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Cricket World Cup 2011 predictions

Sport’s blogger for Keeping it Real, Kean Lambert is without a doubt a Protea’s fan. Putting his prejudice aside, he’s written a pithy prediction for us.

In one of the most open Cricket World Cups in history we preview the teams to watch.

The Chosen One’s: India
Arguably one of the finest teams in history, they truly have it all. A strong batting line-up, wicket taking bowlers, home advantage and a very shrewd coach in Gary Kirsten means that they are the team to beat. Will the weight of expectation from a billion cricket-obsessed people be too much for them?

The Defending Champs: Australia
Australia’s aura is on the wane but beware the wounded animal. Three World Cup trophies in the last three tournaments means that they will not just lie down and accept defeat. They can be clinical and efficient.

The Dark Horses: Sri Lanka
Expect fireworks from this team. They are the best balanced of all the teams and are brimming with talent. With the irrepressible Muralitharan retiring at the end of this tournament you can be sure that this team has only one goal.

The Under Achievers: South Africa
The best team to never have won the World Cup. Always looking good until it matters most and then the wheels come off. This time though there is less expectation and this could be exactly what they needed. Powerful team with quality players but do they have the required BMT (big match temperament). Expect Cape Town born Jacques Kallis to shine.

The Assassins: Pakistan
They have an uncanny ability to beat or lose to any team. Highly unpredictable and extremely dangerous—especially in knock-out games.

The Spoilers: Bangladesh
They won’t win the World Cup, but they will cause an upset or two.

The Queen’s Men: England
They won the 20/20 World Cup, but this is a different game. A competitive team with solid players but this trophy will be a bridge too far.

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Check out our match schedule. We’ve also put together a selection of bars, just the places for you to cheer on your heroes.

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