The 2015 ODI World Cup will see some epic encounters like India vs Pakistan and Australia vs England. But more exciting than the teams clashing will be the individual battles that will take place when these teams collide. Here are the top 10 individual contests from the group stages:
1. David Warner vs James Anderson (Australia vs England, February 14)
What a cracker to kick-start the World Cup proceedings! Will the Aussie opener hit Mr Anderson out of the park or will the English pacer get the better of Warner?
2. Mitchell Johnson vs Ian Bell (Australia vs England, February 14)
Another clash to watch out for is this ODI version of the Ashes. My bet is on Johnson to get Bell out with a scorching delivery.
3. Steve Smith vs Stuart Broad (Australia vs England, February 14)
Smith is in form but Broad has tricks up his sleeve. The Aussie probably will get off to a good start before the English paceman gets his scalp.
4. Lasith Malinga vs Brendon McCullum (New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, February 14)
McCullum will be playing on home turf but the Lankan pacer, with his unique bowling action, can definitely pose a few problems for the Kiwi.
5. Virat Kohli vs Wahab Riaz (India vs Pakistan, February 15)
In the mother of all clashes, will India’s best batsman make a statement or will Riaz get another fifer against India like he did in 2011?
6. Rohit Sharma vs Mohammed Irfan (India vs Pakistan, February 15)
Another battle during the India-Pakistan clash will be between the elegant Sharma and the 7-foot tall Irfan. Who will prevail?
7. Virat Kohli vs Dale Steyn (India vs South Africa, February 22)
Steyn will look to impose himself on this World Cup with the pitches and conditions suiting his bowling. But will the angry young man of Indian cricket put him in his place?
8. Rohit Sharma vs Morne Morkel (India vs South Africa, February 22)
The pace of Morkel against the class of Sharma. All the makings of an epic contest!
9. Chris Gayle vs Dale Steyn (South Africa vs West Indies, February 27)
Gayle has pummeled Styen all over the park in countless IPL matches. But a World Cup encounter will be another matter altogether. Who dares wins!
10. Kemar Roach vs Hashim Amla (South Africa vs West Indies, February 27)
One of the most talented batsmen of this tournament will be up against the unpredictable Kemar Roach. Who will prevail?