5 World Cup matches to look forward to in the week of March 2-8

After a bittersweet first half which saw a lot of one-sided matches between the big teams and the Associates instead playing out a few nail-biters, the World Cup breaks for a day on the 2nd of March. But it is beautifully set up thereafter, with the stakes getting higher and quite a few ‘big’ teams feeling the heat. Here’s a look at 5 matches in the next week which can define the latter stages of the tournament:

#1 South Africa vs Ireland - 3rd March

Pool B: South Africa vs Ireland, Manuka Oval, Canberra – 9:00 AM IST

We’re halfway into the tournament, and it's no surprise to see South Africa in second place. The same, however, cannot be said of Ireland, who find themselves in third place, comfortably ahead of the teams closest to them by virtue of having games in hand.

Both teams thrive on attacking cricket and will play without any inhibition. There has been a public display of angst by some Irish players with regard to suggestions of dropping Associate teams from the next edition and it seems to have had some impact on their performances.

South Africa also have a bit to prove after losing to India in a match they would have expected to stretch much closer than they did. A victory against Ireland will all but cement their position at the top half of the group. But Ireland have plenty more to play for. We should be set for a cracker.

#2 Bangladesh vs Scotland - 5th March

Pool A: Bangladesh vs Scotland, Saxton Oval, Nelson – 3:30 AM IST

Australia's loss to New Zealand and England's to Sri Lanka have set up Pool A beautifully for the start of the next week.

Bangladesh got what they will consider a bonus point from their washed-out game against Australia, as it puts them in third place at the start of this match, with the advantage of moving 2 points clear of Australia. It wouldn't have counted as that much of an advantage in normal circumstances, but with Sri Lanka's surge in form, they will not make easy opponents for Australia, who play them next with the likelihood of being behind Bangladesh.

On the other hand, Scotland will see this as the last match where they really have any realistic chances. Victory for them will do little in terms of the tournament unless they follow it up with a couple of miracles and overtake rivals England.

It promises to be an important and exciting encounter.

#3 India vs West Indies - 6th March

Pool B: India vs West Indies, WACA, Perth – 12:00 PM IST

Explosions. Count on this match to have a few.

West Indies might be a frustrating team to follow in terms of consistency and the state of affairs back at home. But the novelty never wears off in watching them play. Even in a World Cup that has been largely disappointing for them, their players have shown that they can be a match for anyone on their day. There is no dull moment when West Indies take the field, and it promises to be a fascinating contest when they take the field this Friday.

MS Dhoni's men, meanwhile, are having a fantastic World Cup so far and look likely to go through the group stages with a 100% win rate.

Even so, this won't be a walkover by any measure. Especially with the West Indies facing the threat of elimination if they lose, one can rest assured that they will be giving it their absolute best against an Indian side that has impressed all and sundry with their displays until now.

#4 Ireland vs Zimbabwe - 7th March

Pool B: Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Bellerive Oval, Hobart – 9:00 AM IST

This fixture will take place on the most important day in Pool B.

Pakistan have shown a semblance of competitiveness against Zimbabwe and will be favourites to win against UAE. This makes a loss unacceptable for Ireland, especially considering their fixture against South Africa earlier in the week.

For Zimbabwe, a loss guarantees elimination. For Ireland, anything but a win will mean difficulty because they play their last two matches against India and Pakistan.

But all permutations apart, this World Cup's theme so far has been seeing Associate teams battling it out. This could be another contest in a similar vein.

#5 Australia vs Sri Lanka - 8th March

Pool A: Australia vs Sri Lanka: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney – 9:00 AM IST

Sri Lanka have found their best form after a huge defeat in their opener against New Zealand. With only two matches to go, and their qualification all but guaranteed thanks to three victories, they will love the fact that they play Australia as the team under lesser pressure.

Australia shouldn’t be too worried, but the fact that they have only one victory in three games so far and that they will probably begin this match chasing Bangladesh on the points table will cause a few jitters. There still appears to be a bit of indecision with their selection - what with Michael Clarke's injury and Shane Watson's poor form - and they'll hope to get that out of the way as quickly as possible.

If Sri Lanka pull off a win here, we will really be in for a tense finish to the group stages over the next week. This game better not be missed!