The biggest Cricket extravaganza, the 2011 Cricket World Cup is our way! India, Srilanka and Bangladesh will be hosting the 10th Cricket World Cup that is the 2011 Cricket World Cup. With all set for this biggest event and 14 countries fighting it out, there will be some interesting and great matches in store for us!

Although the world cup this year doesn't seem to be quite predictable, but yet we all are keeping our fingers crossed for our favorite teams to win. In this scenario, Where does India stand? Will India be able to make it to the finals, what do you think? What have the veteran cricketers, ex- cricketers and others have to say regarding India and 2011 Cricket World Cup?

The venues of 2011 Cricket World Cup

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Hotels to stay for 2011 Cricket World Cup Matches

Many cricket enthusiasts are traveling long distances to support their team in the 2011 Cricket World Cup. But as cricket fever goes high so is the no. of spectators in the stadiums. While many of the hotels in the cricket hosting cities have made arrangements for cricket fans coming from different countries, the staggering no. of general public have outnumbered the rooms available in these hotels. Many of the hotels are booked months in advance to host cricket teams, media, and other dignitaries. In this edition we bring to you the list of premium and budget hotels near the cricket venues. Check out the same before you start running out of hotel to stay.

2011 Cricket World Cup

When not watching matches you could also explore some famous tourist destinations located near 2011 Cricket World Cup stadiums.

Places to see near Eden Garden
Places to see near Wankhede Stadium
Places to see near M.A Chidambaram Stadium
Places to see near Feroz Shah Kotla
Places to see near Sardar Patel Stadium
Places to see near Punjab Cricket Association Stadium
Places to see near Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium
Places to see near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

2011 Cricket World Cup Schedule

Top 5 Bowlers to Watch Out For in 2011 Cricket World Cup

Lasith Malinga
Muttiah Muralitharan
Dale Steyn
Morne Morkel
Harbhajan Singh

Top 5 Batsmen to Watch Out For in 2011 Cricket World Cup

Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Hashim Amla (South Africa)
Eoin Morgan (England)
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
Virat Kohli (India

Top Contenders vs. Minnows in 2011 Cricket World Cup

"Cricket is the game of changing fortunes ". Hence expect the unexpected in this World Cup!

This World Cup is heralded as battle for six major contenders, India, Australia, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. But the tournament will not last without its share of 'hups and shocks' given by the so called 'minnows' to the mighty teams. Remember the disastrous match where India and Pakistan were ousted in the first round of the last world cup, after getting defeated by 'minnows' Bangladesh and Ireland respectively.

Even in this edition of World Cup, be prepared for a few surprise packages - Ireland, Kenya, Netherland, Zimbabwe, Canada, in addition to the three under dogs - West Indies, Pakistan and Bangladesh who will create major upsets and will give a tough fight to the 'top contenders'.

Out of these three teams, West Indies seem to be the most interesting one. They are hardly being talked about by cricketing pundits are seen nowhere in picture of being serious contenders. They may not be able to lift the trophy, but they certainly have the team to create major upsets and reach semifinals. Chris Gayle, a destructive opener, the vastly experienced Chanderpaul and a ruthless finisher have the power to turn the game in favor of West Indies in a couple of overs. The team also has a decent pace attack.

Bangladesh is another team to watch out for. After a decent record in the last edition of world cup and the fact that they will be playing at home, will give immense boost to this team. Shakib Ul Hasan, their best all rounder, Tamim Iqbal and Mohmmad Ashraful are good enough to give other teams a mighty fight.

The 'under dogs', Pakistan cannot be just written off. It almost has everything a team needs to win the Cup. A young team with striking players like Umar, Kamran Akmal, Saeed Ajmal and Junaid Khan and experienced players like Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akthar, Abdul Razzaq, Younis Khan and Misbhah Ul Haq who can single handedly win matches can certainly help Pakistan go a long way.

2011 Cricket World Cup - Top Teams Who Will Battle It Out

Following teams emerge as strong favorites to win 2011 Cricket World Cup

Australia

Reigning champions Australia emerge as a clear favorite to win the coveted cup but has definitely got a lot of competition to fight through. They have got some great match winners in Ponting, Watson, Lee, coupled with their superb fielding that deprives the opposition 30 - 40 runs and their never-say-die attitude makes them a force to reckon with. Now looking at the venues of the World Cup 2011, 3 teams, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a high chance of making it to semifinals. Bangladesh too can cause a major upset in the tournament and can make it to quarter finals. The reason for this prediction is that the aforementioned teams always do well on local pitch and weather.

India

India too has a great chance to win the world cup after 1983 as they have the home advantage. Spin will be their main armor throughout the world cup. Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni, Yuvraj and Sehwag are clear match winners who can single-handedly turn the game in their team's favor. Indian team also has a benefit of charismatic leadership of Dhoni who is a top batsman as well.

Sri Lanka

Sub-continent weather and wickets is a big advantage for Sri Lanka and can propel them to a winning event. Sri Lankan team has got some great players such as Sangakara, Mathews, Jayawardene and Malinga.

South Africa

South Africa is has got a tam to envy for. All aspects of their game, be it batting, bowling, or fielding are good. The match winners in their favor are Smith, DeVilliers, Amla and Morkel.

England

England is the reigning T20 champions and high on Ashes victory can definitely go a long way into the tournament. The players who can make a difference to the match with their great performances are Morgan, Peterson and Collingwood.

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2011 Cricket World Cup Stadiums

^*Map Showing the 2011 Cricket World Cup Stadiums in India, Srilanka, and Bangladesh.

Disclaimer: All efforts have been made to make this image accurate. However Mapping Digiworld Pvt Ltd and its directors do not own any responsibility for the correctness or authenticity of the same.

Last Updated on : 2/18/2011