Just Another Quarterfinal Round Preview

Just like the previous edition of the Champions Trophy, having just the top eight teams left to fight it out for the ultimate prize leaves us with a mouthwatering array of matches. I just hope the games themselves live up to the billing.

Pakistan vs West Indies
With Gayle, Roach and perhaps Chanderpaul returning, the Windies will (if you'll pardon the expression) come hard at the opponents, but Pakistan look to be on the upswing and should stave off the Caribbean challenge. I'm picking Umar Akmal and Umar Gul once again to provide the x-factor, and the Windies tendency to collapse in a heap under pressure to work against them.

India vs Australia
Great match on paper, but Australia will be a bit low on confidence going into this game, and the listnessness of their middle order could play into the hands of India's spinners. I predict an unhappy exit for Ricky Ponting and co, even if India didn't really cover themselves in glory during the league stages.

South Africa vs New Zealand
As Varun points out, South Africa are stronger in all departments and there is no reason they shouldn't win in a canter. Much as I believe NZ could still pull this off, they'll need a lot of things to click in their favour simultaneously, not least South African complacency. Um, chokes aside, their preferred formula would be: bat first, set a foundation and explode later as they did against Pakistan and bowl with discipline under lights.

Sri Lanka vs England
Here is where I go out on a limb and risk embarrassment by suggesting the unfancied team will win. Despite all the "it doesn't matter who the opponents are" talk from captains, my feeling is England is the team everyone least wants to face. The nature of England's campaign is such that there is an element of desparation and fearlessness about their method, and my gut feeling is the Lankans are in for a rude shock. If the press is to be believed, England's fatigue will catch up with them and the strong Lankan side wll be a bridge too far. One more thing: this game is being played at Colombo's Premadasa stadium,so expect the team batting second to be in for a testing time.