Farokh Engineer: India, New Zealand Slight Favourites

For me, the best four sides in the competition have gone through to the World Cup semi-finals.

Australia had a bit of a scare because had Pakistan held that catch to dismiss Shane Watson, then Wahab Riaz was on a hell of a roll and I am certain he would have skittled out Australia, and then what a humdinger that would have set up - India against Pakistan in the semi-final.

They would need a much bigger ground than than the MCG for that!

It wasn't to be for Pakistan and Australia have shown very good qualities and very good fighting spirit.

A word on the bowling spell from Wahab Riaz - what a performance that was. It reminded me of that famous battle between Allan Donald and Mike Atherton.

Shane Watson was in big trouble and Wahab had Michael Clarke in trouble too, and he couldn't help but play at a bouncer. Wahab was on a roll.

What surprised and disappointed me though, was that he was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for showing passion for his country and I think that was wrong. The ICC need to look at that because the guy was only trying his best for his country and bowling his heart out. It's good to see a bit of aggression from a bowler.

New Zealand were absolutely fantastic and Martin Guptill was in unbelievable form as they beat West Indies.

I've said from day one they are a fantastic fielding side, a fantastic batting side. They believe in aggression and that offense is the best form of defence and hardly block any balls. They are all attacking players right from Brendon McCullum onwards and they are playing some very attractive cricket.

They will take some beating and I wouldn't be surprised if they end up as World Cup winners.

Looking ahead, I would say that the way Australia play, I would give India a 51 per cent chance of winning the semi-final, and Australia 49 per cent.

There is hardly anything in it, it is anyone's game to take. It could come down to one fine bowling spell or one moment of magic.

I would give India a slight edge. Although they have been hammered in the last three months by Australia they are now resurgent and playing some good cricket.

Australia will need to play their best cricket to win.

New Zealand and South Africa are both very strong sides but I will stick my neck out and give New Zealand the slight edge.

Lycamobile ambassador Farokh Engineer was talking to John Pennington

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