The 12th edition of the cricket World Cup will be held in England and Wales between May 30 and July 14 next year. This is the fifth time that the quadrennial tournament will be hosted by England after 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999. A total of 10 teams will participate in the upcoming edition which is again a new since 1992 when nine teams had participated. There is no group stage in this World Cup as all teams will play against each other before the best four advance to the semi-finals.

Five of the 10 participating teams in this World Cup are from Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan) apart from <strong>South Africa</strong>, Australia, New Zealand and the Windies besides the hosts.

Who have the best chance of lifting the trophy at the Lord’s on July 14, when the final will be played?<br>Answering this is not easy prior to the tournament since there is not much difference in performance of the teams in limited-overs cricket today. We can still have a look at the stories of the 10 participating teams (as per their ICC rankings) and make a comparative study to understand who stands where in the pursuit of the world crown.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-288454" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-vs-England-1.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka vs England" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-288454" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka vs England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption>

They are not only the hosts but also the No. 1 side in ODIs, as per the ICC rankings, and look favourites to win the trophy. This is something unique for the Three Lions as they have never been the hosts and the best-ranked side together.

In the four World Cups they have hosted in the past, it was either the Windies or Australia who reigned as champions and won the World Cup on English soil (yes, we very much keep in mind India’s feat in 1983). This makes it a golden opportunity for England to erase their disappointing history of finishing as the runners-up on three occasions and win their maiden title.

Given the side’s ongoing form, it is highly likely that the Brits will win the title easily but given cricket’s ill-reputation as a funny game, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/eoin-morgan-ties-the-knot-with-his-longtime-girlfriend-tara-ridgway/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Eoin Morgan</strong></a>’s side will have to minimise its weakness when the time comes. True, there are not many weaknesses that England have at the moment but yet, they need to address their ability to deal with spin and also on the conversion rates of their batsmen.

The team has a lot of hard-hitters and they are expected to shine well in front of their home crowd, but there could be a shortcoming when it comes to building the innings on a day when chips are down.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-290644" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Team-India.jpg" alt="Team India" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-290644" class="wp-caption-text">Team India. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The next best team to England in ODI cricket is certainly India and the ICC ranking also justifies it. The team is a powerhouse in limited-overs cricket but their irony could be to struggle to find the correct combination in the playing XI from a vast pool of players.

India will be particularly working on getting their middle-order in place barring the two openers – <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-india-amass-195-on-the-backs-of-rohit-sharmas-brilliance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohit Sharma</strong></a> and Shikhar Dhawan – and captain Virat Kohli, the remaining batting slots are yet to find fixed occupants. The pace bowling department has to find a fixed No.3 after Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. One of India’s risk will be Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Though the former captain remains as agile behind the stumps, his batting form is likely to be a weak link down the order if he is indeed picked for the mega event.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-221788" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/02/Trent-Boult.jpg" alt="Trent Boult" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-221788" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)</figcaption>

New Zealand have always remained the dark horse in the World Cup and raised the bar in the last World Cup held Down Under where they reached the final and lost their first match of the tournament there to trans-Tasman rivals Australia. The Black Caps can also spring a surprise or two and the next World Cup will be no different for the side which is ranked third in the ICC list.

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pakistan-vs-new-zealand-kane-williamson-takes-a-one-handed-scorcher-to-dismiss-fakhar-zaman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kane Williamson</strong></a>’s side, however, need to tackle a couple of issues if they fancy to beat the best to win the trophy. One is their batting order. They have the likes of Williamson, Martin Guptill and veteran Ross Taylor, yet their batting order lacks a complete shape and may struggle to pose big totals against quality attacks. They might have a problem in finding a solid opening partner for Guptill as well.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-283923" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/South-African-team.jpg" alt="South African team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-283923" class="wp-caption-text">South African team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The team with the biggest jinx at the World Cup perhaps, South Africa will renew their efforts to make the final in the upcoming edition and also win it. But the Proteas might find it difficult to make it a success this time as well for a number of reasons. First, they no more have the likes of AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel in their ranks.

They are still in the middle of rebuilding their side and that could leave South Africa a loose unit when the tournament commences. Veterans like Faf du Plessis, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/wiaan-mulder-and-jp-duminy-ruled-out-of-the-action-for-three-months/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JP Duminy</strong></a> and Dale Steyn are prone to injuries and nobody knows whether they will be available with full fitness in the World Cup. The current ODI form of the South Africans is good but their wins have come more against weak teams and the side could struggle against quality bowling attacks, especially spin.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-289364" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Pakistan.jpg" alt="Pakistan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-289364" class="wp-caption-text">Pakistan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

As they always were, Pakistan are unpredictable. The side has done extremely well in the T20I format but they have been inconsistent in their ODI assignments. One of the side’s major concerns in the World Cup could be its inexperience.

There are a number of talented players in the side but somehow, the Men in Blue have not been able to find the right combination of youth and experience for the 50-over format. The batting order hasn’t looked too solid for the 50-over version while some of their out-of-form bowlers could make it easier for the opponent sides. Do they have a spinner to lead the bowling attack either?

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-263845" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/07/Australian-team.jpg" alt="Australian team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-263845" class="wp-caption-text">Australian team (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The defending champions are currently ranked sixth in the ICC list which is quite a low for the five-time title winners. Australia are going through one of their worst phases at the moment as they lost their last seven games and with their top two batsmen – Steve Smith and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/expect-a-hostile-reception-in-england-next-year-joe-root-cautions-david-warner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>David Warner</strong></a> – not playing at the moment because of a ban, the team’s batting is looking even more fragile.

The two ace batsmen are likely to feature in Australia’s World Cup squad but the team could still be morally down and strategically in a mess for the big event. Fitness of its bowlers could also be a cause of concern for the Kangaroos even though they have a lot of options to choose from. Their spinners are inexperienced as is the wicket-keeper.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-282442" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/Bangladesh-team-1.jpg" alt="Bangladesh team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282442" class="wp-caption-text">Bangladesh team. (Photo Source: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Bangladesh have shown a steady rise in limited-overs cricket and have played finals of six tournaments though could not win any. But they could be a force in the next World Cup though nobody sees them as potential champions for they need to fine-tune a number of aspects in their side.

Injury could be one concern for Bangladesh as some of their ace players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/nidahas-trophy-2018-momentum-is-crucial-in-the-shorter-format-says-mushfiqur-rahim/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Musfiqur Rahim</strong></a> and also captain Mashrafe Mortaza are battling with injuries of various kinds. Bangladesh made their debut in the World Cup in England in 1999 and beat Pakistan on that occasion. They are a far better side now and can cause major upsets but the side is yet to master the killer instinct that can fetch major titles.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-288689" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Sri-Lanka.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-288689" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

They are far from what they once were, continuing with a prolonged bad patch. Sri Lanka haven’t found the replacements for the likes of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kumar-sangakkara-delighted-with-sri-lankas-thumping-win-over-england/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kumar Sangakkara</strong></a> (who was in a superhuman form in the 2015 WC) and Mahela Jayawardene and also the great Muttaiah Muralitharan, their trump card for many a battle.

Angelo Mathews has had a struggle with injury. Sri Lanka today don’t look to be a well-organised unit and miss those individual artisans who made up for the team’s shortcomings in the past. They have lost a number of series at home one after another and one wouldn’t bank much on them as the next world champions.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-289604" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Windies-v-India.jpg" alt="Windies v India" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-289604" class="wp-caption-text">Windies (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The Caribbeans’ past feats at the World Cup sound something from another planet now. However, compared to their Test team, the Windies are a more potent force in the limited overs but their problem has been their inability to bring together all the talents they have on offer, thanks to the off-field issues.

The side’s batting is not too strong and is dependent on a few individuals and the bowling also looks inexperienced to help the side go a distance. The Windies also have a problem in playing spin with ease and that could be a trouble for them on the big stage.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-282893" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/Afghanistan-team-4.jpg" alt="Afghanistan team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282893" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan team celebrates a wicket. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The Afghans will be playing their second World Cup as a glorious participant. They qualified for the edition this year, finishing ahead of a more experienced side like <strong>Zimbabwe</strong>, and defeated the Windies in the final of the qualifiers.

Rashid Khan will be their trump card in the tournament but Afghanistan will be lacking decent batsmen in their ranks to consistently put strong opponents under pressure. The nervous energy of playing on a big occasion will also be a challenge as it was seen during the Asia Cup where Asghar Afghan’s team failed to win some close matches.

<p>The 12th edition of the cricket World Cup will be held in England and Wales between May 30 and July 14 next year. This is the fifth time that the quadrennial tournament will be hosted by England after 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999. A total of 10 teams will participate in the upcoming edition which is again a new since 1992 when nine teams had participated. There is no group stage in this World Cup as all teams will play against each other before the best four advance to the semi-finals.</p>
<p>Five of the 10 participating teams in this World Cup are from Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan) apart from <strong>South Africa</strong>, Australia, New Zealand and the Windies besides the hosts.</p>
<p>Who have the best chance of lifting the trophy at the Lord’s on July 14, when the final will be played?<br>
Answering this is not easy prior to the tournament since there is not much difference in performance of the teams in limited-overs cricket today. We can still have a look at the stories of the 10 participating teams (as per their ICC rankings) and make a comparative study to understand who stands where in the pursuit of the world crown.</p>
<h3><strong>England</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_288454" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-288454" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-288454" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-vs-England-1.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka vs England" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-288454" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka vs England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>They are not only the hosts but also the No. 1 side in ODIs, as per the ICC rankings, and look favourites to win the trophy. This is something unique for the Three Lions as they have never been the hosts and the best-ranked side together.</p>
<p>In the four World Cups they have hosted in the past, it was either the Windies or Australia who reigned as champions and won the World Cup on English soil (yes, we very much keep in mind India’s feat in 1983). This makes it a golden opportunity for England to erase their disappointing history of finishing as the runners-up on three occasions and win their maiden title.</p>
<p>Given the side’s ongoing form, it is highly likely that the Brits will win the title easily but given cricket’s ill-reputation as a funny game, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/eoin-morgan-ties-the-knot-with-his-longtime-girlfriend-tara-ridgway/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Eoin Morgan</strong></a>’s side will have to minimise its weakness when the time comes. True, there are not many weaknesses that England have at the moment but yet, they need to address their ability to deal with spin and also on the conversion rates of their batsmen.</p>
<p>The team has a lot of hard-hitters and they are expected to shine well in front of their home crowd, but there could be a shortcoming when it comes to building the innings on a day when chips are down.</p>
<h3><strong>India</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_290644" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-290644" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-290644" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Team-India.jpg" alt="Team India" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-290644" class="wp-caption-text">Team India. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The next best team to England in ODI cricket is certainly India and the ICC ranking also justifies it. The team is a powerhouse in limited-overs cricket but their irony could be to struggle to find the correct combination in the playing XI from a vast pool of players.</p>
<p>India will be particularly working on getting their middle-order in place barring the two openers – <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-india-amass-195-on-the-backs-of-rohit-sharmas-brilliance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohit Sharma</strong></a> and Shikhar Dhawan – and captain Virat Kohli, the remaining batting slots are yet to find fixed occupants. The pace bowling department has to find a fixed No.3 after Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. One of India’s risk will be Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Though the former captain remains as agile behind the stumps, his batting form is likely to be a weak link down the order if he is indeed picked for the mega event.</p>
<h3><strong>New Zealand</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_221788" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-221788" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-221788" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/02/Trent-Boult.jpg" alt="Trent Boult" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-221788" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>New Zealand have always remained the dark horse in the World Cup and raised the bar in the last World Cup held Down Under where they reached the final and lost their first match of the tournament there to trans-Tasman rivals Australia. The Black Caps can also spring a surprise or two and the next World Cup will be no different for the side which is ranked third in the ICC list.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pakistan-vs-new-zealand-kane-williamson-takes-a-one-handed-scorcher-to-dismiss-fakhar-zaman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kane Williamson</strong></a>’s side, however, need to tackle a couple of issues if they fancy to beat the best to win the trophy. One is their batting order. They have the likes of Williamson, Martin Guptill and veteran Ross Taylor, yet their batting order lacks a complete shape and may struggle to pose big totals against quality attacks. They might have a problem in finding a solid opening partner for Guptill as well.</p>
<h3><strong>South Africa</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_283923" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-283923" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-283923" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/South-African-team.jpg" alt="South African team" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-283923" class="wp-caption-text">South African team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The team with the biggest jinx at the World Cup perhaps, South Africa will renew their efforts to make the final in the upcoming edition and also win it. But the Proteas might find it difficult to make it a success this time as well for a number of reasons. First, they no more have the likes of AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel in their ranks.</p>
<p>They are still in the middle of rebuilding their side and that could leave South Africa a loose unit when the tournament commences. Veterans like Faf du Plessis, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/wiaan-mulder-and-jp-duminy-ruled-out-of-the-action-for-three-months/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JP Duminy</strong></a> and Dale Steyn are prone to injuries and nobody knows whether they will be available with full fitness in the World Cup. The current ODI form of the South Africans is good but their wins have come more against weak teams and the side could struggle against quality bowling attacks, especially spin.</p>
<h3><strong>Pakistan</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_289364" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-289364" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-289364" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Pakistan.jpg" alt="Pakistan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-289364" class="wp-caption-text">Pakistan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>As they always were, Pakistan are unpredictable. The side has done extremely well in the T20I format but they have been inconsistent in their ODI assignments. One of the side’s major concerns in the World Cup could be its inexperience.</p>
<p>There are a number of talented players in the side but somehow, the Men in Blue have not been able to find the right combination of youth and experience for the 50-over format. The batting order hasn’t looked too solid for the 50-over version while some of their out-of-form bowlers could make it easier for the opponent sides. Do they have a spinner to lead the bowling attack either?</p>
<h3><strong>Australia</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_263845" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-263845" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-263845" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/07/Australian-team.jpg" alt="Australian team" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-263845" class="wp-caption-text">Australian team (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The defending champions are currently ranked sixth in the ICC list which is quite a low for the five-time title winners. Australia are going through one of their worst phases at the moment as they lost their last seven games and with their top two batsmen – Steve Smith and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/expect-a-hostile-reception-in-england-next-year-joe-root-cautions-david-warner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>David Warner</strong></a> – not playing at the moment because of a ban, the team’s batting is looking even more fragile.</p>
<p>The two ace batsmen are likely to feature in Australia’s World Cup squad but the team could still be morally down and strategically in a mess for the big event. Fitness of its bowlers could also be a cause of concern for the Kangaroos even though they have a lot of options to choose from. Their spinners are inexperienced as is the wicket-keeper.</p>
<h3><strong>Bangladesh</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_282442" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-282442" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-282442" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/Bangladesh-team-1.jpg" alt="Bangladesh team" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282442" class="wp-caption-text">Bangladesh team. (Photo Source: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Bangladesh have shown a steady rise in limited-overs cricket and have played finals of six tournaments though could not win any. But they could be a force in the next World Cup though nobody sees them as potential champions for they need to fine-tune a number of aspects in their side.</p>
<p>Injury could be one concern for Bangladesh as some of their ace players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/nidahas-trophy-2018-momentum-is-crucial-in-the-shorter-format-says-mushfiqur-rahim/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Musfiqur Rahim</strong></a> and also captain Mashrafe Mortaza are battling with injuries of various kinds. Bangladesh made their debut in the World Cup in England in 1999 and beat Pakistan on that occasion. They are a far better side now and can cause major upsets but the side is yet to master the killer instinct that can fetch major titles.</p>
<h3><strong>Sri Lanka</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_288689" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-288689" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-288689" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Sri-Lanka.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-288689" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>They are far from what they once were, continuing with a prolonged bad patch. Sri Lanka haven’t found the replacements for the likes of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kumar-sangakkara-delighted-with-sri-lankas-thumping-win-over-england/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kumar Sangakkara</strong></a> (who was in a superhuman form in the 2015 WC) and Mahela Jayawardene and also the great Muttaiah Muralitharan, their trump card for many a battle.</p>
<p>Angelo Mathews has had a struggle with injury. Sri Lanka today don’t look to be a well-organised unit and miss those individual artisans who made up for the team’s shortcomings in the past. They have lost a number of series at home one after another and one wouldn’t bank much on them as the next world champions.</p>
<h3><strong>Windies</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_289604" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-289604" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-289604" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Windies-v-India.jpg" alt="Windies v India" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-289604" class="wp-caption-text">Windies (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Caribbeans’ past feats at the World Cup sound something from another planet now. However, compared to their Test team, the Windies are a more potent force in the limited overs but their problem has been their inability to bring together all the talents they have on offer, thanks to the off-field issues.</p>
<p>The side’s batting is not too strong and is dependent on a few individuals and the bowling also looks inexperienced to help the side go a distance. The Windies also have a problem in playing spin with ease and that could be a trouble for them on the big stage.</p>
<h3><strong>Afghanistan</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_282893" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-282893" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-282893" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/Afghanistan-team-4.jpg" alt="Afghanistan team" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282893" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan team celebrates a wicket. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Afghans will be playing their second World Cup as a glorious participant. They qualified for the edition this year, finishing ahead of a more experienced side like <strong>Zimbabwe</strong>, and defeated the Windies in the final of the qualifiers.</p>
<p>Rashid Khan will be their trump card in the tournament but Afghanistan will be lacking decent batsmen in their ranks to consistently put strong opponents under pressure. The nervous energy of playing on a big occasion will also be a challenge as it was seen during the Asia Cup where Asghar Afghan’s team failed to win some close matches.</p>

<p>The 12th edition of the cricket World Cup will be held in England and Wales between May 30 and July 14 next year. This is the fifth time that the quadrennial tournament will be hosted by England after 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999. A total of 10 teams will participate in the upcoming edition which is again a new since 1992 when nine teams had participated. There is no group stage in this World Cup as all teams will play against each other before the best four advance to the semi-finals.</p>
<p>Five of the 10 participating teams in this World Cup are from Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan) apart from <strong>South Africa</strong>, Australia, New Zealand and the Windies besides the hosts.</p>
<p>Who have the best chance of lifting the trophy at the Lord’s on July 14, when the final will be played?<br>
Answering this is not easy prior to the tournament since there is not much difference in performance of the teams in limited-overs cricket today. We can still have a look at the stories of the 10 participating teams (as per their ICC rankings) and make a comparative study to understand who stands where in the pursuit of the world crown.</p>
<h3><strong>England</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_288454" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-288454" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-288454" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-vs-England-1.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka vs England" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-288454" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka vs England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>They are not only the hosts but also the No. 1 side in ODIs, as per the ICC rankings, and look favourites to win the trophy. This is something unique for the Three Lions as they have never been the hosts and the best-ranked side together.</p>
<p>In the four World Cups they have hosted in the past, it was either the Windies or Australia who reigned as champions and won the World Cup on English soil (yes, we very much keep in mind India’s feat in 1983). This makes it a golden opportunity for England to erase their disappointing history of finishing as the runners-up on three occasions and win their maiden title.</p>
<p>Given the side’s ongoing form, it is highly likely that the Brits will win the title easily but given cricket’s ill-reputation as a funny game, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/eoin-morgan-ties-the-knot-with-his-longtime-girlfriend-tara-ridgway/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Eoin Morgan</strong></a>’s side will have to minimise its weakness when the time comes. True, there are not many weaknesses that England have at the moment but yet, they need to address their ability to deal with spin and also on the conversion rates of their batsmen.</p>
<p>The team has a lot of hard-hitters and they are expected to shine well in front of their home crowd, but there could be a shortcoming when it comes to building the innings on a day when chips are down.</p>
<h3><strong>India</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_290644" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-290644" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-290644" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/11/Team-India.jpg" alt="Team India" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-290644" class="wp-caption-text">Team India. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The next best team to England in ODI cricket is certainly India and the ICC ranking also justifies it. The team is a powerhouse in limited-overs cricket but their irony could be to struggle to find the correct combination in the playing XI from a vast pool of players.</p>
<p>India will be particularly working on getting their middle-order in place barring the two openers – <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-india-amass-195-on-the-backs-of-rohit-sharmas-brilliance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohit Sharma</strong></a> and Shikhar Dhawan – and captain Virat Kohli, the remaining batting slots are yet to find fixed occupants. The pace bowling department has to find a fixed No.3 after Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. One of India’s risk will be Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Though the former captain remains as agile behind the stumps, his batting form is likely to be a weak link down the order if he is indeed picked for the mega event.</p>
<h3><strong>New Zealand</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_221788" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-221788" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-221788" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/02/Trent-Boult.jpg" alt="Trent Boult" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-221788" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>New Zealand have always remained the dark horse in the World Cup and raised the bar in the last World Cup held Down Under where they reached the final and lost their first match of the tournament there to trans-Tasman rivals Australia. The Black Caps can also spring a surprise or two and the next World Cup will be no different for the side which is ranked third in the ICC list.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pakistan-vs-new-zealand-kane-williamson-takes-a-one-handed-scorcher-to-dismiss-fakhar-zaman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kane Williamson</strong></a>’s side, however, need to tackle a couple of issues if they fancy to beat the best to win the trophy. One is their batting order. They have the likes of Williamson, Martin Guptill and veteran Ross Taylor, yet their batting order lacks a complete shape and may struggle to pose big totals against quality attacks. They might have a problem in finding a solid opening partner for Guptill as well.</p>
<h3><strong>South Africa</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_283923" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-283923" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-283923" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/South-African-team.jpg" alt="South African team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-283923" class="wp-caption-text">South African team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The team with the biggest jinx at the World Cup perhaps, South Africa will renew their efforts to make the final in the upcoming edition and also win it. But the Proteas might find it difficult to make it a success this time as well for a number of reasons. First, they no more have the likes of AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel in their ranks.</p>
<p>They are still in the middle of rebuilding their side and that could leave South Africa a loose unit when the tournament commences. Veterans like Faf du Plessis, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/wiaan-mulder-and-jp-duminy-ruled-out-of-the-action-for-three-months/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JP Duminy</strong></a> and Dale Steyn are prone to injuries and nobody knows whether they will be available with full fitness in the World Cup. The current ODI form of the South Africans is good but their wins have come more against weak teams and the side could struggle against quality bowling attacks, especially spin.</p>
<h3><strong>Pakistan</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_289364" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-289364" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-289364" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Pakistan.jpg" alt="Pakistan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-289364" class="wp-caption-text">Pakistan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>As they always were, Pakistan are unpredictable. The side has done extremely well in the T20I format but they have been inconsistent in their ODI assignments. One of the side’s major concerns in the World Cup could be its inexperience.</p>
<p>There are a number of talented players in the side but somehow, the Men in Blue have not been able to find the right combination of youth and experience for the 50-over format. The batting order hasn’t looked too solid for the 50-over version while some of their out-of-form bowlers could make it easier for the opponent sides. Do they have a spinner to lead the bowling attack either?</p>
<h3><strong>Australia</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_263845" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-263845" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-263845" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/07/Australian-team.jpg" alt="Australian team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-263845" class="wp-caption-text">Australian team (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The defending champions are currently ranked sixth in the ICC list which is quite a low for the five-time title winners. Australia are going through one of their worst phases at the moment as they lost their last seven games and with their top two batsmen – Steve Smith and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/expect-a-hostile-reception-in-england-next-year-joe-root-cautions-david-warner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>David Warner</strong></a> – not playing at the moment because of a ban, the team’s batting is looking even more fragile.</p>
<p>The two ace batsmen are likely to feature in Australia’s World Cup squad but the team could still be morally down and strategically in a mess for the big event. Fitness of its bowlers could also be a cause of concern for the Kangaroos even though they have a lot of options to choose from. Their spinners are inexperienced as is the wicket-keeper.</p>
<h3><strong>Bangladesh</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_282442" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-282442" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-282442" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/Bangladesh-team-1.jpg" alt="Bangladesh team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282442" class="wp-caption-text">Bangladesh team. (Photo Source: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Bangladesh have shown a steady rise in limited-overs cricket and have played finals of six tournaments though could not win any. But they could be a force in the next World Cup though nobody sees them as potential champions for they need to fine-tune a number of aspects in their side.</p>
<p>Injury could be one concern for Bangladesh as some of their ace players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/nidahas-trophy-2018-momentum-is-crucial-in-the-shorter-format-says-mushfiqur-rahim/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Musfiqur Rahim</strong></a> and also captain Mashrafe Mortaza are battling with injuries of various kinds. Bangladesh made their debut in the World Cup in England in 1999 and beat Pakistan on that occasion. They are a far better side now and can cause major upsets but the side is yet to master the killer instinct that can fetch major titles.</p>
<h3><strong>Sri Lanka</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_288689" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-288689" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-288689" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Sri-Lanka.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-288689" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>They are far from what they once were, continuing with a prolonged bad patch. Sri Lanka haven’t found the replacements for the likes of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kumar-sangakkara-delighted-with-sri-lankas-thumping-win-over-england/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kumar Sangakkara</strong></a> (who was in a superhuman form in the 2015 WC) and Mahela Jayawardene and also the great Muttaiah Muralitharan, their trump card for many a battle.</p>
<p>Angelo Mathews has had a struggle with injury. Sri Lanka today don’t look to be a well-organised unit and miss those individual artisans who made up for the team’s shortcomings in the past. They have lost a number of series at home one after another and one wouldn’t bank much on them as the next world champions.</p>
<h3><strong>Windies</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_289604" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-289604" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-289604" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/10/Windies-v-India.jpg" alt="Windies v India" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-289604" class="wp-caption-text">Windies (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Caribbeans’ past feats at the World Cup sound something from another planet now. However, compared to their Test team, the Windies are a more potent force in the limited overs but their problem has been their inability to bring together all the talents they have on offer, thanks to the off-field issues.</p>
<p>The side’s batting is not too strong and is dependent on a few individuals and the bowling also looks inexperienced to help the side go a distance. The Windies also have a problem in playing spin with ease and that could be a trouble for them on the big stage.</p>
<h3><strong>Afghanistan</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_282893" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-282893" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-282893" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/09/Afghanistan-team-4.jpg" alt="Afghanistan team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282893" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan team celebrates a wicket. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Afghans will be playing their second World Cup as a glorious participant. They qualified for the edition this year, finishing ahead of a more experienced side like <strong>Zimbabwe</strong>, and defeated the Windies in the final of the qualifiers.</p>
<p>Rashid Khan will be their trump card in the tournament but Afghanistan will be lacking decent batsmen in their ranks to consistently put strong opponents under pressure. The nervous energy of playing on a big occasion will also be a challenge as it was seen during the Asia Cup where Asghar Afghan’s team failed to win some close matches.</p>

All the teams will look to sort out these issues ahead of the showpiece event.

ICC World Cup 2019: Issues teams need to sort out ahead of the tournament

The 12th edition of the cricket World Cup will be held in England and Wales between May 30 and July 14 next year. This is the fifth time