Cricket is a simple game… but if you don’t know leg side from off side and break out in cold sweat when your friends insist on watching every game of the Cricket with you, it can be an uphill task.
But, fret not! Whether you’re a budding cricket enthusiast or a wannabe fan, we will have you spouting match analysis like a pro in no time. Learn it up or keep flashcards to peek into every now and then, this cheat sheet will help you sail through the tournament.
Big screens and barbecues were set up as we got ready for the biggest grudge match in cricket: Pakistan against India. Much to our celebration, India won against the long-time sport rival by 76 runs, in their opening match at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday, February 15th. Now lets hope they keep the same pace through as we do our own preps with this cheat sheet!
Players to watch out for:
India: Vice Captain Virat Kohli is a match winner who likes to take a challenge head on and the World Cup is a perfect platform for him to showcase his prowess.
Pakistan: This volatile unit can depend upon opener Ahmed Shahzad and skipper Misbah ul Haq for their batting. One cannot discount the all round firepower of Shahid Afridi who will be itching to unleash his bat for one last time.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson have been is sublime form with the bat and will look exploit the local conditions further.
Australia: Mitchell Johnson and his fast-bowling mates will be looked upon to make opponents squirm.
England: Ian Bell has been performing consistently with the bat while James Anderson is key to a well-formed bowling unit which also has Moeen Ali who has been doing brilliantly as the main spinner.
South Africa: AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Dale Steyn and the ever dependable Hashim Amla… the list keeps growing.
Sri Lanka: If Lasith Malinga is fit and raring to go along with the seniors Tillakaratne Dilshan, Jayawardena and Sangakkara, Sri Lanka could be a side to watch.
West Indies: West Indies will look to batsman Darren Bravo and bowler Kemar Roach to make a difference.
Must know facts to floor your detractors:
- The Cup is being played in Australia and New Zealand and there are 14 teams fighting for the title.
- The MCG or Melborurne Cricket Ground is the largest cricket ground in the world with a capacity of 100,024 people.
- The total prize money on offer by ICC is $10m to be divided amongst the teams. The winner could collect more than $4m, if they remain unbeaten through the tournament.
- The Super Over or the one-over eliminator introduced in 2011 has been done away with; even for the final, where a tie will mean that the trophy will be shared.
