So Far

The stage is set once again and the world is ready to watch an exciting contest between bat and ball as the Cricket World Cup 2015 is around the corner. Teams from around the world will be fancying their chances of winning the cup, and amongst them South Africa and New Zealand will be eyeing their maiden World Cup title. It is said that good things come to those who wait, and it’s been a long wait for these two cricketing nations who, despite their good performances, have failed to make it count when it mattered the most, and 2015 just might be the year for these two. Let’s have a closer look at their chances in the upcoming tournament.

The South African team have been called ‘chokers’ as they have more often than not failed at the bigger stage. This edition brings them a good chance to win their first ever World Cup as the bouncy pitches and conditions will be favourable for the African nation. The major boost for the team has been that they have managed to fix their batting issue that had been the major reason for their failure. With Amla, De Villiers and Faf du Plessis in the side, the team has reached newer heights. From a period of 2011-2015 these three have brilliantly shared the responsibility of taking the team forward after the departure of Smith and Kallis. With Steyn and Morkel in the side they have got the world’s best bowling line-up at the moment. South Africa’s coach Russell Domingo hopes that his team will do what no other South African side has done yet.

Talking about the Black Caps, they are also looking forward to their maiden title. New Zealand’s test cricket legend Martin Crowe is hopeful of his team’s performance. He has backed his nation’s current squad to reach the final of 2015 World Cup, having recently said, “Nothing is more motivating than playing the World Cup on home soil.” The batting line-up must take its time when the moment comes; select the right thought, thus avoiding the deadly collapse. With McCullum and Guptill opening the batting and Taylor and Williamson to follow, the team has depth in batting. With an effective head coach in Mike Hesson, New Zealand have progressed quite remarkably in the past 18 months. The bowling unit is well balanced with Tim Southee leasing from front. He is ably supported by Boult, Mills and other bowlers. The spin birth comprises of Nathan McCullum and the much experienced Daniel Vettori which is a good combination.

To win a World Cup you have to be perfect. If you want to be the best, then beat the rest. Will the Proteas and Kiwis live up to the mark? Only time will tell.

Edited by Priyanshi Gupta