Pakistan vs West Indies
Despite being labelled as slightly unpredictable, Pakistan should take this game out with ease if form is any indicator to go by. Winning 5 out of 6 matches in the group stages including victories against Sri Lanka and Australia, West Indies can only boast wins against the 3 lesser nations of Group B. Gayle and Roach are the best hopes for the Windies and if they contribute, others might pick up around them. This may only give them a chance however, as Pakistan lead by Afridi in all his austere look to go all the way.
India vs Australia
Easily the best quarterfinal fixture, as the hosts take on the world champions. A match which is all about pressures. Can India live up to a nations call, expected of them? Can Australia reclaim a crown with all the doubters in the linger? Both teams have cracked at different stages in pool matches. India will worry about their bowling attack and collapse prone middle order, where Australia have a fast fading Ponting, and over reliant pace attack. If the pitch is slow and Sehwag and Tendulkar manage India a start, my money is on them. If India offer Australia anything so much as a sniff, their campaign will be one that ends full of them.
New Zealand vs South Africa
A hiccup against England has been South Africa's only blotch in an otherwise good world cup. The Black Caps were walloped in 2 out of 3 games against the strong nations. The predictor isn't as simple as that however, taking note that the Black Caps victory was against the eventual leader of the pack, in a display that included an unbeatable showcase of power from Ross Taylor. For that reason, South Africa will be extremely weary not to fall complacent, as Pakistan did, to avoid an early exit. They have great balance in Amla, de Villiers, Kallis, Dumminy, Steyn and the spin surprise of Tahir. NZ have McCullum, Taylor and Vettori as their international superstars and will rely heavily too on their experienced allrounders in Styris, Oram and Mills if they are to progress.
Sri Lanka vs England
Sri Lanka have the dark horse tag written all over them with a good top order complimented by the devastating sling of Malinga and class spin of Murali. England have none of that, yet have somehow made it to the quarters punching well above weight after losses to lesser teams. England's key, will be to exploit Sri Lanka's only real weakness in an unproven middle order. Mathews aside, batsmen 5-11 look weak, and if England can get to them quick, a low chase could be on hand. A performance of their own will be needed, with Strauss key to unleash batting leadership in order for success to be ensured.
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