Southern Stars captain weighs in on the first round of World Cup knockout matches
Lanning picks major quarter-final upset
Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars captain Meg Lanning has predicted a major upset in the ICC Cricket World Cup quarter-finals.
In a tournament full of intrigue and more than a few surprises, the Stars skipper has tipped another shock in the quarter-final stage.
Lanning, who was part of the Southern Stars Women’s World Cup triumph in 2013, says the teams with the most aggression will advance in the tournament.
“In knockout games you’ve got to really take the game on and not wait for it to happen,” Lanning told cricket.com.au.
“The teams that are the most aggressive, look to get wickets and take the bowlers on will be the most successful teams.”
South Africa v Sri Lanka, Sydney
“South Africa are going to win. Their fast bowling unit suits Australian conditions, and they’ve got enough fire power to get some early top-order wickets.”
“Sri Lanka will rely on Kumar Sangakkara again to make some runs. Unfortunately, he’s due for a low score, so I think South Africa will win.”
Player of the match: AB de Villiers
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India v Bangladesh, Melbourne
“India will win. They’ve shown some really good form over the tournament, and the fact that they’ve spent three or four months in Australia in the lead-up to the World Cup has played into their hands perfectly. “
“They’re really suited to the conditions now that they’ve got to know them.
“Most of their players have scored runs throughout the tournament, so their batting will get them over the line.”
Player of the match: Virat Kohli
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Australia v Pakistan, Adelaide
“Australia for me on Friday.”
“Mohammed Irfan is a big out for Pakistan. Our fast bowlers will win the match for us.
“The pace will be a bit too much for Pakistan and we’ve been building throughout the tournament so we’re primed for a good game. Our bowlers will rip through them.”
Player of the match: Mitchell Johnson
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New Zealand v West Indies, Wellington
“I’m going to tip the West Indies, only because New Zealand are due for a loss.”
“They’ve been playing so well for so long that it’s hard to keep up.
“The West Indies have a bit of x-factor about them, and Chris Gayle will come out and smash them.”
Player of the match: Chris Gayle
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