Thoughts Today

NRR scenarios at the end of the league stage is one of the great joys of tournament play.

Sense legspin is going to become more popular again with the ICC clampdown, though we had many this year at WT20 bowling superbly - Mishra, Tahir, Badree. 

Misbah top scored in a Pakistan ODI innings 12 times last year.

Misbah scored 5 half centuries in 14 ODI innings against SA in 2013.

Misbah has scored 3 half centuries in his last 5 ODI innings against Zimbabwe.

2015 Ashes Verdict

Best series since 2005.
England winning 3-2.
But they will lose early May Tests vs NZ.

That Sunday where Pak batted timidly and Kohli showed the way in the reply to make it 8-0 in Colombo

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-world-twenty20-2012/engine/current/match/533291.html

Ranting

Problems with Wasim Akram the Commentator

1)    Grammatically incorrect

2)    Memory of a gold fish on modern day cricket matters

3)    Doesn’t know much about the political matters in the game i.e. Big 3 takeover

4)    States the obvious i.e. score or batsman average

5)    Not updated on modern Pakistan Test team – not covered a Pakistan Test as commentator

Problems with Rameez Raja

1)    Lack of consistency in views about Misbah the captain

2)    Sucks up to the BCCI

3)    Contradictory in his stance about IPL

4)    Pathetic memory for someone who covers almost every Pakistan series

5)    Extremely petty on scoring rates despite being a sedate opener himself

6)    Shamelessly supporting the Big 3 passionately

7)    Keeps talking about domestic game being weak – what did he do when he was part of the board?

8)    His lack of knowledge on Pakistan domestic cricketers and young cricketers coming through

Decent presenter, toss conductor and presentation ceremony runner, but ordinary commentator

WC Opener in Melbourne 10 Facts

1)    England have not made the semis since 1992, reached 5/5 semis in 1975-1992, last 5 semis reached 0/5 semis

2)    England not won any of the 10 WCs or 7 CTs despite hosting 4 WCs and 2 CTs and reached 3 WC finals and 2 CT finals

3)    England hoping to break the 40 year drought in global ODI trophies

4)    The last time an Essex man led in Australia – they reached the final

5)    England beaten twice by SL in QFs in 1996 and 2011

6)    1987 final revisited

7)    They didn’t meet in 2011 WC

8)    They met in a tournament opener at CT13 too

9)    2015 hosts vs. 2019 hosts

10) England had an eventful ride in 2011 – beat WI, SA, tied vs Ind, but lost to BD and Ireland

Tri Series

The “BIG 3” tri series

Last time England played a tri series before a World Cup, they won in 2006-07 under Freddie

Even in the year where there are no Ashes England are in Australia before the World Cup

10 Months Back Notes

During the period there were:

12 consecutive ODI wins in 2008 under Shoaib Malik

13 win in 14 ODIs under Misbah in 2011-12

There have only really been 3 series where they have been outplayed

Losing 5-0 against Australia in 2010

Losing 4-0 against England in 2012

Losing 4-1 against South Africa in 2013

Every other series has been closely contested or won

England in ODIs since 2007

Lost 5-0 in India in 2008

Lost 5-0 in India in 2011

Lost 4-0 against South Africa at home in 2008

Lost to Bangladesh and Ireland at 2011 World Cup

Lost 6-1 in Australia in 2010/11 ((though it happens after Ashes series)

Lost 5-1 against Australia in 2009 (though it happens after Ashes series)

Lost a home series against New Zealand in 2008

Lost a home series against New Zealand in 2013

Lost a home international against Bangladesh in 2010

Knocked out before semis at 2011 World Cup

Positives

Reaching Champions Trophy Final 2013

Beating Pakistan 4-0 in 2012

Beating India 3-0 in 2011 at home

Beating Sri Lanka 3-2 in 2011 at home

Beating Australia 4-0 in 2012 at home

Beating South Africa  2-1 in 2009

Beating West Indies 3-2 in 2009

Beating Pakistan 3-2 in 2010 at home

Beating Australia 3-2 in 2010 at home

Reaching Champions Trophy Semis 2009

Beating West Indies 2-0 at home in 2012

England in West Indies 2015 Tests

In 2009 England lost 1-0 in West Indies

Bangladesh apart, England have not won a Test series opener of an overseas tour in their last 14

Jimmy Anderson joins the 100 club. Fourth English cricketer in recent times to get there – KP, Cook, Bell and now him. Only four Pakistan cricketers have ever played 100 Tests, Inzamam being the last in Bangalore 2005.

NZ v Eng ODIs

New Zealand have won ODI series in England in 2008 and 2013

Historically won more head to head ODI games against England

Though England won 2-1 in New Zealand in early 2013, in a decider

Pakistan has not won a Test Series vs. Australia since 20 years

It will be 20 years since their last Test series win in England when they tour in 2016

2010-2016 is the longest time gap for a Pakistan tour of England since 1974-1982

More on Christchurch 2015

When New Zealand have beaten Sri Lanka in a tournament opener in recent times. Thrillers.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/world-twenty20-2010/engine/match/412678.html

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-champions-trophy-2013/engine/current/match/578617.html

Familiar foes – just played a 7 match ODI series recently

The two met twice in the 2011 World Cup, in Mumbai and Colombo, SL running out winners both times

Ground Facts

Most Tests = Lords
Most World Cup Finals = Lords
Most T20Is = Dubai
Most ODIs = Sharjah

Pakistan Achievements in 2014

Reached Under 19 Asia Cup Final
Reached Under 19 World Cup Final (16 teams)

Won Women T20 tri nations in Qatar
Won Asian Games Womens

Reached Asia Cup Final
Won 2 out of 4 at World T20

Won historical Test vs Sri Lanka

On the whole, not played much. 

Pakistan at the World Cup - White Ball Ones

1992 = Won 6 out of 10
1996 = Won 4 out of 6
1999 = Won 6 out of 10
2003 = Won 2 out of 6
2007 = Won 1 out of 3
2011 = Won 6 out of 8

2012 today - one of the great games of World T20 cricket - The Umar show

Raza bowling a maiden over to Kallis in the first six

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-world-twenty20-2012/engine/current/match/533286.html

With this logic Imran Farhat only played 1 Test in his comeback before his wife became ill. https://twitter.com/OsmanSamiuddin/status/514746865393205248 

Myth that YK was a good captain

1)    Lost more than he won overall

2)    Only won 1 in 9 Tests

3)    Didn’t win an ODI series

4)    Banned by his own board for his antics

5)    Whole team revolted against him

6)    Struggling with his own form

7)    Declined captaincy several times before accepting

8)    Temperamental in mindset

9)    Hot headed

10)  Couldn’t handle the media, poor orator and couldn’t handle media pressures

11)  Not very educated

12) Could hardly last long in the job

So Called Experts

Problems with Basit Ali

Doesn’t rate Kohli

Said India has no chance of winning the WT20 – reached final

Defends his department players in analysis

Doesn’t understand the wider context of sport i.e. Afghanistan’s rise

Attacked IK in WC11 for saying India are favourties

Blindly supporting YK in ODIs

Thinks Hafeez is a top class Test opener

Used to be critical re Misbah until he became Sui Gas coach

Problems with Aamir Sohail

Supports Sami, Malik, Kamran, Hafeez (Test opener)

Said IK destroyed Pakistan Cricket

Attacks Najam Sethi because Najam made his appointment void after he was reinstated

Says Amir should not return and get the support of PCB but invites S Butt as a guest on his show

Doesn’t know much about wider international news in the game

Always repeating the same thing about infrastructure

Attacked IK for lashing out at Rehman Malik on the eve of World Cup semi final

On YK's Media Outburst

Respected Test cricketer. Excellent fielder. Hot headed captain. Pathetic one day player. And a good team man turned into a shameless senior

On this day Pakistan defeated India at the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa, five seasons back.

Both CT wins against India came in September, in traditionally seaming conditions of England and South Africa, 5 years apart.

In both games, Yousuf played a pivotal role.

In ICC Events as Captain

Afridi = Won 9 out of 15
Hafeez = Won 6 out of 10
Misbah = Won 0 out of 3 (toughest conditions and all ODIs though)

Misbah in 3 Match Test Series as Captain

Won 1-0 vs Sri lanka
Won 3-0 vs England
Lost 1-0 vs Sri Lanka
Lost 3-0 vs South Africa
Drew 1-1 vs Sri Lanka

Misbah vs SL
10-10 in ODIs with 1 NR
2-3 in 10 Tests
1-0 in T20
Overall 13-13 with five draws and a NR

Eng were moving in right direction 2011-2013 in ODIs.Playing some of the best ODI cricket I've seen in the lead up to CT13. Refind that form

Misbah has a 2-2 captaincy record vs Australia.

Last time Pak played Australia in Sharjah, Michael Hussey's last ODI, MOM performance, though was plumb LBW & not given

In 2012 ODIs

Lost by 3 wickets in Sharjah
Won by 7 wickets in Abu Dhabi
Lost by 3 wickets in Sharjah

Lost series, but were the better side

3 Reasons Why Lord's 2014 was India's Best?

1) Conditions - put in on a green top
2) Hadn't won an overseas Test for 13 - overcoming the barrier
3) Young team - no Sachin, Dravid, VVS etc

More on Adelaide 2015

Misbah 4-3 as captain in ODIs vs India, 3-3 vs Dhoni, 1-0 vs Kohli 

His scores in last 5 innings vs them: 16, 2, 39, 22, 1
Not been at his best vs them, but top scored in team innings twice in last 7 ODIs vs them, both chasing, in defeat though

Wahab Riaz 5-46 in last India-Pakistan World Cup game.
Turns it on at the big stage.
Remember Champions Trophy spell vs West Indies at the Oval?

http://www.espncricinfo.com/blogs/content/story/619294.html 7-5 soon?

Alison Mitchell's account prior to the Mohali semi-final. A neutral in a one eyed world. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/legacy/alisonmitchell/2011/03/hearts_on_both_sides_of_the_bo.html

They beat us in the 2010 Asia Cup by 2 wickets
They beat us in the 2011 World Cup by 29 runs
They beat us in the 2012 World T20 by 8 wickets
They beat us in the 2013 Champions Trophy by 8 wickets
They beat us in the 2014 World T20 by 7 wickets

Over the last five years, they have won the biggest meeting of the year each time.

They have won 8 of the last 9 tournament fixtures against Pakistan across the big five competitions. The one they lost was just by 1 wicket.

They have won the last 6 in the major 4 ICC Events vs Pakistan.

Predictions

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/447043498366480384

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/446921643898990593

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/446591733275820032

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/447347528569479168

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/361845216338132996

Can Misbah do something that Imran, Sohail, Wasim, Waqar and Afridi couldn't? And that at a time when India are defending champions.

25th September 2004

On this day 10 years ago, best 9th wicket stand in one day internationals in a tournament final as West Indies won the ICC Champions Trophy in London. In the same summer they got thrashed 4-0 in the Test Series.

West Indies Won ICC ODI Competitions

1975 World Cup

1979 World Cup

2004 Champions Trophy

All in England

After 25 years, they won a global ODI trophy

24th September 2007

On this day India won the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa. Beat Pakistan by 5 runs. Irfan Pathan MOM. Played on a Monday because public holiday.

Australia v Pakistan 2014 Tests in UAE - Early 2014 Build Up

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/444812915896766464

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/441240460325965824

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/425293736805818368

Australia v Pakistan Tests in UAE 2014 - 2013 Build Up

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/314019773686104065

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/308539775168688128

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/312221731639136256

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/312223355568799744

https://twitter.com/maza786/statuses/394063519156797440

On this day Pakistan defeated New Zealand at the 2012 ICC World T20.
Nasir Jamshed was adjudged man of the match.
This was the last international fixture between the two sides.

When Pakistan played an end of season game at Lord's on the 20th of September.
A World Cup since. (4 years)

http://www.espncricinfo.com/columns/engine/match/426431.html

Featured Collingwood, Trott and Bell playing in the final here.

Royal London One Day Cup Final

Warwickshire will be playing a Lord's final vs Durham tomorrow.

Both teams have played a county championship fixture at Lord's recently, within last month.

Warwickshire have played the Lord's final in 2010 and 2012, too.

Durham won it in 2007, defeating Shane Warne's Hampshire in a rain affected finale.

This seasons the Bears have defeated Essex in a quarter final at Chelmsford in both the Natwest T20 Blast and the Royal London One Day Cup. In both games the Eagles chased unsuccessfully.

Can the bears do the one-day Double like the Hants managed in 2012, when they beat them in a tied final from the last ball of the season?

Winners in 2014

World Cup Qualifier = Scotland
World T20 = Sri Lanka
Asia Cup = Sri Lanka
Under-19 World Cup = South Africa
Women's World T20 = Australia

Ashes Men = Australia
Ashes Women = England

IPL = KKR
County Championship = Yorkshire
Natwest T20 Blast = Birmingham (Warwickshire)
CPL = Tridents (Barbados)

Under-19 Asia Cup = India 

Tri series in Zimbabwe between Australia, South Africa and Hosts = RSA

Other Sports

Hockey World Cup = Australia Men, Netherlands Women
Football World Cup = Germany
Hockey Commonwealth Games Men = Australia 

Sri Lanka in LOIs

Asia Cup Holders
World T20 Holders and back to back World T20 finals
World Cup Finalists twice in a row
Tri Series finalists 2012 in Australia
Tri Series finalists 2013 in West Indies
Champions Trophy semi finalists 2013
Won ODIs in England 2014
Won ODIs vs Pakistan 2014 

In Australia

2010 = Won ODIs 2-1 and one off T20
2012 = Reached triangular series final
2013 = Drew ODIs 2-2 and won T20s 2-0

A mighty force in one-day cricket. No shame in losing to them. 

Finishing at 34?

https://twitter.com/AMFALKI/status/511565819458105344

- He should stay till 2015 October 3-Match Test Series vs England in UAE

- So he has played his last overseas Test?

- Five more Tests and 2 Test victories needed for the record then... 14

- So he will end on 34 Tests as captain. Exact same as Miandad.

More on Afridi's Appointment

- So we won't be able to get rid of him after March next year - will end up having a longer international career than Wasim Akram #madness

- What is the point of him continuing after March next year? No point keeping an old player who doesn't play Tests and won't be around in 2019 for just T20

- I fear this might get messy. If he wins 2-0 in T20s vs NZ. And main skipper loses 4-1 or something in the ODIs.

- I have zero interest in the Pakistan T20 side now

Afridi has never scored a World Cup half century. Can he change this in 2015?

And given he was not part of the class of 1992, he will end up as the only Pak player to go 5 CWCs without victory

Ridiculous that a player like Afridi is playing his fifth World Cup. Only matched by 3 other Pakistan Cricketers.

Misbah won 6/8 T20s as captain of Pakistan 

Afridi lost 7 of his last 8 T20s as captain of Pakistan 

Misbah led an average Wolves side to last 3 domestic T20 finals

Afridi never led star studded Dolphins to domestic T20 glory

Double standards

More WC Stats on Pak

Imran Nazir was the last Pak batter to get a World Cup ton.

Majid Khan, Javed Miandad and Aamir Sohail all led Pakistan in a World Cup match despite not being the full time captain. 

19th September 2004

On this day 10 years ago, Pakistan defeated India for the first time in an ICC tournament for the senior men's team. ICC Champions Trophy 2004. Edgbaston, Birmingham. 

West Indies have won their last 2 games against Pakistan in ICC Events:

CT13
WT20 2014

UAE 2014/15

3 teams with UAE as their home ground will be playing in the World Cup.

UAE
Pakistan
Afghanistan (Sharjah)

https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/512179568870846465

I honestly wouldn't have minded if he followed Cook and said it's a bit far stretched or said something like we will make presence felt

More on Pak

Going to be most like 2003 - perhaps not winning a major game or pressure game.

However, if they can somehow get BD or SL in QF, might sneak by.

NZ v Pak

ODIs

2009 in UAE: NZ Won 2-1
2011 in NZ: Pak Won 3-2

2009 CT semi final: NZ Won
2011 WC: NZ Won

T20

2012, 2013, 2014 CLT20 = NZ team beat Pak representative in preliminary stages 

Tests

1990 - The year Pak whitewashed NZ. Waqar Younis and Shoaib Mohammad at the top of their game.

2002 - Last time Pak played NZ in Asia Inzamam got a 300, the first since 1958 for Pakistan, in a one off Test Match due to security fears.

England will play their first 3 games against non-Asian teams and last 3 against Asian opposition at CWC15.

Instead of using T20 as a platform to groom the next captain we have wasted 2 years on Hafeez as he resigned from vice captaincy. And now...

3rd April - Day Hafeez resigned
16th September - Replacement named

On this day last year Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan in a Test Match after 15 years.

Happy Birthday Aamir Sohail.

UAE ODIs vs Australia

UAE ODIs vs Australia

2009 = Lost 3-2

2012 = Lost 2-1

In all 3 wins = chasing with Misbah not out with at least 30 odd.

On this day England won the 2005 Ashes 2-1 in the enthralling Test series at the Oval. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the historical series and we have an Ashes series to mark it too. England received a warm reception and celebrated their triumph in style after the unforgettable summer of cricket, ending with the on field umpires dislodging the bails to mark the end of the game and the series. Michael Vaughan's men defeated the great Australian side to regain the urn after 18 years after conceding a 1-0 lead, following the opening Test. It was a closely matched hard fought series which captured the imagination of the British public. Cricket fever ignited Britain. It's considered by many as arguably the greatest test series ever witnessed, certainly in modern times. The series also was the last international cricket seen on free to air television as Channel 4 were telecasting the final series of their 7 years coverage, presented by Mark Nicholas. This day was the final time Shane Warne and Glen McGrath were seen in England representing Australia and they were warmly appreciated as they left the field of play for one final time, in England. This day was the final time Richie Benaud was commentating in England after 42 summers of work, although prolonged his commentary career with Channel 9 back in Australia.

Not true with two new white balls, 2 bouncers an over, no more bowling powerplay, batting powerplay enforced in the 36^th over if not already taken and 5 fielders in the circle at all times in non powerplay overs.

Sangakkara did a masterclass with Nick Knight during an ODI at Durham in May. He said ODIs were more aligned to Tests than T20s, especially with relatively recent changes in regulations.

https://twitter.com/fwildecricket/status/504662897298251776

On Ajmal

Simply cannot stand those bringing nationality and conspiracy theories into this.

Typical Bishen! Been very vocal on this issue. Likes a classical old school spinner with a pure action. https://twitter.com/BishanBedi/status/509282662607888384

Fascinating listening to the different viewpoints. Opinion divided. Outcome inevitable.

Odds of Pakistan’s chances against Australia change drastically with the notable absence of their most feared player.

This Friday

12^th September 2005 – KPs 158 sealed the deal in the greatest series of them all. Last time we saw Warne & McGrath in England.

Commentators In The Modern Age

It's a high profile occupation which shouldn't be taken for granted. These are the people behind the scenes of a sporting spectacle. Responsible for describing pictures provided on television screens as best as possible. They are paid professionals. It's a dream lifestyle. Commentating on a sport you follow passionately while being able to travel around the globe. But standards seemed to have dropped somewhat. 

One gets the impression that too many ex-players are being dished out commentary stints too easily. Commentators should get jobs based on their commentary skills rather than living off their playing reputations in order to aid them entering a media career. They should be completely neutral and unbiased in their judgement; love of the game comes before love for a team or a player. The result shouldn't matter to them the slightest. 

They are professionals responsible for broadcasting to worldwide audiences as opposed to supporters of a team. They should have knowledge about all teams, players, officials and cultures rather than following or focussing intently on just a particular side, which is often their own nationality when it comes to international sporting coverage from a global broadcaster. 

Memory is absolutely vital, fundamental mistakes on air are unaffordable. They cannot be grammatically incorrect. It undoubtedly helps when they are commentating in their preferred language choice. 

They need to specialise in a certain area of the game while being able to pass comment on all issues adequately. Imperatively, they ought to know more than a viewer, even perhaps the fanatic. In an age of a social media storm and the growth of online information courtesy of the Internet, the gap between the knowledge of fans and commentators has significantly been reduced. There are increasing occasions when one is listening to commentary and thinking, "I actually would have more to talk about than this."

They should be able to take a lead and initiate conversations. They should be able to describe the big moments and capture the effect well. They should be able to make predictions and be bold enough to be able to challenge their game assessment skills, of teams and individuals. If they are in the wrong, being able to admit their faults or justify their stance. They should greatly care about audiences views about them. Is the volume turned up or turned down when they are on air? 

Whether it's technical, mental, tactical, political or the statistical side of the game - they should not look lost when talking about any of these particular aspects. They should have a unique set of opinions on all of these various aspects the game covers. There is more to the on field aspects. Knowing about the latest developments administratively associated with the game. Knowing some interesting and unique stats about players or teams worth sharing with the listeners. 

Often players who weren't illustrious names go on to achieve more successful commentary careers as they have to work harder in order to establish their credentials in the media, in order to grab the attention of the world. They simply can't get by on their playing reputations to grab the attention of the viewers, to rise above the crowd. It's beneficial if they write for newspapers, magazines or online columns. They are this way, better prepared. It compliments their work effectively and helpfully. 

Ultimately you want a variety of commentary styles. Some serious, some eloquent, some comical with a better sense of humour than most, some major name who may be a work in progress for commentary along with a specialist presenter to control overall proceedings. But it's important to establish some fundamentals. A clearer pathway must be established for those who didn't necessarily play top level sport, to chase their dreams and commentate. They have a lot to bring to the table provided the chance to showcase their credentials.

Thoughts

1)

Pakistan Cricket Team are not universally that well known apart from Afridi (because of his charisma) , Ajmal (because of his mystery) and Gul (because of his part exploits at the death). Everyone knows about Michael Clarke, MS Dhoni, Cook and so on but Misbah slips under the radar as an international captain and batter. He sure benefits from this. Teams don't know much about him. They don't prepare for him. They don't do their homework on him as much. 

Consequently, he is not challenged as much. However, Sri Lanka have seen a lot of Misbah over the years and finally they have found him out and discovered a plan to trouble him. They have devised set plans to get him out. Because he is such an underrated and understated figure, perhaps teams don't challenge and prepare for him as much as they should do, even though they acknowledge and respect the importance of his wicket to the team once they see him play.

2)

Misbah has won 12 series and lost 6 series in ODIs.

However, while this sounds great.

But if you take out Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Scotland and Afghanistan and he has won 5 and lost 6.

But.

He has beaten nine different ODI sides and beaten 4 higher ranked opposition in series under him (Sri Lanka twice in UAE and 3 match series in India and SA)

Also, many of the series he has lost have been close affairs with just a one match difference.

In multinational competitions. (where it matters)

Back to Back Asia Cup finals including an Asia Cup win.

In Champions Trophy and Champions League you cannot fault his own performance. He played his heart and soul out while others batted like headless chickens. However, as captain, although he was inspirational with his own performance and fitness levels despite being the oldest member in the team, the team were eliminated early both times.

He has proven himself as a winning captain in domestic competitions and with Pakistan "A" team and in continental trophies such as the Asia Cup. He has proven his performance on the big stage in the 2007 World Twenty20, 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. He has played his part as vice captain in the 2009 World Twenty20 and the 2011 World Cup, two successful campaigns. But I think even he will have doubts of whether he has the capacity to be a World Cup winning captain? I believe no one in Pakistan has what it takes to repeat the journey of Imran Khan. We will still be talking about our only World Cup win in 2035 just like England football fans talk about 1966.

I have read several early previews of the World Cup and everyone is writing off Pakistan and I don't blame them. The scale of the task on Misbah's hands is huge. Arguably the hardest for a Pakistan skipper going into the event. Shame that both world tournaments he will be captaining in will have been played in tough conditions. CT in England and WC down under. 

3)

Misbah at one stage:

28-2 captaincy record across all formats. - 10th February 2012

Now: 58-42 captaincy record across all formats. - 30th August 2014

Unbeaten in 16 series across all formats with 14 wins. - 10th February 2012.

Lost 10 series across all formats with 21 wins and 5 drawn. - 30th August 2014. 

Totally agree with Scyld Berry as far as Pakistan and West Indies are concerned.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/cricket-world-cup/11061449/England-dont-have-a-cat-in-hells-chance-of-winning-the-World-Cup-my-favourites-to-lift-trophy-are-New-Zealand.html

10/1 for Pakistan is generous. 25/1 would be more appropriate.

http://www.cricketbettingblog.com/world-cup-betting

Why NZ are Rated Highly

Captaincy
Home advantage
Pacers
Organised and Balanced Team
Desire to get over the line
Fielding
Good tournament team

18th February 2014

https://www.facebook.com/king.MUH/posts/663779387001097

Michael Vaughan Exposed

https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/326955984599785472

Happy Birthday Aizaz Cheema. On this day in 2011, his country won his debut Test by 7 wickets. Cheema bowled his way to 8 wickets during the game on an unresponsive wicket. Cheema also bowled a championship winning last over of the 2012 Asia Cup final. He also got a tally of 4 wickets in a single T20 international match against Sri Lanka on 25th November 2011 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. However, with age not on his side, Cheema has been discarded and yet to play for the Greens since 2012.

Australia Under Clarke

Won 1-0 vs Sri Lanka
Drew 1-1 vs South Africa
Drew 1-1 vs New Zealand
Won 4-0 vs India
Won 2-0 vs West Indies
Lost 1-0 vs South Africa
Won 3-0 vs Sri Lanka
Lost 4-0 vs India
Lost 3-0 vs England
Won 5-0 vs England
Won 2-1 vs South Africa

On New Zealand's Visit

- New Zealand have won Test series against India and West Indies this year. Not to be underestimated.
- The last time New Zealand played back to back T20 against Pakistan in Dubai they lost 2-0, in 2009. Pak ahead overall at 6-3. Was 4-0 at one stage.

WI v Pak At 2015 World Cup

Pakistan have won their last 5 ODI series against the West Indies.

Take a look at Chris Gayle's scores in the 10 games against Pakistan across all formats, poor. Starting from the 2011 quarter final in Mirpur. 

West Indies have won more in heads to heads at World Cup games: 1979, 1983 semis, 92+07 opener
Pakistan 16-15 in Tests.
2-2 in T20s.

Gayle has gone to Hafeez the last 3 times these two sides have met, open the bowling with, all been with the new ball, all T20 though. 

7 of their last 8 wins against WI have come from chasing. Stick them in Misbah...

The one major team I am most confident of possibly winning against for Pakistan in the whole event.

Two weakest major teams in the event, out of top 8, or who have been holders of the World Cup before

WI drew 2-2 in a 5 match ODI series in NZ last year

Misbah 3-2 vs Dwayne Bravo as captain in ODIs with a tie, Bravo winning the important one at CT13

On this day Junaid Khan made his Test debut against Zimbabwe on a flat wicket in Bulawayo. It was a one off Test Match which Pakistan won by 7 wickets early on the final day. The visitors conceded 412 in the first innings, however still managed to take a lead and win the game, after Zimbabwe collapsed in the 3rd innings.