Cricket World Cup: Round Five Predictions!

Like everyone else, I've been frustrated with the weather here in England over the past few days as it's meant so little cricket! Two of the three round four matches ended with no result and so even though I managed a WP and MP for Australia's comfortable win over Pakistan, that round won't be living long in the memory.

On to Round Five then and I'm hoping the rain will leave this lineup of fixtures alone! We have some fantastic matches in prospect, here are my thoughts on each of them.

England vs. West Indies

It looks as though we'll get a result in this match but there are expected to be a few showers about - England will be hoping for as many overs as possible as the Windies aren't a team you want to be playing in a t20. I expect the hosts to win this match as they are the better side on paper but you can never be sure that this West Indies team won't bowl a team out quickly with their seamers or set a massive total. It only requires Chris Gayle being at the crease for 15/20 overs.. Prediction: England (easy)

Sri Lanka vs. Australia

I was backing Bangladesh to defeat Sri Lanka before that game was rained off so you won't be surprised to hear that I think Australia will win this match. They bounced back well from their India defeat with a solid performance at Taunton and whilst their batting collapse was a little concerning, there should be plenty of runs about for their top order at the Oval. A Sri Lanka win would be a big surprise here. Prediction: Australia (thrashing)

South Africa vs. Afghanistan

The Proteas must finally find a win here surely? The rain looked as though it came at a good time for South Africa in that game against the Windies in Southampton but they'll be praying it stays dry for this one so that they can finally get a win on the board. Afghanistan just don't look as if they have the batting to trouble teams at this World Cup. Prediction: South Africa (easy)

India vs. Pakistan

One of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the tournament. This should be quite a match to watch with the fierce rivalry at stake and I don't think Pakistan have much to lose against favourites India which makes them dangerous. The game against Australia in Taunton was classic Pakistan, in some periods they look like CWC winners, in others they look absolutely dreadful. Against teams as good as Australia and India, you need to be far more consistent throughout each innings and I expect that to be their downfall again in this one. Prediction: India (comfortable)

West Indies vs. Bangladesh

This is a very difficult match to call. It will be interesting to see how the West Indies go against England before finalising this pick but my gut says they'll win. Chris Gayle has a lot of experience of playing at Taunton with Somerset and he certainly isn't the only player in the Windies batting lineup that will be able to clear the small boundaries with ease. Shakib Al Hasan will have a massive part to play (as he does in all Bangladesh games) but I think WI will have too much. Prediction: West Indies (comfortable)

Best of luck to all!