From one-sided affairs to heavy downpour - A look at the World Cup so far

We are half-way into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and the atmosphere in England has been great but even then, there have been a couple of issues, a majority of which can be linked with the incessant rains that have washed out three games thus far.

As it was expected, India and England have emerged as the teams to beat. New Zealand, too are yet to lose a single game while South Africa battle to stay in the competition. Throughout the first few weeks, there have been quite a few notable moments.

Here are a few key points from the tournament thus far-

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#4 One-sided affairs

Colin Munro and Martin Guptill celebrate their 100-run partnership v Sri Lanka

This World Cup had a great buzz about it not only because it followed an ideal format but in addition to that, each team came into the competition with an equal chance of beating any opponent.

However, contrary to the expectations, the competition hasn't been quite there. Most of the matches have surprisingly been lop-sided. There hasn't been a single match going into the last over with both teams in the game.

While games have turned on their heads, there has not been too much of thrill involved, except for the game between Australia and West Indies and talking of the upsets, barring Bangladesh's win over South Africa, there haven't been any.

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#3 Cricket vs Rain

Covers on during the India v Pakistan match

The most frustrating part in this World Cup have been the constant rain interruptions, which have either curtailed matches or washed them out without a ball being bowled. Close to 12% of the matches have been washed out while a couple of matches have finished as per DLS method.

Hence, with three matches ruled out and the prospect of a couple of more matches bound to be affected by rain, one can only hope that the rains keep away and we have some exciting encounters.

#2 Are the top four spots still up for grabs?

The Men in Blue have remained unbeaten in this World Cup

Going by the current trend of matches in the World Cup, one can certainly expect India, England, Australia, and New Zealand to make it all the way till the knockouts. India and England have been in red hot form for quite a while now and are clear favorites to clinch the trophy as well.

When it comes to big tournaments and high pressure, the Australians have time and again shown that they have the best temperament. With 8 points from 5 games, they are comfortably placed and will definitely be a team to look out for.

Yet, one cannot rule out the presence of a team apart from these four to make it to the semifinals. Bangladesh have sent out a warning with wins over South Africa and most recently, West Indies while the other teams in the fray could also have a major say in the final top four if they manage to win consistently.

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#1 The re-birth of West Indies cricket

West Indies cricket has regained its lost spark

It has been disheartening to see how the West Indies have played at the international level for the past few years. For a team that was dominating world cricket many years back, the current crop was unable to reproduce the same magic.

However, with the return of some big stars and exciting young talent added to the roster, this West Indies team wears a different outlook. The pace battery of Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas and Jason Holder have looked in fine touch while the batting unit has been led by the composure of Shai Hope and the brute force of Chris Gayle and Andre Russell.

Add to the equation Carlos Brathwaite, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran, the West Indies side looks solid and could well chart their way to the semifinals.