~Smiles~ Unlimited!!

The 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup is currently taking place in the West Indies from March 13 to April 28, 2007. There will be a total of 51 matches played at the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, which is three fewer than at the 2003 World Cup, despite the two extra teams taking part. It will be contested by 16 nations divided into four groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group will then compete in a "Super 8" format, similar to the previous "Super 6" format, from which the semi-finalists will be decided. The Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny, Jamaica hosted the Opening Ceremony on 11 March.

Good news for all the cricket lovers, The 2007 World Cup will not, after all, be a one-horse race. After dominating the cricket season for nearly a decade since winning the World Cup in 1999 the Australians look vulnerable this year. It might be cruel to call this good news as its fans are undoubtedly hurting but let's admit it, there's also an extra thrill in seeing a cocky and arrogant champion lose his crown. The King from Down Under is not expected to abdicate the throne willingly so lets not expect the Aussies to turn over and play dead.

Two teams to watch out for are South Africa and New Zealand. The former have, ever since their re-induction into international cricket after decades of apartheid-related boycott, been reduced in earlier Cups to the bridesmaid but never the bride. But the law of averages and the law of cricketing balance favors them this time. New Zealand, if it keeps current form going, can be a handful for any team on any day at any venue. And as for West Indies, to rely on a single batting genius - Brian Lara- to carry West Indies through a six-week tournament is just asking too much, don’t you think?

Pakistan teems with raw sporting talent and those mercurial men in green are quite capable of springing a surprise if they keep their heads calmly together. That's a big if, though.

India is still the strongest team on paper, but cricket sadly is played in the outdoors. On paper, India boasts of at least three of the highest batting averages in One-Dayers - those of Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid. Virender Sehwag, Mahender Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh are known for quick scoring. Their strike rates are up there among the best in the business. Why do I sound a bit skeptical? Quite simply because I'm not sure the present bunch has enough all-rounders to tilt the scales in their favour.

Cricket, like life, can turn out to be a graveyard for grumpy predictions. That is its charm and its poetry. Lets hope and pray Rahul Dravid lifts that Cup on April 28.

Wishing the Indian cricket team all the best in the World Cup matches….