Pakistani selectors haven’t done their job to the best of their abilities and that’s the reason why Pakistan cricket team has struggled in the matches ahead of the mega event.

Had the selectors done their job well, Pakistan team wouldn’t have struggled against New Zealand in the practice games as well as ODI matches. I believe that they will qualify for the quarter final but they will struggle in the knockout match due to their weak bowling and planning.

I feel that either Sri Lanka or India will qualify for the next round because they have acclimatised to conditions and also have the capability to score freely.

I see hosts Australia and New Zealand in semi-finals because they are playing flawless cricket at the moment. South Africa is a contender for a place in the last four whereas I see India and Sri Lanka in the race, too.

This World Cup will be different from the preceding editions because here runs will be scored freely and due to the fielding restrictions and Power Play, batsmen will have advantage over bowlers. Two new balls from both ends will also make a difference because that is something that will aid only the smartest of captains.

Australia as the team with the most number of exciting cricketers in the tournament. With the explosive David Warner opening the innings, the aggressive Glenn Maxwell coming in the middle and the talented Steven Smith in the form of his life, Aussies have nothing to worry about as far as their batting is concerned. They are playing at home which is no more a negative point, considering India won the last World Cup as hosts.

Australia also has the best bowlers in Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, and quality all-rounders in Mitchell Marsh and Shane Watson. And if they stick to the plan I will not be surprised if they manage to win the World Cup.

-- Sikander Bakht, Pakistan’s former fast bowler in the 1970s and 80s