I wrote this a few hours after two of the most shocking upsets in World Cup history. Both India and Pakistan have lost. India still have some hope, with that big win against Bermuda and a game in hand. Pakistan, however, have no such hope. Having already lost to the West Indies, they are out of the world cup.
The Format
When the organizing committee of the Cricket World Cup (CWC2007) came up with the present format, it was hailed by one and all. “We give a chance to the minnows, polish them off and have a proper world cup in the 92 format among the 8 major teamsâ€, they said. Most people nodded. One thing, however, that people didn’t reckon was about the impact of an upset.
The pair of Saturday’s upsets has created havoc in the world cup schedule. Ireland are most probably through to the super eight, and Bangladesh will also be fancying their chances. However, it is unlikely that the minnows can consistently sustain their form, and this means that their games in the super eight will be rendered useless. Another upset, and England’s poor form could actually render the whole super eight exercise to a sham!
