World Cup 2011

The sun starts to rise to uncover a drenched Melbourne morning. I’m told its 13 hours and 18 minutes till the first game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. My apologies forgot the 18 seconds too that have to be endured.

So this game will be an absolute cracking affair. So what are the Keys to it?

Well here are four for Bangladesh and then four for India.

Bangladesh’s Keys

1. Shafiul Islam’s Fitness and Performance

This young paceman in the last year has established himself in the Bangladesh Team as its opening bowler and has done it with due aplomb. He is capable of knocking over a few in any Teams top order. And this against the mighty Indian batting line up will be key. For it will exert pressure on them and give Bangladesh’s greatest strength in Spin a chance to be a factor in the game. For if the spinners come on with the Indian’s set. The fact that India are masters of spin will lead them to be mauled.

So Shafiul’s fitness and ability to perform will be crucial.

2. The Tigers Big Two!

The two I’m referring too are of course Shakib al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. Both are arguably the brightest talents in the game. So with the added burden of expectation on their shoulders will they be able to perform to their usual lofty levels? For if they can their team mates will gain inspiration from them and duly follow suit.

Though if the Indian’s neutralise them they might win easily

3. Spin Being Effective Against India?

The Bangladesh Team is built around their strength in spin. The Indian batsmen as a rule rip spinners to shreds. So this will be key to how well the Tigers can go. For if their spinners can be effective they have a chance to win but if they are mauled then its mission impossible.

4. The Crowd Will It Inspire Or Pressurise The Tigers?

The Stadium at Dhaka will be packed to the rafters with the Tigers fans going crazy in support of their Team. Though will this make the players rise and achieve great results or will it indeed add pressure on them for their so fearful of failure.

This will be a key factor in the game’s outcome.

India’s Keys

1. India’s Bowling Line Up

At present no one doubts India’s ability with the bat. With the ball you’d have faith in Zaheer Khan and Harbhahjan Singh, but very little faith in the other bowlers. If the weaknesses in their bowling are exposed then they are in trouble. For Bangladesh have the talent in batting to rack up a huge total or conversely to chase down an India total.

2. India’s Bowling Composition?

Two are certainties in Zaheer and Harbhahjan but the rest of the bowling is unknown. They could choose two pacemen in more than like Ashish Nehra and Sreesanth to compliment the two. Or conversely include a spinner and the attack be two pacers and two spinners.

Getting the bowling line up right will be key for India.

3. Virender Sehwag

I’m a huge Sehwag fan and I just have the feeling that this World Cup will be his to rip to shreds. He is the most feared batsman in the game and if he mauls the inexperienced Tiger’s bowlers they will struggle to recover.

Bangladesh needs to get rid of Sehwag quickly!

4. Virat Kohli or Suresh Raina?

In truth in ODI’s the choice between these two is win-win for India. For both are very fine ODI players. The indications coming out of the Indian camp is that Kohli will be preferred. Though if chosen. Raina not only is a very accomplished ODI batsman, but a more than useful part time bowler.

So be interesting to see who plays.

Prediction

I just have a feeling that the Tigers on the back of the euphoria of the first game being on the home turf might beat India!

Tags: Bangladesh, Cricket, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, India, Live Cricket Score, Mirpur, World Cup, World Cup 2011