The Biggest Rivalry in all of sports? Playoff previews? What does Week 2 have in store?

The World Cup roared to life in its opening week, delivering a mix of thrilling surprises and déjà vu moments that left cricket fans on the edge of their seats. Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway took the stage, leaving the Englishmen dumbfounded. South Africa, armed with their willows, put on a masterclass in batting, reminiscent of their 2015 thrashing of India when they blazed to 438 runs in the fifth game of the ODI series. It was a reminder of their sheer firepower with the bat. Pakistan, not to be outdone, conquered the Dutch, despite a momentary flutter as they found themselves struggling at 220/6. And let's not forget the thrilling showdown where Bangladesh's bowling prowess tore through the Afghan batting lineup, setting the stage for a gripping contest.

Now, let's fast forward to the burning question on every cricket enthusiast's mind – what does Week 2 have in store? Which clashes are the ones that will have you glued to your screens, unable to look away? Let's dive into the must-watch games of the upcoming week.

Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka

Pakistan: Fresh off a somewhat lackluster performance against the Netherlands, Pakistan delivered another resounding testament to the power of their bowling brigade. In the heart of this cricketing spectacle, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel emerged as the architects of change, but for Pakistan to rise to the occasion against mightier adversaries, their batsmen must find their rhythm. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman collectively mustered a mere 17 runs off 33 balls. It's not hyperbole to suggest that had it not been for the spirited efforts of the lower-order heroes, the Netherlands could very well have scripted an improbable triumph. On the flip side, we witnessed the awe-inspiring partnership of Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The fate of Pakistan in this prestigious tournament appears intricately entwined with these two titans, and their showdown against the Dutch was a stark reminder of their indispensability. As the spotlight turns towards a formidable Sri Lankan lineup, it becomes abundantly clear that both Rauf and Afridi must operate at the peak of their prowess. A single misstep from either of them could pave the way for Sri Lanka to set an imposing target, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Pakistan's campaign.

Sri Lanka: Picture this: if Kusal Mendis had stayed at the crease for a mere 10 more overs, the entire complexion of the game would have metamorphosed into something magical. Their batting prowess was on full display, as they managed to notch up an impressive 326 runs in an ODI, even in the face of defeat. It's a testament to their strength at the crease, especially considering South Africa boasted one of the fiercest pace attacks in the tournament. Sri Lankan batters fought valiantly to keep their side in the hunt, showing resilience in the face of adversity. However, as the dust settled, it became painfully clear that Sri Lanka's Achilles' heel was their bowling. Surrendering a colossal 428 runs in an ODI was akin to the opposing team playing the equivalent of two-and-a-half T20 matches. Their bowling attack was a blend of inexperience and uncharted territory. With only two out of the six bowlers having prior World Cup match experience, it was evident that Sri Lanka was rebuilding their bowling unit. Yet, the challenge ahead loomed large, as they had to brace themselves for a formidable Pakistani batting lineup, knowing that their newfound bowling talents needed to rise to the occasion.

Ground: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad

As we saw in the Pakistan-Netherlands game, the pitch could produce high-scoring affairs. Pakistan will have an advantage heading into the game as they have already played here, but it expects to be more helpful for the seamers. Winning the toss this time of the year will prove to be a huge advantage, as the dew is sure to play a factor in the second innings.

Prediction: Pakistan beats Sri Lanka 

Australia vs. South Africa

Australia: The Australian batting performance in their recent outing left much to be desired, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their upcoming clash with South Africa. Eyes will be on Cameron Green, Mitch Marsh, and Marnus Labuschagne, whose bats need to ignite with greater intensity. Amidst this challenge, the reassuring presence of Steve Smith and David Warner, who displayed their mettle with decent innings, offers solace to the Australian camp. As we previously discussed in our latest blog (if you haven't already, do check it out),  Australia's ace in the hole lies in its formidable lower order. This attribute was evident in their last match when they had India on the ropes. Had Mitch Marsh managed to clutch onto that pivotal Virat Kohli catch, the game's narrative might have taken a completely different turn. Nevertheless, the Australians managed to maintain a tight leash on the Indian batsmen, although their target ultimately failed to cast a spell of fear upon India's formidable lineup. Now, they find themselves facing a South African batting order that recently etched their name in history by amassing a mammoth 428 runs against Sri Lanka. It's crystal clear that Australia's fortunes hinge on their bowlers.  A loss here would plunge them into a precarious 0-2 position in the tournament standings, adding an extra layer of urgency and intrigue to this impending battle. 

South Africa: Not much can be said about a batting lineup that came out swinging with all guns blazing. When a team amasses a formidable 428 runs, it's challenging to find any chinks in their armor to critique. Instead, let's shift our gaze towards the bowling department. No matter how you phrase it, their performance against Sri Lanka was far from stellar. The least expensive bowler in the squad conceded runs at an economy rate of 6.10. When a team is giving away runs at such a rate over the course of 50 overs, it adds up to over 305 runs in total. Granted, the bowlers might have felt a bit more relaxed than usual, buoyed by the extraordinary performance their batters put on display. However, it's crucial to remember that this was considered one of the most formidable pace attacks entering the World Cup, led by none other than Kagiso Rabada himself. The key to success against the Australians, who are currently struggling with their confidence, lies in applying relentless pressure from the get-go. South Africa won't be able to dismantle them as effortlessly as they did with the Sri Lankans. A victory for South Africa would not only mark a significant win but also provide them with an early boost in the playoff race, setting the stage for a thrilling cricketing contest.

Ground: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

A fairly new ground, only 9 ODI's have ever been played at this stadium. The last ODI played at this stadium was held over a year ago, so there is not much data to predict how it affects the progression of the game.

Prediction: Australia beats South Africa