Ahead of the start of the tournament, some of The National’s staff make their predictions on who will come out on top at the tournament
Paul Radley
Winner: New Zealand. Every base is covered - power-hitting with the bat, left-arm swing, right-arm seam, raw pace, and two canny spinners with the ball.
Finalist: England
Top run scorer: David Warner (Australia)
Top wicket taker: Trent Boult (New Zealand)
Chitrabhanu Kadalayil
South Africa. They have the world’s best batting line-up and most feared bowling attack. But unlike Proteas teams of the past, they are fearless and ruthless. No choking this time.
Finalist: New Zealand
Top run scorer: Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Top wicket taker: Mitchell Starc (Australia)
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Graham Caygill
Winner: Australia. Have the most exciting batting line-up with considerable strength. A lot rests on Mitchell Johnson with the ball, but in his home conditions expect the paceman to thrive.
Finalist: New Zealand
Top run scorer: David Warner (Australia)
Top wicket taker: Mitchell Johnson (Australia)
Kumar Shyam
Winner: Australia. This will be an Australia-South Africa final. The Proteas will go down fighting. That is not choking. Although one feels bad for them, Australia have turned a leaf, and will be invincible again at home.
Finalist: South Africa
Top batsman: Steven Smith (Australia)
Top bowler: Dale Steyn (South Africa)
Amith Passela
Winner: South Africa. They have quality in every department and it is just about time they left the chokers tag behind. The team is in great nick and will click for their maiden title.
Finalist: Australia
Top run scorer: Hashim Amla (South Africa)
Top wicket taker: Mitchell Johnson (Australia)
Jon Turner
Winner: Australia. Packed full of accomplished big-hitting batsmen, and in the two Mitchells - Johnson and Starc - have a pace attack capable of skittling any side in the world.
Finalist: South Africa
Top run scorer: AB De Villiers (South Africa)
Top wicket taker: Mitchell Johnson (Australia)
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