Bengaluru, Feb 28: The 2015 ICC World Cup is entering an exciting phase. While India look sitting pretty at the top of Pool B, South Africa's emphatic win over the West Indies at Sydney on Friday is making things interesting. If Pakistan, who lost back-to-back matches, begin to fire in this group now and the West Indies manage to beat India in their next game, then the Pool B situation will be wide open.
World Cup Special;
India: Have 4 matches from 2 matches and look favourites to win the match against the UAE after the latter were shot out for a paltry 102. If India win against Zimbabwe and Ireland but lose to West Indies, they will finish at 10 points from 6 matches.
South Africa: They returned strongly after the 130-run loss to India at Melbourne and have 4 points from 3 matches now. However, if they lose to Pakistan but win against the UAE and Ireland, the Proteas will end up with 8 points.
West Indies: A team on a roller-coaster ride, the West Indies have 4 points from 4 matches now. If they can beat a strong-looking India and the UAE in their final two group games, the Caribbeans will end up at 8 points.
Pakistan: Looking hapless at the moment, the Pakistanis can yet make the quarter finals by winning four of their remaining matches. Winning those against Zimbabwe, UAE and Ireland shouldn't be a problem and if the Asians pull off a victory against the South Africans, then they will also finish at 8 points.
Ireland: Playing in their third World Cup, the Irish so far have a remarkable record of 2 win from 2 matches. If they can beat Zimbabwe, they will reach 6 points. Their remaining matches against Pakistan, India and South Africa will be keenly watched. Another upset here and there and Ireland will be right up there.
Zimbawe and UAE don't really look really promising to make the last eight. Zimbabwe have been putting up some high scores but their bowling has really looked out of sorts. With 2 points from 3 matches, Zimbabwe will have to beat top teams like India and Pakistan and also a determined Ireland if they hope to go through.
The UAE, on the other hand, have lost their first three matches.
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