Brendon McCullum predicts how Cricket World Cup group stage will finish
Brendon McCullum believes England will finish the World Cup group stage top of the table, and says the hosts will be joined in the semi-finals by India, Australia and New Zealand.
Eoin Morgan’s side, ranked No. 1 in the world in the ICC rankings, defeated South Africa by 104 runs in their opening match of the tournament on Thursday.
Over the past three days, West Indies, Australia and New Zealand have begun their campaigns with victories over Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
With Bangladesh in action at The Oval today, India are the only team still waiting to get their tournament underway. Virat Kohli’s side take on South Africa on Wednesday.
Former New Zealand captain McCullum has revealed his prediction for every group match and believes England will finish on top, with eight wins from nine.
The ex-Kiwi expects India to also finish on 16 points, with defending champions Australia back on 12 with six wins and three defeats.
McCullum has backed New Zealand to clinch the final semi-final spot ahead of West Indies, South Africa, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and bottom-placed Bangladesh.
New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson since McCullum’s retirement, cruised to a 10-wicket victory in their opening fixture against Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson both claimed three wickets for the Black Caps as Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 137 in 29.2 overs in Cardiff.
Martin Guptill and Colin Munro then hit unbeaten centuries as the Kiwis reached the target within 17 overs.
Speaking after the win, Guptill said: ‘You want to build that momentum early at a major event and today, we did that.
‘If we bowl first in the next few games, we’ll back ourselves to make it difficult to score on the back of this performance.
‘If we’re then able to keep coming out and play with a bit of freedom with the bat, we’re going to have a pretty successful tournament.’
