Who I think will win the World Cup/Who to look out for.

Ah lovely, the final World Cup thingy before I embark on the hell of listing my top 100 albums of all time. That has been difficult to whittle down, so doing the rest will be harder, but fun, I'll be listening to them in reverse order, which is cool. Anyway, cricket. In the previous 2 posts I listed a host of reasons why I think the major sides won't win the World Cup. Now, I'll tell you who I think will win the World Cup, and why. If anyone read the previous posts, I wonder if you were able to guess who my pick was. I'd be interested in knowing. So...

WHY SRI LANKA WILL WIN THE 2011 ICC WORLD CUP.

- Last time they hosted, they won it. History is on the Sri Lankans side. In 1996, they co-hosted the tournament with India and Pakistan, as they do here. In that tournament, an unfancied side went through the tournament winning every game they played, and embarrassing many a heralded side in the process. They hammered England in the quarters, had India on the brink of debacle in the semis, and made light work of Australia in the final. Back then, the side was strong but unfancied. Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana are thought of as trail blazers, but rarely did they put a strong opening stand together. Gurushina and Ranatunga were terrible runners between the wickets, and the pace bowling attack was far weaker than it is now. Now they come to host it again, and can rightly be considered one of the strongest sides. They have always been strong at home, even back to before 1996. They will continue that here.

- They have the most balanced squad. There are no weak areas in the Sri Lankan side. The squad has 6 frontline batsmen, the best wicket keeper batsman in the world, a very exciting up and coming all rounder, 4 proven quick bowlers and 3 different spin options. They have a side for all subcontinental conditions, and cover every possible base. It is daunting, to say the least.

- Muttiah Muralitharan. The worlds leading wicket taker in both tests and one day internationals, this tournament will be his international swansong. He is still one of the worlds top bowlers, and will want to go out with a bang.

- 'Slinger' Malinga. In the last World Cup, South Africa were coasting to victory against Sri Lanka, needing next to no runs with 5 wickets in hand. The ball is thrown to Malinga, and just like that, 4 wickets in 4 balls. He is the definition of explosive, bowls better yorkers than anyone in world cricket, and is an absolute handful at the beginning of an innings and at the death. I'd put money on him being the leading wicket taker.

- Their batting order is very strong, very varied, very experienced. Dilshan is reinventing limited overs opening, and has been consistent at doing it. Tharanga has quietly been plundering runs. Jayawardene and Sangakkara would walk into any other side here. Samaraweera has come back extremely strong over the last couple of years. Chamara Silva and Kapugedera are both quality back up players. Not only that, but they bat deep. As mentioned previously, Angelo Mathews is a very exciting all rounder, and even Kulasekera, Perera and Malinga can bat, as soon in the recent series against Australia. There are no weak points in their batting line up.

- They are no longer carrying Sanath Jayasuriye. A lot of Sri Lankans have been angry about the exclusion of Jayasuriye, but I would consider this a good move by the selectors. He hasn't been anywhere near his best at international level for a number of years, and was beginning to become a liability at the top of the order. His omission gives a fresh feel to the line up. Whilst his part time spin could have argued for his inclusion, Dilshan and Samaraweera both fill in this spot.

So there you have it. If I was a betting man, Sri Lanka would have my money for the 2011 World Cup. India and South Africa are both strong, but I think Sri Lanka just seem faultless for this competition. What do you think?

10 Players to watch out for.
Virat Kohli (India): One of the form players in ODI cricket right now, its touch and go whether he will be in the first XI, but anyone thinking Indias chances revolve around Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambhir and Dhoni will be proved wrong.
Jesse Ryder (New Zealand): Provided he stays fit, Ryder will be one of the most exciting players to watch this year. His medium pace will prove a handful on sub continent pitches as well.
Kemar Roach (West Indies): The shining light of the West Indian pace attack, Roach is hostile and aggressive, and whilst he will go for runs, theres always a chance he will obliterate a top order.
Ryan ten Doeschate (Netherlands): By far the best Associate player around these days, ten Doeschate would be pushing for a squad place in England or South Africas side, if he chose to pursue those avenues. A consistent performer in English and Australian domestic competitions, he is quality.
Mahmudullah (Bangladesh): Very consistent lower order all rounder for the Tigers, he has impressed with both bat and ball in the last couple of years and is a key member of an improving Bangladeshi side.
Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh): He burst onto the scene by thwacking India around in the last World Cup, and now he is known world wide for his ability at the top of the order. Expect more fireworks.
Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan): Everyone loves Shoaib. He's getting on a bit now, but he still runs in like a man possessed and only has interests in bowling fast. This will be his last world cup, and he won't go out with a whimper.
Cameron White (Australia): All rounder turned leg spinner turned middle order batsman, White has quietly become a fixture in Australias one day side. He has the ability to play all types of innings, and is very underappreciated. A key component of the Aussie side.
Eoin Morgan (England): Another who is no longer a secret in world cricket, his unique style and ability to create shots out of nothing is key to an England side with its highest hopes since 1992.
Imran Tahir (South Africa): He only qualified for the country on new years day. The last time the South Africans had a wrist spinner in the squad it was the frog in a blender Paul Adams in 1996. Tahir has performed fantastically on the not so spin friendly pitches in South Africa, and could be a handful in the subcontinent. If he gets a game that is.

So there you have it. Sri Lanka to win the trophy, Malinga to be top wicket taker, and I'll go with Hashim Amla as top run scorer. I hope anyone has enjoyed reading! Top 100 albums start tomorrow.