Two unofficial quarter finals coming up...

New Zealand and the West Indies have recorded wins in their latest games and have therefore booked their places in the semis. This has left two of the remaining Group-stage games: South Africa vs Pakistan and India vs Australia as virtual quarter finals, since all of them have recorded a win each and these two games will be their final in the Group stage of this tournament.

All of the above mentioned teams have had their hands on the Trophy except Pakistan and Australia - two of the more dominant teams in One day cricket in recent times. The game between India and Australia will be more interesting because it involves a battle between the World Champions and the hosts., and great expectations are on them. The outcome of this battle may see the Aussies yet again lose their chance to win a Champions trophy tournament, or it may leave the Indian fans really, deeply dissatisfied and distraught - something that may not bring about desirable consequences. This match was tipped to be one that will attract most attention, and probably the most entertaining and nerve wrecking, and with the state these two teams are in now, the wait is getting more and more impatient.

The other game should not be forgotten meanwhile. Pakistan would want to prove a point that they can perform even with all the problems that have surrounded them in recent times, and South Africa will want to prove many other points - mainly that they are indeed a top contender for the title, as Greame Smith mentioned before the tournament started. Both teams are very strong on paper, have a good seam attack, and are unpredictable as well. It's a 50-50 chance for both teams I would say, and the same can be said for the other 'quarter final'.

It's going to be two interesting matches. I hope that they don't turn out to be one-sided games.

Coming back to the two teams who have already qualified for the next round, the West Indies and New Zealand have done very well in their first round of games, with the West Indies yet to play one more game. With the way England have been playing, it may seem like the West Indies will be the only team to win all their games in the Group stage. Their performance has been very commendable, esp after the thumping against the Sri Lankans. Their middle order hasn't been brittle in the last two games and their seam attack, maybe not as lethal as past West Indian attacks, but they have delivered the goods when required. Taylor's feat against Australia will be remembered for a long, long time. New Zealand on the other hand, have indeed shown us that they are the most underrated team and are capable of walking out with the title for the second time.

Buckle up. Two good matches are on the way. And there is little doubt that the next few will be as good as well.