Four mouth-watering clashes at this World Cup
Kunal Wagle picks out the four group stage matches that he is most looking forward to at this year’s World Cup
Australia v England
Melbourne Cricket Ground, 14th February
The first game in Australia in the tournament is one of the biggest there can be. Both sides will be looking to make an early statement to their group about what to expect.
India v Pakistan
Adelaide Oval, 15th February
The opening weekend ends with the biggest clash of them all. India haven’t lost to Pakistan in a World Cup before, but Pakistan will know that India have never looked so vulnerable going into a World Cup.
India v South Africa
Melbourne Cricket Ground, 22th February
The two most explosive batting line-ups from the past year face off in the crunch match in Pool B. Expect fireworks from both sides in what tournament seeds predict will be the battle for pole position.
New Zealand v Australia
Eden Park, 28th February
The two hosts play each other on New Zealand’s home turf. The Kiwis have been in a rich vein of form and have looked invincible at home recently. But Australia is also looking incredibly strong. It takes a brave person to suggest this isn’t a potential prequel to the final.
