'If India don't win then I don't think they'll be allowed home!'
Saturday 21 March 2015 15:23, UK
‘England pathetic!’ That was Sir Ian Botham’s view on Twitter after Eoin Morgan’s men crashed out in the World Cup group stages.
Beefy will be back on Saturday to analyse England’s plight in more depth after the last of the quarter-finals, between New Zealand and West Indies.
Before then the former all-rounder has cast his eye over the last-eight clashes - all of which you can watch on Sky Sports World Cup - and here are his match predictions…
South Africa v Sri Lanka
Wednesday 18 March, 3am
BEEFY: “South Africa should win this one but it will be close. They were well beaten by India and Pakistan but this Sri Lanka side doesn't have the bowling strength of previous tournaments and that could be crucial. AB de Villiers is the key man for South Africa, while Kumar Sangakkara has been magnificent in this tournament.”
Prediction: South Africa win (4/9)
India v Bangladesh
Thursday 19 March, 3am
BEEFY: “If India don't win this match then I don't think they will be allowed home. They have been very impressive so far and have the momentum behind them. Their form coming into this World Cup was awful but they have proved everyone wrong and could go all the way.”
Prediction: India win (1/7)
Australia v Pakistan
Friday 20 March, 3am
BEEFY: “Australia should win this one but Pakistan can be dangerous and unpredictable so they will need to be careful. For me, if Mitchell Starc performs Australia will win.”
Prediction: Australia win (1/4)
New Zealand v West Indies
Saturday 21 March, 12.30am
BEEFY: “It's hard to back against New Zealand in this one. They have been impressive and seem to be growing in confidence with every match. Brendon McCullum has been quiet in recent matches so he's due some runs and could be the man to watch. They remain the team to beat in this tournament in my opinion."
Prediction: New Zealand win (2/7)
Watch all of this week’s quarter-final matches live on Sky Sports World Cup, starting with South Africa v Sri Lanka live from 3am on Wednesday morning.
