Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons there is a strong chance that the top four remains the way it is right now in the ongoing World Cup. With five wins in as many matches, India is at the top of the standings whereas South Africa have won four out of their five games and have a superior Net Run Rate than New Zealand, who are in third place with as many wins in five matches.
Australia, who lost their first two matches, have bounced back in style as they have won their last three games against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. The Aussies are in fourth place and have answered their critics in style.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have won two out of their five matches whereas the rest of the teams have managed a solitary win in the ongoing ODI showpiece.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “Who defeats the opposition by 309 runs in an ODI game? It seems like Australia are back on track. They defeated Pakistan, Sri Lanka before that and the Netherlands now. The defeats they suffered against India and South Africa in their first two games, those wounds have been healed slightly.”
“The other teams might start getting slightly scared of Australia now. There is a strong chance that the top four remains like this only. Changes might happen from fifth to eighth but there might be no change at all in the top four.”
The reputed commentator feels it is almost impossible to chase down a mammoth score of 400 runs. The Netherlands were skittled out for a paltry score of 90 runs as they kept losing wickets in clusters.
“No matter how good the Netherlands might have played, 400 runs were not going to be scored. I don’t think any team will be able to do that. We might not see 400 runs in a chase in this entire tournament.”
Adam Zampa returned with figures of 4-8 whereas Mitchell Marsh also bagged two wickets in the four overs he bowled.
“It was a one-sided game once 399 runs were scored, whether it was Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc or Adam Zampa – four wickets, he was also on a hat-trick at one point. Mitchell Marsh also bowled, picked up two wickets as well. It was perfect.”
Australia will next take on New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on Saturday.
