The next 'Cornered Tigers' please stand up.

The 2007 cricket world cup has finally gained some attention. All the pundits who thought that with the minnows making it through to the super 8’s the world cup had become very predictable, try guessing this now: who will be the semi finalists? Who will win the WC?

Barring any more shock defeats from Ireland and not treating Bangladesh as a lesser talented team, the top three slots are pretty much taken. Australia, New Zealand and SriLanka are almost guaranteed to make it to the semi finals. The NZ vs SRL game will probably be only a drill for the semi final match up they will have on the 24th of April. Who will Australia face in its semi final match, is the interesting question.

The spot is pretty much up for grabs for all the other 4 teams (except Ireland). After Bangladesh’s victory on Saturday, a lot of supporters of different countries would have had a big smile on their faces. Moreover, the ICC top ranks also would have finally had a moment of relief.

The teams which win world cups are those who step up their game when it matters most. A Team which has a crunch game some where around the middle of the world cup and comes out on top, is the team to look out for. Other than the occasions where a team has dominated the entire world cup (West Indies (75, 79), Sri Lanka 1996, Australia 2003) it is the late birds that lift the trophy. After a poor start to the WC in 1992, elimination was staring right in the face of Pakistan when they went out to play Australia in their do or die league game. Imran’s Tigers won that game and went on to win the next 4 to become world champions. In 1999, Australia had a disastrous start to their World Cup campaign till they faced West Indies, and for the first time in that tournament Glenn Mcgrath was given the new cherry. West Indies were bowled out for a paltry 110 and there was no looking back for the baggy green boys. They have won 22 straight WC games since then.

This time, there are four such teams which have the opportunity to prove this theory right again. For England, Bangladesh and the West Indies, there is no room for error left. South Africa can afford another defeat and still be in contention for the fourth semi final spot. For WI, England or Bangladesh to come through, not only will they have to win all their games, but also hope that South Africa looses to at least any of the other three teams (WI,ENG,NZ) too.

The one team Australia would not want to face in the Semi Finals will be the host nation. With three knock out wins, lady luck (as SA would need to loose to some other team), a playing legend and the Caribbean calypso bands behind them, Australia’s world cup streak may just come to an end.

Irrespective of which ever team makes it to the semi finals, and whether they go on to win the world cup from there on, Bangladesh’s win on Saturday has for all practical purposes served as the opening ceremony of the 2007 cricket world cup.

Four teams, one spot. Game on! Thank you Tigers!