Sachin predicts sub-continent winner in 2015
NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar finally achieved his One-day World Cup dream in his six and final try, India triumphing in his backyard in 2011. He has signed off from the mega event but is confident a sub-continent team, with India the best at the moment, will win the 2015 edition to be staged in Australia and New Zealand.
While the conditions will test the Asian teams, Tendulkar believes India will find the going tougher in New Zealand. “Along with India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also good sides. I’m partial towards India and want them to do well. That would be really exciting. It will give so much happiness to the entire nation,” he said in comments released by the International Cricket Council to mark the 500-day countdown to the event.
KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT Tendulkar, the only player other than Javed Miandad to feature in six World Cups, said: “I think most of our guys have been to Australia. They know what to expect.” India play a four-test series in Australia in 2014-15 and a Tri-series, ahead of the World Cup.
Recalling India’s 14-run defeat against New Zealand in the 1992 World Cup, his first, Tendulkar said: “I remember our match in Dunedin, where it was extremely cold and windy. Whenever a batsman hit the ball with the wind, it would travel 10 yards further, but when we had to play against the wind, the ball travelled 10 yards less! “As there is a tour to New Zealand planned in early 2014, it should give them good exposure to the conditions there.”
A total of 49 matches will be played over 44 days at 14 venues. All 14 teams will need to play in both Australia and New Zealand.