Graeme Swann said a congested England fixture list was no reason for the side's stuttering World Cup campaign as they prepared for a make-or-break clash against the West Indies on Thursday.
England came into the event on the back of a gruelling Ashes tour - where they defeated Australia 3-1 but were then thrashed 6-1 in the one-dayers - and had just a three-day turnaround before heading out to the subcontinent.
"We do live in the middle of a ludicrous cricket schedule but it's no excuse," said England off-spinner Swann. "For a start half the other teams in the world follow a very similar schedule which I feel is equally as ludicrous but I'm certainly not going to turn around and say that's why we're not playing well and whinge and worry.
"A modicum of perspective says that we're in the most privileged position going. An earthquake and tsunami has just killed thousands of people in one part of the world (Japan) and in New Zealand. If I was to sit here and say 'oh my God these five-star hotels and all this travel', it's our job. It's our lot.
"If it's an issue then the only option is to retire from international cricket and go and play county cricket. It's very hard to do day in and day out but that's what we strive for because we have to. It would certainly be easier if we played 20 less games a year, those games that nobody cares about.
"It would probably make things a bit easier and keep the standard of world cricket higher but I'm not on the ICC (International Cricket Council) committee and it's my own personal view, not that of the team," Swann stressed.
Defeats by Ireland and Bangladesh have left England needing to beat the West Indies at the very least and then hope other results go their way if they are to reach the knockout stages.
"When we go one up in a Test series we tend to have a stinker before pulling out all the stops to play our best cricket," Swann explained. "It's been the same in one-day cricket and it's something we have to do now otherwise we're back home."
There is a widespread view within all sections of English cricket that, having won the Ashes, England have achieved their primary goal of the 2010/11 season and that the World Cup simply does not matter as much.
But Swann, recalling his hurt as a 10-year-old watching England being beaten by Pakistan in the 1992 final, was adamant the players cared about this event. "Anyone who points a finger at this team and says it just doesn't give a toss and wants to go home, I would take serious umbrage with."
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
England World Cup on line against Windies
England head into their final Group B match against the West Indies on Thursday knowing defeat will send them crashing out of the World Cup. Even victory may not be enough for Andrew Strauss's men to go through to the knockout stages, with England having to rely on other results going their way.
A see-saw tournament for England has seen them lose to Ireland and Bangladesh yet tie with India and beat a highly fancied South Africa side.
Significantly, that win over the Proteas came at Chennai's Chidambaram Stadium, where England held their nerve on a sharply turning pitch to win a low-scoring thriller by six runs.
Now they will look to off-spinner Graeme Swann to again put the squeeze on the batsmen in a match that is not quite as decisive for the West Indies, who return to the Chidambaram three days later for a group finale against India.
"It does give things a certain amount of clarity," said Swann, all but unplayable at times while taking one for 29 against South Africa. "If we win four games, we win the World Cup which is very simple. If we'd won our first four games it would have been a much nicer position to be in but there's no point in looking back. It all comes down to Thursday."
Swann, who in his first over in Test cricket took two wickets against India in Chennai in 2008, added: "I hope the wicket is similar to the South African one. If I could roll it up and take it around with me, I happily would."
However, he warned: "The West Indies have got Sulieman Benn, who is a fine spin bowler in my opinion." England's preparations suffered a setback Tuesday when skipper Strauss and fast bowler James Anderson both missed training due to illness.
But if the struggling Anderson were ruled out of Thursday's game, it could spare England the embarrassment of having to drop the Ashes-winning star. The West Indies have two big-hitting batsmen in opener Chris Gayle and the in-form Kieron Pollard who can change the momentum of a match in a short space of time.
Pollard hammered 94 off just 55 balls as the West Indies beat Ireland by 44 runs last time out and it was an innings the all-rounder hopes has rid him of the tag of being 'just' a Twenty20 cricketer.
"What's been said about me being a 20-over specialist, that's just history for me now," Pollard, 23, said.
"I had an opportunity to prove myself and there cannot be a bigger stage than the World Cup to do that. My innings showed what I can do. I will use this as a positive."
The good news for the West Indies is that either a win against England or India will see them into the quarter-finals and even two defeats may not be enough to end their World Cup.
A see-saw tournament for England has seen them lose to Ireland and Bangladesh yet tie with India and beat a highly fancied South Africa side.
Significantly, that win over the Proteas came at Chennai's Chidambaram Stadium, where England held their nerve on a sharply turning pitch to win a low-scoring thriller by six runs.
Now they will look to off-spinner Graeme Swann to again put the squeeze on the batsmen in a match that is not quite as decisive for the West Indies, who return to the Chidambaram three days later for a group finale against India.
"It does give things a certain amount of clarity," said Swann, all but unplayable at times while taking one for 29 against South Africa. "If we win four games, we win the World Cup which is very simple. If we'd won our first four games it would have been a much nicer position to be in but there's no point in looking back. It all comes down to Thursday."
Swann, who in his first over in Test cricket took two wickets against India in Chennai in 2008, added: "I hope the wicket is similar to the South African one. If I could roll it up and take it around with me, I happily would."
However, he warned: "The West Indies have got Sulieman Benn, who is a fine spin bowler in my opinion." England's preparations suffered a setback Tuesday when skipper Strauss and fast bowler James Anderson both missed training due to illness.
But if the struggling Anderson were ruled out of Thursday's game, it could spare England the embarrassment of having to drop the Ashes-winning star. The West Indies have two big-hitting batsmen in opener Chris Gayle and the in-form Kieron Pollard who can change the momentum of a match in a short space of time.
Pollard hammered 94 off just 55 balls as the West Indies beat Ireland by 44 runs last time out and it was an innings the all-rounder hopes has rid him of the tag of being 'just' a Twenty20 cricketer.
"What's been said about me being a 20-over specialist, that's just history for me now," Pollard, 23, said.
"I had an opportunity to prove myself and there cannot be a bigger stage than the World Cup to do that. My innings showed what I can do. I will use this as a positive."
The good news for the West Indies is that either a win against England or India will see them into the quarter-finals and even two defeats may not be enough to end their World Cup.
Zaheer remains India's pace enforcer
With 12 wickets so far, Zaheer Khan is the leading fast bowler at the World Cup and India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's go-to man when the going gets tough for the hosts.
At the World Cup, where there have been constant question marks over the staying power of India's attack, Dhoni has turned to the burly left-armer whose mastery of the ball is matched by the ferocity of his character. The 32-year-old, however, prefers to keep a low profile. "I'm enjoying the space I am in," he said.
"There's a lot more responsibility and I have no issues going to sleep with this pressure. I'm ready for the next day. I have to lead by example, which I find challenging." The bowler's calm disposition was on show during the tied game against England in Bangalore.
Zaheer was taken for 40 runs in his first five overs by rampaging England batsmen but he did not lose heart. Bowling in his second spell, an inspired Zaheer cleaned up Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell off successive deliveries to bring India back into the game. His 12 wickets from five games put him ahead of fast bowling rivals Dale Steyn of South Africa, who has 10, and fiery Australian Shaun Tait on eight.
Zaheer's control, nagging line and length and ability to reverse swing the old ball have often led to comparisons with legendary Pakistan left-armer Wasim Akram.
Zaheer may not be as skilled as Akram but he has definitely carried India's pace attack, grabbing 264 wickets from 187 one-day internationals at an average of just over 29.
That Zaheer is indispensable was evident in the three-wicket defeat against South Africa. The Baroda seamer gave away just four runs in what turned out to be penultimate over of the match before Zaheer's pace partner Ashish Nehra conceded 16 to let the game slip from India's hands. Dhoni summed up Zaheer's effectiveness.
"It's not that whenever Zaheer plays, he gets wickets," said Dhoni. "But with his amount of experience, he always has a back-up plan ready in case the first strategy doesn't work."
Zaheer's journey to the top has not been without its share of ups and downs. A shoulder surgery in 2009 threatened to cut short his career but he fought back to emerge as a stronger and more competitive bowler.
At the World Cup, where there have been constant question marks over the staying power of India's attack, Dhoni has turned to the burly left-armer whose mastery of the ball is matched by the ferocity of his character. The 32-year-old, however, prefers to keep a low profile. "I'm enjoying the space I am in," he said.
"There's a lot more responsibility and I have no issues going to sleep with this pressure. I'm ready for the next day. I have to lead by example, which I find challenging." The bowler's calm disposition was on show during the tied game against England in Bangalore.
Zaheer was taken for 40 runs in his first five overs by rampaging England batsmen but he did not lose heart. Bowling in his second spell, an inspired Zaheer cleaned up Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell off successive deliveries to bring India back into the game. His 12 wickets from five games put him ahead of fast bowling rivals Dale Steyn of South Africa, who has 10, and fiery Australian Shaun Tait on eight.
Zaheer's control, nagging line and length and ability to reverse swing the old ball have often led to comparisons with legendary Pakistan left-armer Wasim Akram.
Zaheer may not be as skilled as Akram but he has definitely carried India's pace attack, grabbing 264 wickets from 187 one-day internationals at an average of just over 29.
That Zaheer is indispensable was evident in the three-wicket defeat against South Africa. The Baroda seamer gave away just four runs in what turned out to be penultimate over of the match before Zaheer's pace partner Ashish Nehra conceded 16 to let the game slip from India's hands. Dhoni summed up Zaheer's effectiveness.
"It's not that whenever Zaheer plays, he gets wickets," said Dhoni. "But with his amount of experience, he always has a back-up plan ready in case the first strategy doesn't work."
Zaheer's journey to the top has not been without its share of ups and downs. A shoulder surgery in 2009 threatened to cut short his career but he fought back to emerge as a stronger and more competitive bowler.
Pakistan's Waqar wants Aussie scalp
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said a win over defending champions Australia in their final group match would give his team enormous confidence heading into their World Cup quarter-final.
The 1992 champions eased into the last eight with a comfortable seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe on Monday and play their last match against Australia, who are on an unbeaten 33-match streak in the World Cup, on Saturday. Waqar said victory over Ricky Ponting's men in Colombo would serve a dual purpose.
"They are such a big team, world champs, and haven't lost for ages," said Waqar of Australia, whose last World Cup defeat came at the hands of Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup.
He said topping Group A would mean playing the number four team in Group B "whose morale would be down, but for me the bigger thing is the momentum."
Pakistan, with eight points from five matches, are second in Group A, behind New Zealand on net run-rate. Sri Lanka and Australia have also reached the quarter-finals.
Pakistan restricted Zimbabwe to 151-7 before rain curtailed Zimbabwe's innings. Set a revised target of 162 in 38 overs, Pakistan won on the back of an undefeated 78 by Asad Shafiq. Waqar said Pakistan must carry on winning.
"If you beat Australia, you leave a mark, you can look at the next matches and teams will think twice about playing against you," said Waqar, whose country has reached the second round for the first time since 1999.
"It is pleasing, but the kind of team we had it was expected we would get to the quarters. To say that we have achieved a lot here because we didn't qualify the last two times would be wrong," said Waqar, captain of the team in 2003.
Pakistan also exited in the first round of the 2007 World Cup held in the West Indies. Waqar said the knockout stage would be a big challenge. "The real game starts now, the game of nerves, the pressure game. Our next game is the most important game, because from there when you jump into the quarters we need to get some momentum."
Waqar said his plan would be simple against Australia. "The strategy will be very similar - try to play 50 overs first, pile up a big total first, that's the key. And then, when you look at bowling sides around the world, I think we have a fairly good bowling side," said Waqar.
Waqar said Pakistan's successful run chase against Zimbabwe - their first in a World Cup match since beating New Zealand in the 1999 semi-final, was an achievement. "I didn't know that we had never chased in the Word Cup since 1999. It is an achievement without a doubt. We played a lot more sensibly. Shafiq made a bit of a difference. He is very compact and a cricketer for the future," said Waqar of the 25-year-old.
The 1992 champions eased into the last eight with a comfortable seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe on Monday and play their last match against Australia, who are on an unbeaten 33-match streak in the World Cup, on Saturday. Waqar said victory over Ricky Ponting's men in Colombo would serve a dual purpose.
"They are such a big team, world champs, and haven't lost for ages," said Waqar of Australia, whose last World Cup defeat came at the hands of Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup.
He said topping Group A would mean playing the number four team in Group B "whose morale would be down, but for me the bigger thing is the momentum."
Pakistan, with eight points from five matches, are second in Group A, behind New Zealand on net run-rate. Sri Lanka and Australia have also reached the quarter-finals.
Pakistan restricted Zimbabwe to 151-7 before rain curtailed Zimbabwe's innings. Set a revised target of 162 in 38 overs, Pakistan won on the back of an undefeated 78 by Asad Shafiq. Waqar said Pakistan must carry on winning.
"If you beat Australia, you leave a mark, you can look at the next matches and teams will think twice about playing against you," said Waqar, whose country has reached the second round for the first time since 1999.
"It is pleasing, but the kind of team we had it was expected we would get to the quarters. To say that we have achieved a lot here because we didn't qualify the last two times would be wrong," said Waqar, captain of the team in 2003.
Pakistan also exited in the first round of the 2007 World Cup held in the West Indies. Waqar said the knockout stage would be a big challenge. "The real game starts now, the game of nerves, the pressure game. Our next game is the most important game, because from there when you jump into the quarters we need to get some momentum."
Waqar said his plan would be simple against Australia. "The strategy will be very similar - try to play 50 overs first, pile up a big total first, that's the key. And then, when you look at bowling sides around the world, I think we have a fairly good bowling side," said Waqar.
Waqar said Pakistan's successful run chase against Zimbabwe - their first in a World Cup match since beating New Zealand in the 1999 semi-final, was an achievement. "I didn't know that we had never chased in the Word Cup since 1999. It is an achievement without a doubt. We played a lot more sensibly. Shafiq made a bit of a difference. He is very compact and a cricketer for the future," said Waqar of the 25-year-old.
Last chance for Australia to experiment
Australia head into their penultimate group match against Canada on Wednesday knowing it is likely to be the last time in this World Cup they can tinker with their line-up. The reigning champions eased into the quarter-finals with an unconvincing 60-run win against Kenya at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting's decision to bat first and Kenya's spirited effort in making 264 for six in reply to the champions' 324-6 ensured the match went the full 100 overs. The game was Australia's first complete match in more than a fortnight following their no-result washout against co-hosts Sri Lanka.
But several frontline batsmen, including Ponting himself, did not spend as much time in the middle as they would have liked, while all of Australia's spinners went wicketless.
With tougher challenges ahead, Australia may decide to rest one of their pace trio of Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and the injury-prone Shaun Tait for the Canada match, with back-up seamer John Hastings champing at the bit.
Australia, bidding for a fourth straight World Cup title and fifth in all, may be the only unbeaten side in this tournament but they have yet to be tested ahead of their final Group A match against Pakistan in Colombo on Saturday.
The result of that match could have a major bearing on Australia's quarter-final opponents, with the titleholders' net run-rate - something damaged by Kenya's defiance with the bat - a potential factor. Australia may also alter their batting order against Canada to give the likes of Cameron White, out for just two against Kenya, another chance.
One thing Ponting will want to see on Wednesday is an improved display by his slow bowlers after leg-spinner Steven Smith, off-break bowler Jason Krejza and left-armer Michael Clarke's combined 19 wicketless overs against Kenya cost 93 runs.
"Through those middle overs in this tournament when the ball gets old, and the wicket starts to spin, we are going to need our spinners to strike for us, and that didn't happen against Kenya," Ponting said.
However, Australia did receive a big boost in seeing Michael Hussey mark his first appearance of the tournament with a typically composed fifty. It had seemed the veteran left-hander would miss the World Cup because of hamstring trouble but he was summoned to the subcontinent as a replacement for injured fast bowler Doug Bollinger.
"It looked like he hadn't missed a beat," Ponting said of Hussey, selected instead of younger brother David Hussey. "It's a great sign for us." Canada, who beat Kenya by five wickets for their only win of the tournament so far, should be heartened by their rival associate nation's performance against Ponting's men.
However, they suffered a 97-run thrashing by New Zealand on Sunday with the Black Caps piling up huge total of 358 for six. "We didn't bowl in the right areas and the fielding was probably the worst we had in a long time," said Canada captain Ashish Bagai.
Canada's veteran off-break bowler John Davison will have been heartened by seeing Kenya captain and off-spinner Jimmy Kamande take two wickets against Australia on a Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch offering plenty of turn.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting's decision to bat first and Kenya's spirited effort in making 264 for six in reply to the champions' 324-6 ensured the match went the full 100 overs. The game was Australia's first complete match in more than a fortnight following their no-result washout against co-hosts Sri Lanka.
But several frontline batsmen, including Ponting himself, did not spend as much time in the middle as they would have liked, while all of Australia's spinners went wicketless.
With tougher challenges ahead, Australia may decide to rest one of their pace trio of Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and the injury-prone Shaun Tait for the Canada match, with back-up seamer John Hastings champing at the bit.
Australia, bidding for a fourth straight World Cup title and fifth in all, may be the only unbeaten side in this tournament but they have yet to be tested ahead of their final Group A match against Pakistan in Colombo on Saturday.
The result of that match could have a major bearing on Australia's quarter-final opponents, with the titleholders' net run-rate - something damaged by Kenya's defiance with the bat - a potential factor. Australia may also alter their batting order against Canada to give the likes of Cameron White, out for just two against Kenya, another chance.
One thing Ponting will want to see on Wednesday is an improved display by his slow bowlers after leg-spinner Steven Smith, off-break bowler Jason Krejza and left-armer Michael Clarke's combined 19 wicketless overs against Kenya cost 93 runs.
"Through those middle overs in this tournament when the ball gets old, and the wicket starts to spin, we are going to need our spinners to strike for us, and that didn't happen against Kenya," Ponting said.
However, Australia did receive a big boost in seeing Michael Hussey mark his first appearance of the tournament with a typically composed fifty. It had seemed the veteran left-hander would miss the World Cup because of hamstring trouble but he was summoned to the subcontinent as a replacement for injured fast bowler Doug Bollinger.
"It looked like he hadn't missed a beat," Ponting said of Hussey, selected instead of younger brother David Hussey. "It's a great sign for us." Canada, who beat Kenya by five wickets for their only win of the tournament so far, should be heartened by their rival associate nation's performance against Ponting's men.
However, they suffered a 97-run thrashing by New Zealand on Sunday with the Black Caps piling up huge total of 358 for six. "We didn't bowl in the right areas and the fielding was probably the worst we had in a long time," said Canada captain Ashish Bagai.
Canada's veteran off-break bowler John Davison will have been heartened by seeing Kenya captain and off-spinner Jimmy Kamande take two wickets against Australia on a Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch offering plenty of turn.
Team comes first for unrewarded Shafiul
It's not often that a match-winning performance on the cricket field gets overlooked when adjudicators decide man of the match awards. But it has happened three times to Bangladesh seamer Shafiul Islam in this World Cup, each time the award going to batsmen who are as surprised as team-mates and fans alike by the choice.
The 21-year-old had put on spirited displays with bat and ball to keep Bangladesh's dream alive of playing in the knock-out rounds of a tournament they are co-hosting for the first time. After Bangladesh were restricted to 205 by Ireland on a good surface in Dhaka, Shafiul produced a burst of 4-21 that helped bowl out the rivals for 178.
Opener Tamim Iqbal, who won the award for making 44 and taking a crucial catch, admitted then that Shafiul deserved the honour more than him. Against England, Bangladesh plunged to 169-8 chasing a modest target of 226, when Shafiul and Mohammad Mahmudullah turned the game on its head by adding 58 unbeaten runs for the ninth wicket.
Tailender Shafiul came out swinging to make 24 not out, including the only six of the day in seasoned off-spinner Graeme Swann's final over which cost 16 runs. But the man of the match award went to Imrul Kayes for scoring 60 at the top of the order.
"Shafiul should have got it," said Kayes, who won his second award on Monday against the Netherlands for 73 not out as Bangladesh chased down 160 for the loss of four wickets. Dutch captain Peter Borren credited Bangladesh's success to Shafiul, who conceded just seven runs in his first six overs to restrict the rivals to 28-0 by the ninth over.
"Shafiul bowled very well today," Borren said. "He was consistent and did not bowl bad balls. We were looking at opportunities of scoring in the initial powerplays when the ball was hard, but to be honest Shafiul did not allow us to do that. He went without a wicket, but probably deserved many."
The unassuming Shafiul, the son of a grocery shop owner in Bogra town, played down the rebuff from adjudicators. "It's okay, I don't mind it at all," he said. "The important thing is that the team wins. The man of the match is just a tag." For Shafiul, wearing the green Tigers jersey is the ultimate honour. "When I as growing up, I would wear fake Bangladesh shirts while playing in my neighbourhood. I never expected I will wear the real one some day."
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan saluted Shafiul, calling him a vital cog in the team's prospects. "He is one of the most selfless players I have seen," Shakib said. "He is willing to do anything for the team. Of course, he deserved some man of the match awards. "But I am sure he will get some on the way. The tournament is not over yet for us."
Bangladesh are level with the West Indies and South Africa on six points, one behind Group B leaders India and a point ahead of England, with four teams qualifying for the knockout round. A West Indies win over England in Chennai on Thursday would mean Bangladesh will be through to the last eight even before their final league match against South Africa in Dhaka on Saturday.
The 21-year-old had put on spirited displays with bat and ball to keep Bangladesh's dream alive of playing in the knock-out rounds of a tournament they are co-hosting for the first time. After Bangladesh were restricted to 205 by Ireland on a good surface in Dhaka, Shafiul produced a burst of 4-21 that helped bowl out the rivals for 178.
Opener Tamim Iqbal, who won the award for making 44 and taking a crucial catch, admitted then that Shafiul deserved the honour more than him. Against England, Bangladesh plunged to 169-8 chasing a modest target of 226, when Shafiul and Mohammad Mahmudullah turned the game on its head by adding 58 unbeaten runs for the ninth wicket.
Tailender Shafiul came out swinging to make 24 not out, including the only six of the day in seasoned off-spinner Graeme Swann's final over which cost 16 runs. But the man of the match award went to Imrul Kayes for scoring 60 at the top of the order.
"Shafiul should have got it," said Kayes, who won his second award on Monday against the Netherlands for 73 not out as Bangladesh chased down 160 for the loss of four wickets. Dutch captain Peter Borren credited Bangladesh's success to Shafiul, who conceded just seven runs in his first six overs to restrict the rivals to 28-0 by the ninth over.
"Shafiul bowled very well today," Borren said. "He was consistent and did not bowl bad balls. We were looking at opportunities of scoring in the initial powerplays when the ball was hard, but to be honest Shafiul did not allow us to do that. He went without a wicket, but probably deserved many."
The unassuming Shafiul, the son of a grocery shop owner in Bogra town, played down the rebuff from adjudicators. "It's okay, I don't mind it at all," he said. "The important thing is that the team wins. The man of the match is just a tag." For Shafiul, wearing the green Tigers jersey is the ultimate honour. "When I as growing up, I would wear fake Bangladesh shirts while playing in my neighbourhood. I never expected I will wear the real one some day."
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan saluted Shafiul, calling him a vital cog in the team's prospects. "He is one of the most selfless players I have seen," Shakib said. "He is willing to do anything for the team. Of course, he deserved some man of the match awards. "But I am sure he will get some on the way. The tournament is not over yet for us."
Bangladesh are level with the West Indies and South Africa on six points, one behind Group B leaders India and a point ahead of England, with four teams qualifying for the knockout round. A West Indies win over England in Chennai on Thursday would mean Bangladesh will be through to the last eight even before their final league match against South Africa in Dhaka on Saturday.
Black Caps riding high on confidence: McCullum
New Zealand are brimming with new-found confidence after three wins on the trot took them into the quarter-finals of the World Cup, says opener Brendon McCullum.
New Zealand hammered Canada by 97 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday to become the second team from Group A to sail into the last eight.
"We are slowly starting to play how we want to play and we move into the next game knowing that we have played well over the last couple of games," McCullum said.
"The confidence is starting to seep into the team. That is something we desperately need.
"We are proud of what New Zealand teams have been able to achieve in past World Cups, they consistently gave themselves the opportunity."
The Black Caps made it to the semi-finals twice in the last three World Cups in 1999 and 2007 despite starting as underdogs.
Their build-up to this edition was far from encouraging as they suffered series defeats at the hands of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
Before Sunday, they had defeated Kenya, Zimbabwe and Pakistan but lost against holders Australia.
The manner of their triumph against Canada has now put them in good stead ahead of their last league outing against a strong Sri Lanka side on Friday.
"It was a key victory (against Canada)," said wicketkeeper-batsman McCullum who posted his first World Cup century to set up his team's emphatic win.
"We were able to play to roles we were trying to play to and execute the kind of skills we were hoping to achieve."
"Anytime you win, anytime you perform well, anytime that you get some confidence out of the game, that certainly helps."
"When we came here we had gone through a pretty tough time back home (a 3-2 defeat to Pakistan). But none of that mattered once we arrived here."
"It was a matter of making sure this team was able to go out and play its best cricket, each of us understood our roles."
McCullum said new coach John Wright had been a huge influence behind the scenes.
"Wright has been instrumental. He has been able to offer that experience and confidence to each player. We have seen this New Zealand team operate with a clear role which you can't say about some New Zealand teams in the past."
"The biggest turnaround is that we are going in with more confidence."
New Zealand hammered Canada by 97 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday to become the second team from Group A to sail into the last eight.
"We are slowly starting to play how we want to play and we move into the next game knowing that we have played well over the last couple of games," McCullum said.
"The confidence is starting to seep into the team. That is something we desperately need.
"We are proud of what New Zealand teams have been able to achieve in past World Cups, they consistently gave themselves the opportunity."
The Black Caps made it to the semi-finals twice in the last three World Cups in 1999 and 2007 despite starting as underdogs.
Their build-up to this edition was far from encouraging as they suffered series defeats at the hands of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
Before Sunday, they had defeated Kenya, Zimbabwe and Pakistan but lost against holders Australia.
The manner of their triumph against Canada has now put them in good stead ahead of their last league outing against a strong Sri Lanka side on Friday.
"It was a key victory (against Canada)," said wicketkeeper-batsman McCullum who posted his first World Cup century to set up his team's emphatic win.
"We were able to play to roles we were trying to play to and execute the kind of skills we were hoping to achieve."
"Anytime you win, anytime you perform well, anytime that you get some confidence out of the game, that certainly helps."
"When we came here we had gone through a pretty tough time back home (a 3-2 defeat to Pakistan). But none of that mattered once we arrived here."
"It was a matter of making sure this team was able to go out and play its best cricket, each of us understood our roles."
McCullum said new coach John Wright had been a huge influence behind the scenes.
"Wright has been instrumental. He has been able to offer that experience and confidence to each player. We have seen this New Zealand team operate with a clear role which you can't say about some New Zealand teams in the past."
"The biggest turnaround is that we are going in with more confidence."
Bangladesh turn left to outclass Dutch
Bangladesh packed their side with left-handers to whip lethargic Netherlands by six wickets on Monday and stay in contention for the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Dutch were shot out for 160 in 46.2 overs after electing to take first strike on the slow wicket, a target Bangladesh surpassed in the 42nd over with left-handed Imrul Kayes making 73 not out.
Bangladesh's three left-arm spinners shared five of the six wickets to fall to bowlers with Abdur Razzak leading the way with 3-29 in 10 steady overs.
Skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Suhrawadi Shuvo, who was brought in to replace off-spinner Naeem Islam, claimed one wicket apiece.
Kayes put on 92 for the second-wicket with Junaid Siddique (35) after opening partner Tamim Iqbal was bowled by Mudassar Bukhari off the fourth ball of the innings without scoring.
Shahriar Nafees, one of the five left-handers at the top of the batting order who replaced right-handed Raqibul Hasan, made 37 in a third-wicket stand of 59 with Kayes.
Kayes, who followed his 60 against England with another half-century, was named man of the match for the second time in a row.
Bangladesh joined the West Indies and South Africa on six points, one behind Group B leaders India and a point ahead of England.
A West Indies win over England in Chennai on Thursday will enable Bangladesh ease into the last eight even before their final league match against South Africa in Dhaka on Saturday.
But an unlikely Irish win over the Proteas in Kolkata on Tuesday will once again throw open the quarter-final race from the pool.
A sell-out crowd of 18,000 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium, taking advantage of the public holiday declared for the match in the port city, watched the home side demolish the Dutch.
Ryan ten Doeschate top-scored for the Netherlands with an unbeaten 53, but none of the other batsmen managed 30, six failed to reach double figures and four ran themselves out.
Bangladesh, buoyed by their stunning two-wicket win over England on Friday, did not bowl a single wide or no-ball in a disciplined display on the field.
Openers Wesley Barrisi and Eric Szwaraczynski plodded to 28 runs in nine overs, following a tidy opening spell by seamer Shafiul Islam, who conceded just seven runs in his first six overs.
Tom Cooper (29) and Szwaraczynski carried the score to 66-2 by the 23rd over when both batsmen were run out in the space of 13 runs to set the Dutch back again.
Szwaraczynski, who made 28, was unfortunate to be dismissed at the non-striker's end when Shakib deflected a straight drive from Cooper onto the stumps.
Wicket-keeper Musfiqur Rahim, who had dropped Cooper on six, made amends when he lunged for a wide throw from the deep and threw the ball at the stumps before the batsman had regained his crease.
Shuvo had Alexei Kervezee stumped by Rahim for 18, before Razzak dismissed Tom de Grooth and Atse Buurman in three deliveries to reduce the Netherlands to 127-7 in the 38th over.
Skipper Peter Borren and Adeel Raja also ran themselves out, leaving ten Doeschate stranded at the other end.
The Dutch were shot out for 160 in 46.2 overs after electing to take first strike on the slow wicket, a target Bangladesh surpassed in the 42nd over with left-handed Imrul Kayes making 73 not out.
Bangladesh's three left-arm spinners shared five of the six wickets to fall to bowlers with Abdur Razzak leading the way with 3-29 in 10 steady overs.
Skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Suhrawadi Shuvo, who was brought in to replace off-spinner Naeem Islam, claimed one wicket apiece.
Kayes put on 92 for the second-wicket with Junaid Siddique (35) after opening partner Tamim Iqbal was bowled by Mudassar Bukhari off the fourth ball of the innings without scoring.
Shahriar Nafees, one of the five left-handers at the top of the batting order who replaced right-handed Raqibul Hasan, made 37 in a third-wicket stand of 59 with Kayes.
Kayes, who followed his 60 against England with another half-century, was named man of the match for the second time in a row.
Bangladesh joined the West Indies and South Africa on six points, one behind Group B leaders India and a point ahead of England.
A West Indies win over England in Chennai on Thursday will enable Bangladesh ease into the last eight even before their final league match against South Africa in Dhaka on Saturday.
But an unlikely Irish win over the Proteas in Kolkata on Tuesday will once again throw open the quarter-final race from the pool.
A sell-out crowd of 18,000 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium, taking advantage of the public holiday declared for the match in the port city, watched the home side demolish the Dutch.
Ryan ten Doeschate top-scored for the Netherlands with an unbeaten 53, but none of the other batsmen managed 30, six failed to reach double figures and four ran themselves out.
Bangladesh, buoyed by their stunning two-wicket win over England on Friday, did not bowl a single wide or no-ball in a disciplined display on the field.
Openers Wesley Barrisi and Eric Szwaraczynski plodded to 28 runs in nine overs, following a tidy opening spell by seamer Shafiul Islam, who conceded just seven runs in his first six overs.
Tom Cooper (29) and Szwaraczynski carried the score to 66-2 by the 23rd over when both batsmen were run out in the space of 13 runs to set the Dutch back again.
Szwaraczynski, who made 28, was unfortunate to be dismissed at the non-striker's end when Shakib deflected a straight drive from Cooper onto the stumps.
Wicket-keeper Musfiqur Rahim, who had dropped Cooper on six, made amends when he lunged for a wide throw from the deep and threw the ball at the stumps before the batsman had regained his crease.
Shuvo had Alexei Kervezee stumped by Rahim for 18, before Razzak dismissed Tom de Grooth and Atse Buurman in three deliveries to reduce the Netherlands to 127-7 in the 38th over.
Skipper Peter Borren and Adeel Raja also ran themselves out, leaving ten Doeschate stranded at the other end.
Borren slams reckless batting after fifth loss
Dutch captain Peter Borren blamed poor batting for the six-wicket loss to Bangladesh on Monday, the fifth consecutive defeat for the minnows in a miserable campaign.
The Dutch were shot out for 160 in 46.2 overs after electing to take first strike on the slow wicket, a target Bangladesh surpassed in the 42nd over with left-handed Imrul Kayes making 73 not out.
Ryan ten Doeschate top-scored for the Netherlands with an unbeaten 53, but none of the other batsmen managed 30, six failed to reach double figures and four ran themselves out.
"We just kept losing wickets at crucial times," said Borren. "We were trying to form partnerships but failed. Four run-outs and a couple of poor dismissals is criminal at this level. I am a bit disappointed with that."
Bangladesh's three left-arm spinners shared five of the six wickets to fall to bowlers with Abdur Razzak leading the way with 3-29 in 10 steady overs. Shakib Al Hasan and Suhrawadi Shuvo claimed one each.
But Borren credited Bangladesh's success to seamer Shafiul Islam, who conceded just seven runs in his first six overs as the Dutch plodded to 28-0 by the ninth.
"Shafiul bowled very well today," Borren said. "He was consistent and did not bowl bad balls. We were looking at opportunities of scoring in the initial powerplays when the ball was hard, but to be honest Shafiul did not allow us to do that. He went without a wicket, but probably deserved many."
Borren conceded his team found it tough to adjust to the slow wicket at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium against the home team's spin assault.
"It takes time to get used to spinners on such wickets," he said. "We can't get used to it if we don't stay long enough on it. We kept losing wickets at crucial times. We were trying to form partnerships but failed. We are just not accustomed to playing in these sort of conditions. The guys were trying to play shots but there was no pace on the ball. We just could not deal with it as well as we should have."
The Dutch take on fellow minnows Ireland in their last match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday.
The Dutch were shot out for 160 in 46.2 overs after electing to take first strike on the slow wicket, a target Bangladesh surpassed in the 42nd over with left-handed Imrul Kayes making 73 not out.
Ryan ten Doeschate top-scored for the Netherlands with an unbeaten 53, but none of the other batsmen managed 30, six failed to reach double figures and four ran themselves out.
"We just kept losing wickets at crucial times," said Borren. "We were trying to form partnerships but failed. Four run-outs and a couple of poor dismissals is criminal at this level. I am a bit disappointed with that."
Bangladesh's three left-arm spinners shared five of the six wickets to fall to bowlers with Abdur Razzak leading the way with 3-29 in 10 steady overs. Shakib Al Hasan and Suhrawadi Shuvo claimed one each.
But Borren credited Bangladesh's success to seamer Shafiul Islam, who conceded just seven runs in his first six overs as the Dutch plodded to 28-0 by the ninth.
"Shafiul bowled very well today," Borren said. "He was consistent and did not bowl bad balls. We were looking at opportunities of scoring in the initial powerplays when the ball was hard, but to be honest Shafiul did not allow us to do that. He went without a wicket, but probably deserved many."
Borren conceded his team found it tough to adjust to the slow wicket at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium against the home team's spin assault.
"It takes time to get used to spinners on such wickets," he said. "We can't get used to it if we don't stay long enough on it. We kept losing wickets at crucial times. We were trying to form partnerships but failed. We are just not accustomed to playing in these sort of conditions. The guys were trying to play shots but there was no pace on the ball. We just could not deal with it as well as we should have."
The Dutch take on fellow minnows Ireland in their last match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday.
Aussies ready to ramp up bid for 4th World Cup title: Hussey
Veteran Australian batsman Mike Hussey has said that his side is ready to ramp up their bid for a fourth straight ICC World Cup.
Australia are unbeaten in 33 World Cup matches after a 60-run victory over Kenya in their Group A contest.
Hussey, who returned to the middle-order with a bright 54 of 43 balls against Kenya, said Australia's clash with Pakistan in the final group match marked the real beginning of their title defence.
"Pakistan is going to be a huge game down in Colombo and we should be starting to try and peak around that stage as well," Fox Sports quoted Hussey, as saying.
He added: "We can still get better in a lot of areas and if we keep getting better it should be a great game against Pakistan."
"It wasn't so bad for me but for the boys, I think they've had enough netting. They're pretty keen to get into the real stuff and we've got three games in seven days now so it should be good," Hussey said.
Ponting said he was happy to have his middle-order rock back in the batting line-up.
"Great to have Huss back around the squad. He fitted back in beautifully today and played the way we know he can play," Ponting said.
Australia are unbeaten in 33 World Cup matches after a 60-run victory over Kenya in their Group A contest.
Hussey, who returned to the middle-order with a bright 54 of 43 balls against Kenya, said Australia's clash with Pakistan in the final group match marked the real beginning of their title defence.
"Pakistan is going to be a huge game down in Colombo and we should be starting to try and peak around that stage as well," Fox Sports quoted Hussey, as saying.
He added: "We can still get better in a lot of areas and if we keep getting better it should be a great game against Pakistan."
"It wasn't so bad for me but for the boys, I think they've had enough netting. They're pretty keen to get into the real stuff and we've got three games in seven days now so it should be good," Hussey said.
Ponting said he was happy to have his middle-order rock back in the batting line-up.
"Great to have Huss back around the squad. He fitted back in beautifully today and played the way we know he can play," Ponting said.
Collingwood dismisses retirement talk
England's Paul Collingwood has scotched speculation on his one-day future after coming in to bat at number eight during the World Cup defeat to Bangladesh.
Collingwood quit Tests during the Sydney Test against Australia in January this year to allow himself to focus on one-day internationals and Twenty20 cricket.
The Durham all-rounder, who led England to a famous World Twenty20 triumph last year, has had an unimpressive run in the tournament so far, managing just 61 runs and one wicket from four league matches.
He missed the win over South Africa through injury.
"One reason I retired from Test cricket was to prolong the one-day side of things and I still feel I have major contributions to make," Collingwood, 34, said.
"I'm still the Twenty20 captain. I want to continue that as well. It's not in my mind to even think about things like this (my future)."
Collingwood shrugged off England's topsy-turvy form at the World Cup where they need to beat the West Indies on Thursday to keep up their hopes of a last-eight place.
"I see things developing very much how the Twenty20 did last year in the West Indies. We scraped through the group stages, but once we did we really put our performances together and went on to win it.
"We really need to focus on getting this complete game. You put the whole thing together, and we're a formidable team. We want to do that against the West Indies."
Collingwood said the scheduling of the World Cup, that followed on the heels of a gruelling Ashes and one-day campaign in Australia, was no excuse for their showing so far.
"It's not ideal having two huge series or tournaments together, it's like having two Olympics in the same winter. But we can't make that as an excuse."
"We have to beat the West Indies. It's not all over for us and if we can win four games on the trot we can win the World Cup."
Collingwood has garnered 5,092 runs and 111 wickets from 197 one-day internationals.
Collingwood quit Tests during the Sydney Test against Australia in January this year to allow himself to focus on one-day internationals and Twenty20 cricket.
The Durham all-rounder, who led England to a famous World Twenty20 triumph last year, has had an unimpressive run in the tournament so far, managing just 61 runs and one wicket from four league matches.
He missed the win over South Africa through injury.
"One reason I retired from Test cricket was to prolong the one-day side of things and I still feel I have major contributions to make," Collingwood, 34, said.
"I'm still the Twenty20 captain. I want to continue that as well. It's not in my mind to even think about things like this (my future)."
Collingwood shrugged off England's topsy-turvy form at the World Cup where they need to beat the West Indies on Thursday to keep up their hopes of a last-eight place.
"I see things developing very much how the Twenty20 did last year in the West Indies. We scraped through the group stages, but once we did we really put our performances together and went on to win it.
"We really need to focus on getting this complete game. You put the whole thing together, and we're a formidable team. We want to do that against the West Indies."
Collingwood said the scheduling of the World Cup, that followed on the heels of a gruelling Ashes and one-day campaign in Australia, was no excuse for their showing so far.
"It's not ideal having two huge series or tournaments together, it's like having two Olympics in the same winter. But we can't make that as an excuse."
"We have to beat the West Indies. It's not all over for us and if we can win four games on the trot we can win the World Cup."
Collingwood has garnered 5,092 runs and 111 wickets from 197 one-day internationals.
De Villiers has scan on left thigh injury
South Africa's leading batsman AB de Villiers has undergone a scan on his left thigh after picking up an injury during their World Cup win over India, a team spokesperson said.
The right-handed player has been the most successful batsman for his country in the showpiece event and is currently placed third with 318 runs in the list of highest scorers. He has notched up two hundreds and a half-century from four matches.
"He got a scan done on his thigh. I can't update the details till he gets the scan report," the South African team spokesperson said.
De Villiers needed a runner during his 52-run knock against India on Saturday during South Africa's thrilling three-wicket win against the co-hosts.
The 27-year-old has been in sensational form, hitting back-to-back centuries against West Indies and the Netherlands, but additional wicketkeeping workload has been taking a toll on his back.
He handed over the wicketkeeping duties to Morne van Wyk in South Africa's last two matches, against England and India, to help his ailing back recover.
South Africa play their next Group B match against Ireland on Tuesday at the Eden Gardens.
The right-handed player has been the most successful batsman for his country in the showpiece event and is currently placed third with 318 runs in the list of highest scorers. He has notched up two hundreds and a half-century from four matches.
"He got a scan done on his thigh. I can't update the details till he gets the scan report," the South African team spokesperson said.
De Villiers needed a runner during his 52-run knock against India on Saturday during South Africa's thrilling three-wicket win against the co-hosts.
The 27-year-old has been in sensational form, hitting back-to-back centuries against West Indies and the Netherlands, but additional wicketkeeping workload has been taking a toll on his back.
He handed over the wicketkeeping duties to Morne van Wyk in South Africa's last two matches, against England and India, to help his ailing back recover.
South Africa play their next Group B match against Ireland on Tuesday at the Eden Gardens.
Pakistan into quarters after Zimbabwe win
Former champions Pakistan sailed into the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in a rain-affected Group A match at Pallekele stadium on Monday.
Pakistan, set a revised 162-run target in 38 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis formula, successfully achieved that in 34.1 overs on the back of an unbeaten 78 by Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Hafeez (49).
The victory gave the 1992 winners eight points from five matches and a place in the last eight, sending Zimbabwe packing after the first round. New Zealand, Sri Lanka and defending champions Australia make up the other qualifiers from Group A.
The final group standings will depend on the results of the remaining matches in the first phase. The top four teams will also qualify from Group B.
Pakistan's target looked tricky as Zimbabwe bowled a tight line and length. Left-arm spinner Raymond Price (2-21), opening the attack, dismissed opener Ahmed Shahzad (eight) in his second over.
Price and Utseya then bowled two maiden overs before Hafeez and Shafiq - playing his first World Cup match in place of injured Umar Akmal - opened up with some attractive drives.
Hafeez fell one short of his half-century, caught off Utseya after hitting six boundaries during his 65-ball knock. Shahid Afridi promoted himself to number four but managed just three runs. Shafiq and Younis Khan (13 not out) saw Pakistan home. Shafiq hit seven boundaries during his sedate 97-ball knock.
Earlier, seamers Umar Gul (3-36), Abdul Razzaq (1-24) and Wahab Riaz (1-21) removed Zimbabwe's top four for just 43 after Elton Chigumbura won the toss and chose to bat in overcast conditions. Spinners Afridi and Hafeez, with a wicket each, further derailed Zimbabwe, who at the first rain break were 96-5.
Left-hander Craig Ervine fought a lone battle, hitting a patient 52 off 82 balls with five boundaries for his third ODI fifty, before Hafeez bowled him in his first over. Chigumbura (32 not out) and Prosper Utseya (18) added 48 for the seventh wicket.
Zimbabwe made a disastrous start, losing in-form Brendan Taylor off the fifth ball of the innings, caught off Razzaq by wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal. Gul made it 5-2 when he dismissed Regis Chakabva off the last ball of the second over, before removing Vusimuzi Sibanda (five) shortly afterwards.
Ervine and Tatenda Taibu added 30 for the fourth wicket before Wahab Riaz, in for Shoaib Akhtar, had Taibu caught off a miscued drive at mid-off by Afridi for 19. Zimbabwe play their last match against Kenya on March 20.
Pakistan, set a revised 162-run target in 38 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis formula, successfully achieved that in 34.1 overs on the back of an unbeaten 78 by Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Hafeez (49).
The victory gave the 1992 winners eight points from five matches and a place in the last eight, sending Zimbabwe packing after the first round. New Zealand, Sri Lanka and defending champions Australia make up the other qualifiers from Group A.
The final group standings will depend on the results of the remaining matches in the first phase. The top four teams will also qualify from Group B.
Pakistan's target looked tricky as Zimbabwe bowled a tight line and length. Left-arm spinner Raymond Price (2-21), opening the attack, dismissed opener Ahmed Shahzad (eight) in his second over.
Price and Utseya then bowled two maiden overs before Hafeez and Shafiq - playing his first World Cup match in place of injured Umar Akmal - opened up with some attractive drives.
Hafeez fell one short of his half-century, caught off Utseya after hitting six boundaries during his 65-ball knock. Shahid Afridi promoted himself to number four but managed just three runs. Shafiq and Younis Khan (13 not out) saw Pakistan home. Shafiq hit seven boundaries during his sedate 97-ball knock.
Earlier, seamers Umar Gul (3-36), Abdul Razzaq (1-24) and Wahab Riaz (1-21) removed Zimbabwe's top four for just 43 after Elton Chigumbura won the toss and chose to bat in overcast conditions. Spinners Afridi and Hafeez, with a wicket each, further derailed Zimbabwe, who at the first rain break were 96-5.
Left-hander Craig Ervine fought a lone battle, hitting a patient 52 off 82 balls with five boundaries for his third ODI fifty, before Hafeez bowled him in his first over. Chigumbura (32 not out) and Prosper Utseya (18) added 48 for the seventh wicket.
Zimbabwe made a disastrous start, losing in-form Brendan Taylor off the fifth ball of the innings, caught off Razzaq by wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal. Gul made it 5-2 when he dismissed Regis Chakabva off the last ball of the second over, before removing Vusimuzi Sibanda (five) shortly afterwards.
Ervine and Tatenda Taibu added 30 for the fourth wicket before Wahab Riaz, in for Shoaib Akhtar, had Taibu caught off a miscued drive at mid-off by Afridi for 19. Zimbabwe play their last match against Kenya on March 20.
Pakistan seek confidence boost against Zimbabwe
Smarting from their comprehensive drubbing by New Zealand, Pakistan will want to restore their self-confidence with a big win against Zimbabwe in Monday's World Cup Group A match in Kandy.
Pakistan showed uncharacteristic consistency in the tournament, winning their first three matches before Ross Taylor's sensational century snapped their winning streak.
Kamran Akmal's woeful form behind the wicket remains a major worry for the team even though the management has backed the beleaguered stumper to come good.
Umar Akmal's finger injury is also a concern for the side, which otherwise could have asked him to keep wicket instead.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are wary of a Pakistan backlash and while their spinners are capable of restricting most line-ups, their batsmen would face a tough task against a Pakistani attack that includes Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi.
Both teams will also be concerned with the dark clouds that have hovered above the Pallekele ground all weekend and with rain forecast for Monday, the players might not be able to play out 100 overs.
In Chittagong, a bullish Bangladesh will take on a winless Dutch side in a Group B encounter.
On a high after pulling off an upset against England, Shakib Al Hasan's men are on the hunt for another win that would brighten their quarter-final prospects.
For the Netherlands, their last two group stage matches, against Bangladesh and Ireland (March 18), provide them with their best chance of finishing the tournament with at least one victory.
Pakistan showed uncharacteristic consistency in the tournament, winning their first three matches before Ross Taylor's sensational century snapped their winning streak.
Kamran Akmal's woeful form behind the wicket remains a major worry for the team even though the management has backed the beleaguered stumper to come good.
Umar Akmal's finger injury is also a concern for the side, which otherwise could have asked him to keep wicket instead.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are wary of a Pakistan backlash and while their spinners are capable of restricting most line-ups, their batsmen would face a tough task against a Pakistani attack that includes Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi.
Both teams will also be concerned with the dark clouds that have hovered above the Pallekele ground all weekend and with rain forecast for Monday, the players might not be able to play out 100 overs.
In Chittagong, a bullish Bangladesh will take on a winless Dutch side in a Group B encounter.
On a high after pulling off an upset against England, Shakib Al Hasan's men are on the hunt for another win that would brighten their quarter-final prospects.
For the Netherlands, their last two group stage matches, against Bangladesh and Ireland (March 18), provide them with their best chance of finishing the tournament with at least one victory.
Rahim praises Bangladesh bowlers
Bangladesh wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim praised his side for tight bowling and fielding in restricting the Netherlands to just 160 in their crucial World Cup Group B clash on Monday.
The Dutch won the toss and opted to bat but slumped to 160 all out in 46.2 overs despite 53 not out from the dangerous Ryan ten Doeschate. Abdur Razzak was the pick of the bowlers, with 3-29 from his 10 overs.
"After we lost the toss we had to field and our bowlers did a great job to restrict them to 160 and I think all the fielders also fielded well," said Rahim.
Bangladesh did not bowl a single wide or no-ball in a disciplined display.
Rahim said the ground fielding had been excellent, although some catches were dropped. "We will make sure it doesn't happen in the big matches," he added.
"Last match we had a do-or-die match (against England) and everybody was motivated and really performed well and we got over the line and hopefully today we will chase that down."
The Dutch won the toss and opted to bat but slumped to 160 all out in 46.2 overs despite 53 not out from the dangerous Ryan ten Doeschate. Abdur Razzak was the pick of the bowlers, with 3-29 from his 10 overs.
"After we lost the toss we had to field and our bowlers did a great job to restrict them to 160 and I think all the fielders also fielded well," said Rahim.
Bangladesh did not bowl a single wide or no-ball in a disciplined display.
Rahim said the ground fielding had been excellent, although some catches were dropped. "We will make sure it doesn't happen in the big matches," he added.
"Last match we had a do-or-die match (against England) and everybody was motivated and really performed well and we got over the line and hopefully today we will chase that down."
Ponting likely to continue as Oz skipper
Former Australian cricket captains Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor are unlikely to recommend the sack for current skipper Ricky Ponting during their forensic review of Australian cricket.
And, Cricket Australia boss, James Sutherland, too insists that Ponting's captaincy is not in jeopardy despite former captain Ian Chappell and former stars Doug Walters and Geoff Lawson, demanding his sacking.
The panel will interview key figures, including Ponting.
"We're very comfortable with the performance of the team under Ricky," The Daily Telegraph quoted Sutherland, as saying.
"These sorts of things are very much in the hands of selectors. (But) the first thing for any Australian player is performance and Ricky's contribution as a leader . . . he's doing a fantastic job with the one-day side at the World Cup," Sutherland added.
Ponting has said he would take no offence if the review suggested ways he could improve as captain.
"That's what I'm all about-I'm all about learning, every day," he said.
"If there's something that comes out of the review that's going to make me a better player or captain, great. I think that's the attitude and approach we all should have," he added.
And, Cricket Australia boss, James Sutherland, too insists that Ponting's captaincy is not in jeopardy despite former captain Ian Chappell and former stars Doug Walters and Geoff Lawson, demanding his sacking.
The panel will interview key figures, including Ponting.
"We're very comfortable with the performance of the team under Ricky," The Daily Telegraph quoted Sutherland, as saying.
"These sorts of things are very much in the hands of selectors. (But) the first thing for any Australian player is performance and Ricky's contribution as a leader . . . he's doing a fantastic job with the one-day side at the World Cup," Sutherland added.
Ponting has said he would take no offence if the review suggested ways he could improve as captain.
"That's what I'm all about-I'm all about learning, every day," he said.
"If there's something that comes out of the review that's going to make me a better player or captain, great. I think that's the attitude and approach we all should have," he added.
Kenya desperate for international rescue: Kamande
Kenya captain Jimmy Kamande urged cricket chiefs to give his side more top-class matches in between World Cups after his team slipped to a 60- run defeat at the hands of champions Australia.
Although this was their fifth straight loss, Kenya did reduce Australia to 143 for four before the title holders finished on 324 for six.
But Kenya then batted out their full 50 overs to close on 264 for six, with Collins Obuya (98 not out) and Tanmay Mishra (72) both making career-best scores.
It was an impressive display from a Kenya side who were routed for 69 by New Zealand and whose previous best total at this World Cup was the 198 they made in a five-wicket defeat by fellow non-Test side Canada.
This could be 2003 semi-finalists Kenya's last World Cup for some time as the International Cricket Council plans to reduce the number of teams from 14 to 10 in 2015.
Kenya have currently to make do with only a handful of matches against top-class opposition between World Cups and Kamande said: "One thing I know for sure is that if we keep playing against the Test-playing nations or their 'A' sides the (improved) performances will be there.
"But the thing is after this World Cup you might go and never see these teams again so it becomes very difficult.
"If we're going to prepare to play Australia again (in a World Cup) in the next five or 10 years it's going to become very difficult for us (without) regular matches)."
Australia captain Ricky Ponting, in the build-up to this match, had queried Kenya's right to take part in a World Cup but Kamande said: "At the end of the day, we would love to be here again.
"Whoever says we don't deserve to be here that's his own opinion, but I believe we did a lot to be here."
Meanwhile Obuya was both happy and frustrated after surpassing his previous one-day international best of 86 not out against Afghanistan in Nairobi last year.
"I'm very proud of the innings against the world champions. It was very great to score some runs against them and the not-out makes it even better."
The 29-year-old Obuya needed three off the last ball of the match for a century but had to settle for a single off fast bowler Shaun Tait instead.
"I'm very disappointed but I'll settle for 98 each and every day against Australia," Obuya said.
Obuya also took the prize wicket of Ponting, lbw for 36 and the leg-spinner said: "If you're playing a Test team you must have confidence.
"I was hit a couple of times but I was still there (bowling), that's because of the confidence that I have, that I wanted to do so well."
And a sporting Ponting said: "Kenya's performance was solid, you've got to give them some credit for the way they batted."
Although this was their fifth straight loss, Kenya did reduce Australia to 143 for four before the title holders finished on 324 for six.
But Kenya then batted out their full 50 overs to close on 264 for six, with Collins Obuya (98 not out) and Tanmay Mishra (72) both making career-best scores.
It was an impressive display from a Kenya side who were routed for 69 by New Zealand and whose previous best total at this World Cup was the 198 they made in a five-wicket defeat by fellow non-Test side Canada.
This could be 2003 semi-finalists Kenya's last World Cup for some time as the International Cricket Council plans to reduce the number of teams from 14 to 10 in 2015.
Kenya have currently to make do with only a handful of matches against top-class opposition between World Cups and Kamande said: "One thing I know for sure is that if we keep playing against the Test-playing nations or their 'A' sides the (improved) performances will be there.
"But the thing is after this World Cup you might go and never see these teams again so it becomes very difficult.
"If we're going to prepare to play Australia again (in a World Cup) in the next five or 10 years it's going to become very difficult for us (without) regular matches)."
Australia captain Ricky Ponting, in the build-up to this match, had queried Kenya's right to take part in a World Cup but Kamande said: "At the end of the day, we would love to be here again.
"Whoever says we don't deserve to be here that's his own opinion, but I believe we did a lot to be here."
Meanwhile Obuya was both happy and frustrated after surpassing his previous one-day international best of 86 not out against Afghanistan in Nairobi last year.
"I'm very proud of the innings against the world champions. It was very great to score some runs against them and the not-out makes it even better."
The 29-year-old Obuya needed three off the last ball of the match for a century but had to settle for a single off fast bowler Shaun Tait instead.
"I'm very disappointed but I'll settle for 98 each and every day against Australia," Obuya said.
Obuya also took the prize wicket of Ponting, lbw for 36 and the leg-spinner said: "If you're playing a Test team you must have confidence.
"I was hit a couple of times but I was still there (bowling), that's because of the confidence that I have, that I wanted to do so well."
And a sporting Ponting said: "Kenya's performance was solid, you've got to give them some credit for the way they batted."
Kallis hails 'world great' Steyn
Jacques Kallis hailed South Africa teammate Dayle Steyn as the world's greatest bowler on Monday after the paceman's five-wicket performance inspired the crucial World Cup win over India.
Steyn's 5-50 was key to the Proteas' three-wicket win in Nagpur on Saturday after India had been well set for a huge total when they stood at 267-1.
But India lost their last nine wickets for just 29 runs in nine overs to be bowled out for 296.
"It showed why Dale Steyn is the best bowler in the world and has been for a couple of years now," said Kallis.
"What's the difference between a really good bowler and a great one? You can, eventually, subdue a really good bowler and get on top of him, especially as he gets tired."
"You can never do that with Dale. He is as likely to get you out with the new ball as he is with one that is 100-overs old in his sixth spell."
Kallis also admitted that he was relieved to be back among the runs, making 69 against India, having made a total of just 21 in the team's previous three outings.
"It was a relief to contribute some runs for a change after just making 20-odd before," he wrote in a column for the Hindustan Times.
"There's no doubt that conditions changed significantly during the second innings and batting was more awkward."
Steyn's 5-50 was key to the Proteas' three-wicket win in Nagpur on Saturday after India had been well set for a huge total when they stood at 267-1.
But India lost their last nine wickets for just 29 runs in nine overs to be bowled out for 296.
"It showed why Dale Steyn is the best bowler in the world and has been for a couple of years now," said Kallis.
"What's the difference between a really good bowler and a great one? You can, eventually, subdue a really good bowler and get on top of him, especially as he gets tired."
"You can never do that with Dale. He is as likely to get you out with the new ball as he is with one that is 100-overs old in his sixth spell."
Kallis also admitted that he was relieved to be back among the runs, making 69 against India, having made a total of just 21 in the team's previous three outings.
"It was a relief to contribute some runs for a change after just making 20-odd before," he wrote in a column for the Hindustan Times.
"There's no doubt that conditions changed significantly during the second innings and batting was more awkward."
Kenya find a hole or two in Australian armour
Australia's apparently unstoppable journey towards a fourth successive World Cup title moved another step forward on Sunday but not before Kenya, of all teams, had given them plenty to think about.
The Africans have been mainly practice fodder for most of the Group A so Ricky Ponting must have expected a truncated day/nighter, especially after posting 324-6 having overcome a sticky start once they had won the toss and batted first.
Kenya, however, had other ideas. Perhaps they were stung by criticism from home after a number of crushing defeats or perhaps they finally realised latent potential, but for once the Australian pace bowling attack met seriously stern resistance.
True, Australia eventually romped home by a 60-run margin but not before the stubborn Kenyan batsmen had shown other teams that the battery of Shaun Tait, Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee need not necessarily blow away all that comes before it.
At the end of their 50 overs, Collins Obuya remained unbeaten just two runs short of a century which would have been a much deserved reward for an innings he will surely remember for the rest of his life.
But he was not the sole man in the Kenya ranks to bristle defiance in their innings of 264-6.
Tanmay Mishra struck eight fours and a towering six on his way to 72 and was only halted in full flight by one of three run-outs self-inflicted on the African side.
"The guys had nothing to lose and it was good to see them have a bit of fun out there which is the most important thing for a sportsman," Kenyan captain Jimmy Kamande summed up.
The bowlers' somewhat blunt performance on an admittedly benign batting surface was not the only aspect that must have concerned Australian captain Ricky Ponting.
After a bright start from Shane Watson (21) and Brad Haddin (65), a tumble of three wickets for 16 runs left Australia in a spot of bother at 143-4.
But Australia have not won three World Cups on the trot and still remain unbeaten in 33 tournament matches for nothing.
Mike Hussey, returning to the squad as a replacement for the injured seamer Doug Bollinger, hit the ground running to remind everyone what a dangerous asset he is for his team.
He scored 54 to help Michael Clarke (93) add 114 for the fifth wicket and lead their side to what turned out to be an unassailable position.
Afterwards, Ponting blamed his side's inactivity, their last match on March 5 against Sri Lanka was washed out early on by a Colombo deluge, for their "rustiness".
They will now cram in matches against another second tier nation, Canada, on Wednesday before rounding off the round robin group stage with a tougher workout against Pakistan on Saturday in Colombo.
Australia still remain the side to beat here and are now the only undefeated outfit left in the competition following India's loss to South Africa on Saturday.
But Kenya have shown that their much-feared pace attack, rusty or not, need not be so frightening after all.
The Africans have been mainly practice fodder for most of the Group A so Ricky Ponting must have expected a truncated day/nighter, especially after posting 324-6 having overcome a sticky start once they had won the toss and batted first.
Kenya, however, had other ideas. Perhaps they were stung by criticism from home after a number of crushing defeats or perhaps they finally realised latent potential, but for once the Australian pace bowling attack met seriously stern resistance.
True, Australia eventually romped home by a 60-run margin but not before the stubborn Kenyan batsmen had shown other teams that the battery of Shaun Tait, Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee need not necessarily blow away all that comes before it.
At the end of their 50 overs, Collins Obuya remained unbeaten just two runs short of a century which would have been a much deserved reward for an innings he will surely remember for the rest of his life.
But he was not the sole man in the Kenya ranks to bristle defiance in their innings of 264-6.
Tanmay Mishra struck eight fours and a towering six on his way to 72 and was only halted in full flight by one of three run-outs self-inflicted on the African side.
"The guys had nothing to lose and it was good to see them have a bit of fun out there which is the most important thing for a sportsman," Kenyan captain Jimmy Kamande summed up.
The bowlers' somewhat blunt performance on an admittedly benign batting surface was not the only aspect that must have concerned Australian captain Ricky Ponting.
After a bright start from Shane Watson (21) and Brad Haddin (65), a tumble of three wickets for 16 runs left Australia in a spot of bother at 143-4.
But Australia have not won three World Cups on the trot and still remain unbeaten in 33 tournament matches for nothing.
Mike Hussey, returning to the squad as a replacement for the injured seamer Doug Bollinger, hit the ground running to remind everyone what a dangerous asset he is for his team.
He scored 54 to help Michael Clarke (93) add 114 for the fifth wicket and lead their side to what turned out to be an unassailable position.
Afterwards, Ponting blamed his side's inactivity, their last match on March 5 against Sri Lanka was washed out early on by a Colombo deluge, for their "rustiness".
They will now cram in matches against another second tier nation, Canada, on Wednesday before rounding off the round robin group stage with a tougher workout against Pakistan on Saturday in Colombo.
Australia still remain the side to beat here and are now the only undefeated outfit left in the competition following India's loss to South Africa on Saturday.
But Kenya have shown that their much-feared pace attack, rusty or not, need not be so frightening after all.
Ponting happy to get back on the pitch
Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said on Sunday it was good to get out in the middle against Kenya and "blow some cobwebs off" after more than two weeks with very little cricket.
The defending champions, whose win takes them through to the World Cup quarter-finals, scored 324 in their 50 overs and Kenya never looked like catching them, finishing on 264 for six to lose by 60 runs.
It was Australia's first completed match since they beat New Zealand on February 25 in Nagpur. Their clash with Sri Lanka on March 5 was ruined by rain.
"Bit of rust on the team today, even with the batting. We got 320 but a few of us were a little bit rusty and needed some time in the middle," said Ponting.
"We've done plenty of training. We needed to be out there today to blow some cobwebs off and we've done that," he added.
"Full credit to Kenya. I thought they fought the game out particularly well. They batted very well."
And the skipper said he was delighted to have Michael Hussey back in the squad, as a replacement for the injured Doug Bollinger.
"Great to have Huss back around the squad. He fitted back in beautifully today and played the way we know he can play," said Ponting.
Hussey, who made 54, said the team could still improve in many areas.
"Canada is going to be another good hit out for us but Pakistan is going to be a huge game down in Colombo and we should be starting to try and peak around that stage as well," he said, referring to the final two group matches.
Kenya skipper Jimmy Kamande said despite success for his batsmen "at the end of the day we came out second. It's a bit disappointing."
"It was a bit disappointing not to see Collins (Obuya) get a 100 against the defending champions." Obuya finished 98 not out.
But he said: "It's the top 14 teams at the World Cup so if you don't enjoy the moment then I don't know when you're going to enjoy it."
The defending champions, whose win takes them through to the World Cup quarter-finals, scored 324 in their 50 overs and Kenya never looked like catching them, finishing on 264 for six to lose by 60 runs.
It was Australia's first completed match since they beat New Zealand on February 25 in Nagpur. Their clash with Sri Lanka on March 5 was ruined by rain.
"Bit of rust on the team today, even with the batting. We got 320 but a few of us were a little bit rusty and needed some time in the middle," said Ponting.
"We've done plenty of training. We needed to be out there today to blow some cobwebs off and we've done that," he added.
"Full credit to Kenya. I thought they fought the game out particularly well. They batted very well."
And the skipper said he was delighted to have Michael Hussey back in the squad, as a replacement for the injured Doug Bollinger.
"Great to have Huss back around the squad. He fitted back in beautifully today and played the way we know he can play," said Ponting.
Hussey, who made 54, said the team could still improve in many areas.
"Canada is going to be another good hit out for us but Pakistan is going to be a huge game down in Colombo and we should be starting to try and peak around that stage as well," he said, referring to the final two group matches.
Kenya skipper Jimmy Kamande said despite success for his batsmen "at the end of the day we came out second. It's a bit disappointing."
"It was a bit disappointing not to see Collins (Obuya) get a 100 against the defending champions." Obuya finished 98 not out.
But he said: "It's the top 14 teams at the World Cup so if you don't enjoy the moment then I don't know when you're going to enjoy it."
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