The 2015 Cricket World Cup is the
11th Cricket World Cup, currently being hosted by Australia and New
Zealand from 14 February 2015 to 29 March 2015. Fourteen teams will play 49
matches in 14 venues, with Australia staging 26 games and New Zealand hosting
23 games. The final match of the tournament will take place at Melbourne
Cricket Ground. The ICC has named Sachin Tendulkar as the 2015 Cricket World
Cup Ambassador for the second time, after 2011 Cricket World Cup where he was the
Ambassador. India is the defending champions, having won the tournament in 2011
defeating Sri Lanka in the finals. Now, let us have a look on all teams and key
players from each team.
Afghanistan- This debutant team of this year
got good experience in T20 Cricket and beaten both Ireland and Scotland in 2015.
Key Players are Nawroz Mangal and Captain Mohammad Nabil.
Australia- The hosts, the
favorites, and the team to beat. They have won 11 of their last 13 ODI. Key
Players are David Warner, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell.
Captain Michael Clarke is also in good form and Coach Darren Lehmann guidance
can make this team fifth time champion.
Bangladesh- Always a threat but not
quite the dangerous underdogs they were in 2007 and 2011. Whitewashed Zimbabwe
in recently but have not beaten any of the top eight team since 2013. Key
Players are Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, and Tamim Iqbal. Captain is Mashrafe
Mortaza.
England- Founder country of Cricket
but have never won the World Cup. This time they got some all-rounders and a
captain in form. Key Players are Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Joe Root, Stuart Broad,
and James Anderson. Their Captain is Eoin Morgan.
India- Defending champions and good
performer team in last four years in major tournaments. Played three major
finals and won two. Current conditions are little shaky but captain cool is
always good to watch. Key players are Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya
Rahane, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Captain is Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Ireland- Famous win over Pakistan
in 2007 and England in 2011 are still remembered. This team can beat any top
performing team. Key Player is Ed Joyce and captain is William Porterfield.
New Zealand- Currently the best
team in form and favorite to win the tournament. Played six semi-finals until
now. Key Players are Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Boult, Vettori, and Southee.
Captain is Brendon McCullum.
Pakistan- Line up looks shaky after
absence of Hafeez. Star batsman Afridi is in good form. Key players are Umar
Akmal, Afridi, Irfan, and Ahmed Shahzad. Captain is Misbah-Ul-Haq.
Scotland- Goal is to register first
win at World Cup. Good performing team with key player and captain Preston
Mommsen.
South Africa- Top most team in ODI
with a star line up. This is the team to watch out for in this season. This
team have never won any major tournament. Key Players are Hashim Amla, Dale
Steyn, Philander, Morkel, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, and Duminy. Captain is
AB de Villiers.
Sri Lanka- Runner up of last two
world cup tournaments and winner of 2014 T20 World Cup. Most consistent
performing team always. Key Players are Lasith Malinga, Jayawardene,
Sangakkara, and Dilshan. Captain is Angelo Mattews.
UAE- Another opportunity to play in
World Cup. Key Player is Khurram Khan, 43 year old all rounder and oldest
player in the tournament. Captain is Mohammad Tauqir.
West Indies- Never Underestimated
team with huge and power hitters. Key Players are Chris Gayle, Smith, Sammy, Russell,
and Samuels. Captain is Jason Holder.
Zimbabwe- One of the underdog’s
team from the past. They have experienced and consistent players in the team.
Key Players is Brendan Taylor. Captain is Elton Chigumbura.
These are the 14 teams of the
tournament this year. Event will start on 14 February 2015. Opening match will
be played between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Auckland.
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