ICC World Cup 2019: 5 bold predictions for the showpiece event 

The countdown for the world's biggest cricketing carnival has begun. Soon, 10 of the finest ODI teams will take on each other in the race to be crowned as the World Champions.

Set to be flagged off on 30 May in England, the ICC World Cup 2019 has already sent the fans into a frenzy, bringing back the memories of the previous championships.

From stunning milestones to unforgettable upsets, the World Cup tournaments have seen them all. Be it India's inspiring triumph in 1983, Imran Khan's heroics in 1992, Sri Lanka's rise in 1996, Adam Gilchrist's blitzkrieg in 2007, or even Chris Gayle and Martin Guptill's double tons in 2015, there have been several timeless moments that have been etched in the fans' memories.

This year's World Cup looks to be no different. As we gear up for a season of jaw-dropping feats and astonishing glories, here are 5 bold predictions for cricket's showpiece event in 2019.

#5 West Indies to be the dark horses

West Indies pack plenty of match-winners in their ranks

Winning the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979, West Indies used to reign supreme as the mightiest force in one-day cricket. Fast forward four decades: the team is now ranked eighth in the world, and mired in poor form and several unnecessary controversies.

Talk about the favourites to clinch the title this year and the likes of England, India and Australia would immediately emerge as the front-runners. However, entering the competition with not many expectations on them, West Indies can certainly prove to be the dark horses.

While the names Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis and Kemar Roach can strike fear in any opponent, the likes of Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran and Darren Bravo are talents that are too good to not pay heed to.

Known to bring in an exciting flavor into world tournaments, the Windies would look to shed their tag of "underdogs" and cause plenty of surprises with some power-packed performances.

#4 David Warner and Steve Smith to lead Australia's charge

Steve Smith and David Warner will hold the key for Australia's fortunes

An ugly spate of controversies in early 2018 saw the careers of Australian cricketers Steve Smith and David Warner hit a new low. Found guilty of indulging in the act of ball tampering, the two were ousted from the national team for a year.

The ban had a telling effect of Australia's performances in international cricket. Missing match-winners with the bat and lacking stable leadership across all formats, the Aussies were found wanting with multiple potholes, which resulted in a string of losses.

However, the return of Warner and Smith has suddenly changed Australia's prospects and has thrown a wind of caution to the opponents. Both Warner and Smith have looked in brilliant touch of late and are expected to play a key role in their side's chances in the competition.

Expect Warner and Smith to take this World Cup by storm and prove their mettle yet again.

#3 Sri Lanka to be knocked out early

Sri Lanka have been in terrible form in recent times

Being battered by New Zealand, Australia and South Africa successively in different formats, Sri Lanka haven't painted a pretty picture for their fans ahead of the World Cup. Lacking consistency ever since the retirement of Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Tilakaratne Dilshan, the Islanders' results have been in a constant slump.

Barring occasional sparks from the likes of Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera and Lasith Malinga among others, the Sri Lankans are yet to find a match-winner who delivers the goods on a consistent basis. Also, the fact that seniors like Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal have been plagued by injuries and inconsistency hasn't helped the team's cause either.

Come the World Cup and Sri Lanka will be locking horns with several fierce competitors. The task will certainly not be an easy one, and an extension of their poor form could well mean curtains for them in the early stages of the tournament.

#2 Pakistan to be one of the semi-finalists

England are one of the title favourites this year

These are my picks for the semifinals this year:

England: In hindsight, the early exit from the 2015 World Cup has proved to be a blessing in disguise for England. Seeking redemption ever since, the Eoin Morgan-led side has crept up the ranks at an unbelievable pace to emerge as one of the strongest competitors going into the showpiece event this year.

Packed with superstars including Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes among others, the host nation is expected to go all the way and win its first World Cup this year.

India: One of the most consistent ODI teams in the last four years, the men in blue are touted to be a daunting opposition for any side. Featuring the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Jasprit Bumrah in their ranks, the Indians are likely to give England a run for their money in the race to glory this year.

Australia: After winning the ODI series against Pakistan and India, Australia's prospects certainly look in good shape. The Aaron Finch led side has overcome poor form in an incredible way to get back into the title race this year.

Possessing players like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, the team from Down Under is expected to give a tough fight while defending its title. Also, the addition of David Warner and Steve Smith should add a new spark to their hopes.

Pakistan: Expect the ever-mercurial Pakistan to put up an inspiring show in the upcoming World Cup. The sub-continent team has been led well by Sarfaraz Ahmed in the past few years. Despite losing the just-concluded series to England, Pakistan were hailed for putting up a fighting show throughout.

Interestingly, the team has a history of doing well in world tournaments played in England. The Champions Trophy victory in 2017 was just the latest instance of that.

#1 MS Dhoni to retire immediately after the World Cup

MS Dhoni may soon hang up his boots from international cricket

The year 2019 likely to witness MS Dhoni making his last World Cup appearance. Now in the twilight of his career, the celebrated Indian cricketer hasn't found the going easy of late.

While his blistering show in the recently concluded IPL will not be forgotten anytime soon, sights of him panting and cramping during a prolonged innings have caused plenty of worries to his fans.

However, Dhoni is the most experienced man in India's 15 member squad for the WC. Apart from playing a crucial role with the bat down the order, the former Indian skipper is also expected to help Virat Kohli with on-field tactics.

Expect Dhoni to be at his full prowess and finish off on a high note before biding adieu to his beloved game, and make way for the likes of Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan.