Who will win the Cricket World Cup 2011?

The ICC Cricket World Cup fever is at its peak. The World Cup 2011 mania can be easily felt.

Whereas, cricket fans are indulged in different activities to cheer up their favourite teams, the cricket pundits are busy in guessing possible winner of this year’s World Cup.

In India, where cricket is not less than a religion, people are organizing yajna and prayers for Team India’s success in the World Cup 2011, starting from the February 19.

Debate and discussion over the favourite teams of the quadrennial event are doing rounds these days on several news channels.

Experts believe that there are four strong contenders for coveted trophy, including India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and defending Champion Australia.

Several former cricketers, including Mohinder Amarnath and Bisehn Singh Bedi believe that India has the most balanced side and it may repeat the 1983 miracle.

Though, India will have to hold the nerve on the particular day to fulfill the dream of winning a World Cup trophy after a long gap of 18 years.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to understand that playing before the home crowd is never easy. There is always a pressure to perform. However, Dhoni has good track record of playing under pressure.

India has brilliant combination of senior and young players but bowling department is major area of concern for Men in Blue.

On the other hand, no one can deny the fact that Sri Lanka is most dangerous team in the sub-continent. Sri Lanka has the most balanced side as comparison to India, South Africa and Australia.

Sri Lanka is the only host country to win the World Cup (1996). Underestimating Sri Lanka’s claim will be big mistake. They have good youngsters and allrounders in the side, who can capable to turn the table before any side in the world.

As far as South Africa is concerned, they are one of the strongest sides in the world. But they are known as big chokers. Experts believe that Proteas can break the jinx this year. South Africans are expected to enter the final but it will be totally depends upon their performance in crucial matches. They play well in league matches but fail to hold the nerve during quarterfinal and semifinal.

Defending Champion Australia, however, witnessed severe slump in their performance in the past two years but they are still favourite side. Australia has the good record of playing in the sub-continent.

We should not forget that Aussies are the most successful teams in the World Cup and they are still number one side in the ICC ODI rankings.

Apart from these four top contenders, there are some dark horses in the World Cup 2011. England and Pakistan are the most unpredictable side and they can do major upsets.

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