Cricket World Cup: Round Ten Predictions

I think I peaked a little too early in Round Nine! After correctly backing South Africa, Pakistan and getting Australia's 'easy' win over New Zealand exact, I failed to pick England's vital win over India and now the Windies don't look as though they'll get close to the big total Sri Lanka have set them.

With that in mind, I've quickly moved on to start focusing on Round 10 of the CWC predictor which includes the final round-robin fixtures of the tournament. Just like today's clash at Chester-le-Street, a couple of these games look tough to pick as it's hard to know how teams with little to play for will get on. Nonetheless, here are my thoughts on each game. Let me know yours in the comments!

Bangladesh vs. India

This should be an entertaining clash. Bangladesh have played great cricket throughout this tournament and India remain the strongest side in my opinion. Yes, they lost to England on Sunday but whilst I don't agree with those who claim they deliberately gave up towards the end of that match just to hurt Pakistan, it's clear they weren't too worried about losing that fixture given their favourable position on the standings. I'm not sure if this match is being played on the same pitch as Sunday or a fresh one so it'll be interesting to see how conditions are looking. Regardless, India should win and cement second place on the ladder. Prediction: India (easy)

England vs. New Zealand

The England we became used to before this World Cup were back at the weekend with a great performance. Of course, their displays against Sri Lanka and Australia remain a concern, but if they continue where they left off on Sunday they'll win this match. New Zealand look a lot weaker with the bat now that Williamson has gone two games without a century but the bowling of Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson has been extremely impressive. This should be competitive but it's the considerable contrast in either side's batting power that makes me feel England will win. Prediction: England (comfortable)

Afghanistan vs. West Indies

Judging by the way the West Indies are going today, there's every chance Afghanistan finish their tournament with a win in this game. They've come close against both India and Pakistan and if they can get around 250 runs with the bat then they certainly have the bowling to restrict WI. The problem with picking Afghanistan is that it's still more likely that one of Gayle, Hope, Pooran, Hetmyer or Holder turn up with a century than it is any of their batsmen. I may well change to Afghanistan following the toss if they bat first on a decent pitch but for now I think this could be a third occasion where they just fall short. Prediction: West Indies (narrow)

Pakistan vs. Bangladesh

This game will have a very loud atmosphere anyway, but if England happen to lose against New Zealand, this could be the noisiest Lord's crowd in history (even more so if Bangladesh beat India!). The game will feel very different if Bangladesh do happen to pull an upset tomorrow but let's assume that they don't and I feel Pakistan should have enough to finish the group stage on a high. They're not going to be able to reach the net run-rate of either England or New Zealand though so they are reliant on an NZ win to stand a chance of progressing. If England beat New Zealand I feel there's a better chance of Bangladesh getting something from this match. Another one I may well re-visit before the first ball is bowled.. Prediction: Pakistan (comfortable)

Sri Lanka vs. India

Sri Lanka have surprised me with the bat today but I can't see them doing so again against India's attack at Headingley. Assuming the Indians beat Bangladesh, they'll have a chance to move top of the standings and put a little pressure on Australia with a win here. I expect a pretty straightforward day for them to build momentum ahead of the knockouts. Prediction: India (easy)

Australia vs. South Africa

Will Australia mix things up a little in this one or just stick with the same team to get further confidence before their semi-final? I expect them to defeat South Africa either way despite the Proteas' thrashing Sri Lanka last Friday. SL made things pretty easy for the South African bowlers which the Aussies are far less likely to do. Steve Smith in particular is likely to want a big score before the semis and I think Maxwell could also do with some runs. I expect SA to be competitive but ultimately lose out to a better team in this one. Prediction: Australia (comfortable)

Best of luck to you all in Round 10.