World Cup predictions: It’s pressure time!
It's all to play for in the quarter-finals of the Cricket World Cup.
THE knockout stages of the Cricket World Cup are upon us, at last.
Four crunch games, with South Africa very much in the mix.
Game 1: Wednesday, March 18 at 5.30am – South Africa vs Sri Lanka, Sydney Cricket Ground.
Game 2: Thursday, March 19 at 5.30am – India vs Bangladesh, Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Game 3: Friday, March 20 at 5.30am – Australia vs Pakistan, Adelaide Oval.
Game 4: Saturday, March 21 at 3am – New Zealand vs West Indies, Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
Semi final 1: Tuesday, March 24 at 3am – Winner of Game 1 and Game 4, Eden Park, Auckland.
Semi final 2: Wednesday, March 25 at 5.30am – Winner of Game 2 and Game 3, Sydney Cricket Ground.
Final: Sunday, March 29 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, 5.30am.
We spoke to some of our cricket ‘experts’ and got their views on how they saw things panning out…
DENIS VENTER (OSA Creative Marketing):
South Africa vs Sri Lanka: South Africa will win it.
India vs Bangladesh: I can’t see Bangladesh causing an upset, so India.
Australia vs Pakistan: This is a hard one. My gut says Pakistan but logic says Australia. I will go with my gut.
New Zealand vs West Indies: I have a hunch that it will be close, but that New Zealand will take it.
Overall winner: It goes against the grain but New Zealand.
TONY TURRELL (The Mattress Co.):
South Africa vs Sri Lanka: I’ve got to go with South Africa. But our bowlers need to get the better of their batsmen.
India vs Bangladesh: India will give Bangladesh a hiding.
Australia vs Pakistan: Australia will be too good for Pakistan.
New Zealand vs West Indies: I think New Zealand will win this one.
Overall winner: That’s going to be India.
MARTIN ERASMUS (Electro Ref Parts):
South Africa vs Sri Lanka: South Africa, but it will be very close.
India vs Bangladesh: India to win, pretty easily.
Australia vs Pakistan: Australia.
New Zealand vs West Indies: New Zealand to win.
Overall winner: South Africa, patriotic to the core.
ANDREW RAMOS (Tiago’s):
South Africa vs Sri Lanka: I’m confident South Africa can go all the way.
India vs Bangladesh: It will be easy for India.
Australia vs Pakistan: It’s Australia’s turn to choke, so Pakistan.
New Zealand vs West Indies: New Zealand, they’re in form.
Overall winner: South Africa!
SANDY DANCKWERTS (Port Shepstone Country Club):
South Africa vs Sri Lanka: South Africa all the way. I’m so patriotic and besides, we have good looking boys.
India vs Bangladesh: It will obviously be India.
Australia vs Pakistan: Australia, as they are an imposing team.
New Zealand vs West Indies: West Indies, I’m going with my gut feel here.
Overall winner: South Africa, of course.
