After scrutinising the sides occupying Pool A of the ICC Cricket World Cup, the second part of our team-by-team preview focuses on the seven nations in Pool B. Boasting power in India and South Africa, and unknown quantities in Ireland and the UAE, the matches promise to be as absorbing as those in Pool A.

 

INDIA

The reigning champions have had a disappointing few months as they prepare to defend their crown. In Australia since before Christmas they’ve under-achieved hugely, heavily outclassed in the Test series against the hosts and then failed to reach the final of the one-day series that also featured England.

This format gives them time to ease their way into the tournament and find their form but much will depend on how much MS Dhoni can inspire his troops in the field.

Strengths – The biggest cricketing nation in the world – they have so much support.

Weaknesses – The biggest cricketing nation in the world – they have so much support!

Player to watch – Virat Kohli was the one Indian batsman to take the fight to the Aussies in the recent Tests. A true world talent who rarely seems to fail in ODIs.

Prediction – Their defence may end at the semi final stage.

 

PAKISTAN

As ever, it’s almost impossible to predict what we’ll get from Pakistan. They see themselves as defending champions because they won the 1992 event, the last time the tournament was played in Australia.

They are a functional unit, capable of beating anyone on their day. Whether they can muster up win after win for six weeks is debatable though.

Strengths – Never know when they are beaten and are used to succeeding after being written off. Won’t be phased, whoever they face.

Weaknesses – Loss of Saeed Ajmal is a major blow. Genuine match-winner but is away having his action rectified by the ICC.

Secure your seats for England v New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June

Player to watch – Mohammed Hafeez. In contrast Hafeez is back after being cleared to bowl. Usually opens the bowling and the batting in ODIs and usually does it successfully.

Prediction – Might win it and might fail to get out of the pool but in all probability will bow out at the quarter final stage.

 

SOUTH AFRICA

Could this be the year when South Africa break their duck and lift a major world title for the first time? Clearly they are well-fancied and, on paper, have a squad that seems capable of beating anyone.

There doesn’t seem to be any obvious weakness with a high-quality top order, a potent new ball attack and the spin of Imran Tahir (plus assorted part-timers). Oh, and AB de Villiers.....

The South African captain may well be the man of the tournament. If so, the World Cup may be in his hand luggage on the way back to Jo’burg.

Strengths – 1-11

Weaknesses – It’s hard to re-write history after years of begin dogged with 'choking' tags and throwing away golden chances to reach finals.

Player to watch – AB de Villiers. Anyone who can hit a century off 31 balls (as he did against West Indies last month) has to be taken seriously.

Prediction – Semi finals (as usual)

 

WEST INDIES

Internal in-fighting has hardly been the ideal way for the West Indies to prepare for this tournament. Two of their big names, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo have been axed and won’t take part, and more chopping and changing has left the side in the inexperienced care of young skipper Jason Holder.

Whether he can galvanise a side that notoriously relies on flair and individuality remains open to conjecture. More than likely we’ll have the sharp contrast between them providing a mixture of enjoyment and frustration to watch. They still have some match-winners in Gayle, Samuels and Sammy but other squads appear stronger.

Strengths – We all love the West Indies and their brand of calypso cricket but that support can only help them so much.

Weaknesses – Just not enough players with the consistency to regularly succeed at this level.

Player to watch – Chris Gayle remains the most languid cricketer on the planet but his off-days tend to outnumber his good ones in recent times. May have one or two explosive knocks but made just 0 and 1 in the two warm-ups this week and that is more a representation of his recent form.

Prediction – Quarter finalists

 

ZIMBABWE

It’s been a topsy-turvy few years for Zimbabwean cricket and it’s good that they are still competing as strongly as they are.

That said, this is a tough pool and they will have to over-achieve massively to qualify for the latter stages.

Strengths –  Another side that are strong on team spirit and unity, best hopes lie in the batting.

Weaknesses – Bowling looks a little light. Particularly against some of the stronger teams they will do well to keep scores in check.

Player to watch – Elton Chigumbura, captain, key batsman, key bowler

Prediction – May just have the one win to celebrate

 

IRELAND

It’s that time once again to remember that Ireland have a cricket team. Despite their progress over the past decade they still seem no nearer to getting Test recognition, so they have to take their opportunity at the ICC World T20 and the ICC World Cup.

Many of their players are household names, either from their performances in county cricket or in past tournaments and their preparation has included a win over Bangladesh.

Strengths – Quite simply, they have some very good players who know how to win games of cricket

Weaknesses – Don’t get as many opportunities as they should to play against the very best.

Player to watch – Paul Stirling. In a tournament that’s all about big-hitting, very few hit the ball as hard or as far as the Middlesex man. If he gets in – and stays in – he may become the Kevin O’Brien of 2015.

Prediction – Will flirt with qualifying for the next stage but may just, narrowly, miss out.

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The unknowns of the tournament, as well as the bookmakers complete outsiders, the United Arab Emirates should look to enjoy themselves and soak up as much experience as they can to make sure they qualify the next time and the time after that.

Unfancied to win any matches, everything will be a bonus for them. If they adopt that policy and listen to the wise words of Nottinghamshire’s Paul Franks, a member of the UAE’s coaching staff, then they might just be able to pull off a surprise victory.

Strengths – No-one has any expectations about them doing well.

Weaknesses – Lack of exposure at this level.

Player to watch – Paul Franks says to look out for Mohammad Naveed, a fast-bowling all-rounder 

Predictions – With Franks involved, never write them off.

 

Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to take in what promises to be an absorbing contest and secure your seat now.