UNITED Arab Emirates’ spirited performances in the matches that they have played so far in the World Cup should ensure that India are not taking them lightly. Despite two huge wins over two quality teams, Pakistan and South Africa, India is aware that two of its games are in New Zealand where the conditions will not only help a bit more swing in the air but also some movement off the pitch. There is also the matter of the weather, which means that points could be shared, and so it is important to win by as big a margin as possible and send a message to the opposition that they better watch out for the Indians.

There is talk that India should use the opportunity to try out some players who have not had a game so as to avoid the prospect of them playing without any match practice in the knockout stages, in the event there is an injury or illness to a regular player. Most teams, of course, prefer not to change a winning combination and India may also do that and play the same eleven that have won them such handsome victories over Pakistan and South Africa.

The longish gap between games also means that players have to recapture their rhythm straightaway, and so the chances of any change look remote.

The United Arab Emirates team comprises mainly of players from the subcontinent who have settled there, and while the batting looks good, it is in the bowling that the lack of experience and exposure at the top level has let them down. Such a lack of experience means that in tight games, as the one they had against Ireland, the skipper also is struggling to get his field right.

Knowing that his bowlers do not have much pace, the team would have benefited from having a long-off than a deep third man and the result would have been different. Hopefully, they will have learnt and give India a tough game, though clearly, India after their current form will start as favourites.

The Australia-New Zealand encounter promises to be a thriller with New Zealand enjoying the home advantage. What is surprising, though, is that the game is apparently being played for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. Australia and New Zealand, despite being neighbours, haven’t played each other for some years now, and so this World Cup clash is being used to play for the Chappell-Hadlee trophy.

The ICC is quite rightly strict about ambush marketing and is severe on those trying to cash in on the World Cup fever without due authorisation. That’s why it is hard to understand how another trophy can be played for within a World Cup. Maybe there is a simple explanation. Let’s wait for it.

By Special Arrangement for Dawn

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2015

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