As they say, “never underestimate the underdog”, always remember “David vs Goliath”. I’m a strong believer of never underestimating any opponent or team. One of the best examples of that in recent times have been performances of the “unfancied teams”. In the Men’s FIFA World Cup (Morocco run to the semis) and Women’s FIFA World Cups (Sweden’s upsets & Australia all the way to the semis). Therefore I want to take a closer look at the so called longshots teams and see how they stack up for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.

Netherlands

Many people often assume these teams are relatively new in the sport and have inexperienced players. This is definitely not the case with the Netherlands. This is their fifth world cup appearance and the 3rd in the subcontinent. The cricket they played in the qualifying tournament by beating the West Indies was truly eye opening and therefore cannot be taken lightly. Lets also not forget some classics in the past 2009 vs England , 2011 vs England and just last year against South Africa. One thing to bare in mind of course is that 2 of these results are in the T20 format.

Strengths: Their Batting and especially chasing. The efforts against Scotland and the West Indies in the WC Qualifiers earlier in the year were outstanding. Historically they have been a strong chasing team and against some of the lesser teams and on good wickets their batsman should enjoy the conditions.

Weaknesses: Playing high quality spin, rotating the strike is where they have struggled in the past (Hasaranga and Theekshana picked up 11 out of their 20 wickets in the qualies) and i think will continue to find it challenging in India. Also their bowling attack is one dimensional and they could struggle to curb the runs against some of the big boys.

Opportunities: Their best chance to be a banana skin would be their first game against Pakistan. With Pakistan coming off a disappointing Asia cup, their key fast bowlers recovering from injuries and their known tendency to be slow starters to WCs. Sri Lanka could be the other team, however that depends on the kind of wicket they get in Lucknow. I expect their games against Bangladesh and Afghanistan to be very closely contested

Threats for the Opposition: Scott Edwards is captain fantastic and I think will shine and be their top scorer and I predict a big tournament for Bas De Leede and make hid dad proud, he has the potential to be another Ryan Ten Doeschate and I dare say surpass his accomplishments.

Predicted Finish: 10th – Although the Netherlands have made huge strides over the years and I think they will be more competitive this time around I still think they will finish with the wooden spoon given the format of the tournament and the conditions at play in India. A long tournament with lots of travel will really test the composure of this team. Also they are yet to register a single win in a 50 over world cup so its still unchartered territory, but I back them to get off the mark this time around.

Bangladesh

Honestly where do I begin with Bangladesh? They are probably the most frustrating cricket team in the world, and I really feel for their fans. From being minnows in the 90s to the early 2000s, to a clear step change during the 2007 world cup where they unearth a group of talented cricketers (Shakib, Mushfiqur, Mortaza and Tamim) who would be their core team for the next decade and beyond. Their peak would have been between 2012 -2018, where they made 3 Asia cup finals, 1 champions trophy semi final and a world cup quarter final. But since then no knockouts, and a number of on field and off field issues to deal with.

Strengths: This team still has some quality individual players who can take control of the game in these conditions. Batting fortunes will rest on Liton, Mushfiqur and Shakib, but the emergence of Shanto and Hridoy has been a boon and it will be interesting to see how they get on at the world stage. Their array of spinners (Mahedi, Mehidy and Shakib) with a helpful surface could be a handful too.

Weaknesses: Honestly their biggest issue at the moment is off the field. The whole Tamim situation has totally overshadowed their build up to the tournament. They need the senior players to get the group together and block out the noise. I have concerns in their power hitting in the middle order and lack of mystery/leg spin. These are their capability gaps which will hold them back against the big boys over 50 overs.

Opportunities: Their game against New Zealand in Chennai could be an opportunity for an upset. Known to be a dry and low surface could work in Bangladesh’s favour. If they can beat Afghanistan and New Zealand in their first 3 games, they could entertain thoughts of a run in the tournament.

Threats to the opposition: Shakib Al Hasan is one of the best allrounders in the game at the moment and has been for a number of years. With bat or ball he can take the game away from any team. Resurgence of Taskin has been good to see and his form in ODIs has been good this year so one to watch with the new ball.

Predicted Finish: 9th – I would say this is a pessimistic estimation for this team and they could well cause a few upsets, but I don’t have the confidence at the moment to think they can get more than 1 or two victories. Their first game against Afghanistan is huge and almost a must win if they want to stay in the contention until November.

Afghanistan

It fills me with pride to write about Afghanistan, a team which every neutral will want to support. The hardships, their struggle is a real inspiration for everyone. Their journey started in ICC tournaments in the T20 WC in 2012 and they have gone from strength to strength. With encouraging performances and victories against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh they proved their credentials as a full ICC member.

Strengths: Without a shadow of a doubt their quartet of spinners lead by Rashid Khan. Their ability to operate with spinners in all parts of an innings and the variations they have are second to none. Mujeeb, Nabi and Noor will be a treat to watch. They have proven themselves in the T20 version of the game and with favourable pitches they cannot be taken lightly. They all also have enough experience on the big stage too with the exposure to franchise cricket all over the world.

Weaknesses: Their batting over 50 overs still needs work. By nature they have an aggressive batting line up with the likes of Gurbaz, Zadran, Shah and Nabi. Gurbaz and Zadran have formed a strong opening pair but their middle order doesn’t quite have the consistency to trouble the big teams, especially if they bat first and have to set up a total.

Opportunities: 4 (India, England, New Zealand and Pakistan) of their 9 games are in Chennai and Delhi, which have historically supported slow bowlers and they will be competitive in these venues. The bigger bonus for the Afghans is that they play Bangladesh, Netherlands and Sri Lanka outside of these venues who I feel they can beat on any wicket.

Threats to the Opposition: I think Farooqi, the left armer will be one to watch during the tournament. Hi ability to swing the new ball and bowl yorkers consistently will be a huge asset in the Indian conditions

Predicted Finish: 8th – I would back them to win a couple of games and give a scare or two to a few teams but again not enough to really challenge the big boys for a semi final spot.

Sri Lanka

The Emerland Isle of the Indian Ocean, with beautiful landscapes, delicious food, hospitable people and a likeable cricket team. Since they lit up the world stage in 1996, they are the neutral’s favourites and had a strong arsenal to back it up. Since 2003 they have made the semi finals or better 3 out of the last 5 ODI world cups, but are currently a team in transition.

Strengths: Their ability to fly under the radar, is probably their biggest strength, limited controversies and drama and just getting on with the job at hand. From a capabilities perspective i would say their array of variety in bowling is their strength. They have a new slinger in Pathirana, mystery of Theekshana, but the injury to Hasaranga will be a miss. However on slow low Indian pitches no one will be looking forward to playing them.

Weaknesses: The consistency of their batting against top quality bowling is a question mark. Nissanka who is their highest scorer this year but hasn’t played much against top opposition. Kusal Perera is the x-factor player but has struggled for consistency all his career, and Karunaratne is only just making a comeback. They will also need runs from their big hitting captain Shanaka who has been short of runs.

Player to watch: A name who has just broken onto the scene and perhaps wouldn’t have gotten a game if it wasn’t for the injuries to Hasaranga and Theekshana. Dunith Welallage had a breakthrough Asia cup and I will be very interested to see how he performs in this world cup. He’s a bowler who bats a bit and could be a huge player for the Sri Lankans in the years to come.

Predicted Finish: 7th – They will be expected to beat Netherlands, and probably Afghanistan and Bangladesh too. They have a tough start with South Africa (Delhi), Pakistan (Hyderabad) and Australia (Lucknow) as their first three games. To have any kind of a chance they need to win one of these games. They will fancy their chances against Pakistan on a flat wicket in Hyderabad, and will provide a stern test in Delhi and Lucknow which are known to be turning tracks.

Personally I would love to see these teams spring a few upsets as I think that will really light up the world cup and really put the cat amongst the pigeons. Cannot wait for the 5th of October for it to all kick off!