Group- A (India-A1, Bangladesh-A2, Ireland)
India and Bangladesh were expected to make it to the second round. But Ireland sprung in a surprise by kicking an abject Bangladesh out of the competition with a 6 wicket victory, fashioned by Trant Johnston and the O'Brien brothers, Niall and Kevin. Bangladesh had lost their first game against a classy Indian out-fit. So Ireland replaced Bangladesh as the A2 in the second round. India's swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag has been deemed unfit and Dinesh Kartik replaces him.
Group-B (Pakistan-B1, England-B2, Netherlands)
Netherlands almost caused an upset. They beat England in the tournament opener to put the hosts on the verge of a defeat. Pakistan turned in an abject performance against England that made sure the hosts were through to the next round. Pakistan, the last years finalists needed a convincing win over Dutch to qualify for round-2, which they achieved through useful batting contributions and excellent spin-bowling. Despite England topping this group on Net Run Rate, Pakistan are the B1 and England are B2 in the Super-8s. For more details on how the tournament works please refer the end of the article.
Group-D (Australia-C1, Srilanka-C2, West Indies)
Termed as group of death, this group lived up to the expectations. 50 Over World Champions Australia were Chris Gayled and Genocided out of the competition with the Lankans topping the group table with two wins out of two. The Lankans probably have the best T20 bowling attack. Their middle order is brittle but the top order always makes up. Windies are far more dangerous when their captain, 'Calypso King' Gayle, fires, as he did against the Kangaroos. Since West Indies were replacing Australia, they are the C1.
Group-D (New Zealand-D1, South Africa-D2, Scotland)
As expected South Africa and New Zealand qualified. The match between the top two was a classic as South Africa defended a modest 128 to win by a run. South Africa, under the Impressive Graeme Smith, looks the hot favorites. Even from the Warm-up matches they are playing the same XI something none of the other 11 teams didn't even come close to doing. With Smith leading 'his' team like a colonel, they are on course to win a first cricket WC Silverware. Despite topping the group South Africa are D2.
The Super-8 Groups
Group E: India (A1), England (B2), West Indies (Replaced C1), South Africa (D2)
Group F: Ireland (Replaced A2), Pakistan (B1), Srilanks (C2), New Zealand (D1)
The A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2 Confusion.
These were the rankings before the tournament.
| India - A1 | Pakistan - B1 | Australia - C1 | New Zealand- D1 |
| Bangladesh - A2 | England - B2 | Sri Lanka - C2 | South Africa - D2 |
| Ireland | Netherlands | West Indies | Scotland |
As the tournament progressed, the teams that qualify for the second round were divided onto two groups based on the following rule:
| Group E | Group F |
| A1 | B1 |
| B2 | A2 |
| C1 | C2 |
| D2 | D1 |
The top two ranked teams in each group are seeded 1 and 2. They will retain this seeding for the Super Eights stage, irrespective of whether they finish first or second in their group, unless they are knocked out by team 3 in their group. In this instance, team 3 replaces the position of the team they knock out. For example, if Bangladesh wins Group A and India comes second, for the purposes of the Super Eights, India will still be A1 and Bangladesh will be A2. If for example, Ireland qualifies instead of India, Ireland will become A1. (Source: ICC)
My Semifinal Predictions:
India, South Africa, Srilanka and New Zealand
For Scores and other tournament features: Cricinfo
Let's enjoy the entertainment version of the great Game. I'll be back after Super-8s. Untill then Adios......
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