Matches to watch out for in group stages - 1

India versus Bangladesh

Venue/date/time: Mirpur/ Feb 19/ 1400 IST
Key players: Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Virender Sehwag and Yusuf Pathan
Player battles: Tamim versus Zaheer
What to watch out for: Bangladesh had created a sensation in the 2007 World Cup when they shocked India and eventually knocked them out of the World Cup. That win had propelled Bangladesh to new heights in cricket. They recently demolished New Zealand 4-0 in a home series and also had given England a run for their money last year. India, on the other hand took the 2007 shocker to rebuild and from then went on to become T20 World Champions, World Number one test team and a formidable force in the limited over format. But, even then the defeat of 2007 will be fresh in the minds of Indian players and that could create a few stutters at least early on in the match

South Africa versus West Indies

Venue/date/time: Delhi/ Feb 24/ 1430 IST
Key players: Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle
Player battles: Steyn versus Pollard
What to watch out for: West Indies may be down and out in cricket but they have a team full of explosive talents. From Chris Gayle to Pollard to Bravos, this team is capable of beating anybody of their day. South Africa is easily one of the favourites to win the World Cup. Yet, the WI-SA clash should throw up an exciting fare going by the record of clashes between the sides over the years in World Cup matches. What will happen if Chris Gayle hits Steyn out of the attack. Should be a pulsating affair

India versus England

 

Venue/date/time: Bangalore/ Feb 27/ 1430 IST
Key players: Kevin Pieterson, Graeme Swann, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag
Player battles: Pieterson versus Harbhajan, Swann versus Pathan
What to watch out for: This is a new-look England side compared to the ones that has played World Cup events over the years. This team has just won the Ashes and is considered very strong on paper. But, with little to show in the limited overs format, England will have to play really well to upstage India at home. We saw Chinnaswamy virtually turning square during the warm-up matches. While this would excite someone like Swann, it would also unnerve the English batsmen, who do not like excessive turn. All eyes will be on Pieterson. If he can weave his magic, anything can happen