Quarter-final fight heats up
The business end of the 2015 World Cup is drawing near, as the planet's best compete for the coveted title at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 29 March.
Sri Lanka, Pakistan, New Zealand and India remain in the hunt for a semi-final berth, as was the case in 2011, but the eight quarter-final berths are still a relatively open field.
England, who lost to the Sri Lankans four years ago, won't likely graduate to the final eight – and South Africa, formerly ousted by the Black Caps, have their usual tournament bogey to overcome.
The four group stages in 2007, too, show a heavily-contest couple of months. This has since slimmed, streamlining circumstances and scenarios for so-called minnows Ireland, Scotland, Bangladesh and the like.
True, Kenya, Canada and the Netherlands didn't manage to qualify this time around, but they'll return, as they did in 2003. All things considered, though, it's the Aussies who are well on course for a fourth triumphant campaign in five attempts since 1999's ODI showpiece in the United Kingdom.
Latest
-
NewsRuthless Warwickshire clinch County Championship title
The Bears and Lancashire will face each other in the Bob Willis Trophy final.
-
NewsWarwickshire pip Lancashire to County Championship title
The Red Rose had wrapped up victory on Thursday but their hopes were ended at Edgbaston.
-
NewsOn this day in 2017: Moeen Ali hits England’s second quickest ODI hundred
The all-rounder smashed eight sixes to help his side beat the West Indies.
-
NewsHeather Knight happy to get monkey off back and lead England to series victory
Knight’s 101 ensured England won a nerve-racking series decider in Derby.
-
NewsHeather Knight century leads England to victory over New Zealand at Derby
Knight struck a classy 101 from 106 deliveries to take her team to the cusp of victory.
-
NewsLancashire keep title hopes alive with thrilling one-wicket win over Hampshire
A tense third day saw the Red Rose get over the line by one wicket to end Hampshire’s title bid.
-
NewsDanny Briggs stars as Warwickshire take edge in title push against Somerset
Ex-Hampshire ace Danny Briggs could have helped take the title away from his old club.
-
NewsEngland will carefully manage ‘warrior’ Katherine Brunt, Heather Knight assures
Brunt, 36, almost single-handedly made a game of the third ODI against New Zealand on Tuesday.
-
NewsThe MCC replaces the word ‘batsman’ with ‘batter’ in the laws of cricket
2017 Wotld Cup winner Alex Hartley has suggested ‘nightwatcher’ should replace ‘nightwatchman’ and ‘third’ should be used instead of ‘third man’.
-
NewsHeather Knight accepts and understands Pakistan tour decision
The England Women captain says the decision was taken out of the team’s hands.