ICC World Cup 2019 team previews: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies

The World Cup has not witnessed a new champion since the 1996 edition. Will that trend continue in 2019? Or will there be a new triumphant side in what the pundits predict as the highest-scoring World Cup of all time? Ahead of the World Cup, let us see where the teams stand.

Afghanistan: They sent out a strong message by defeating Pakistan in their warm-up match. They have beaten both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in recent past and tied with India. It is time they show their mettle against the non-Asian sides.
Prediction: Expect them to take down two or three big teams, but that is about it.

Australia: They have the most balanced side of the lot, and have peaked at the right time. They have a solid, in-form batting line-up (including their banned pair), a set of probing bowlers, explosive all-rounders, and a strong fielding unit.
Prediction: Do not be surprised if they displace one of England or India in the final.

Bangladesh: They would have wanted more match practice, but they can always fall back upon their recent triumph in the Ireland tri-series. However, there is no denying that they have been one of the most improved sides over the past four years.
Prediction: Can be a giant killer, especially when they chase, but overall a bottom-three side.

England: They might have lost to Australia, but they have little to worry, given their amazing consistency since the 2015 World Cup, especially at home. They have what seems like an infinite line-up of six-hitters, and playing in favourable conditions.
Prediction: Definitely a top-four contender – if not one, or even two spots more.

India: They lost on a lively pitch but won the other (albeit in an unofficial match) comfortably to put an end to what was an uncomfortable streak of defeats.
Prediction: Just like England, a final contender – but can they go that final step?

New Zealand: They are good enough for a top-four berth, provided they can restrict line-ups like England, Australia, India, and West Indies on these flat tracks if they want to go beyond that.
Prediction: Top four, but then, they have been there 7 times in 11 attempts.

Pakistan: They lost 7 consecutive matches before the World Cup and then lost to Afghanistan, but then, they have a tendency to turn things around better than any other side. They may not be a top four candidate at this point, but once they start winning, no team will want to cross their path.
Prediction: No prediction. It is Pakistan.

South Africa: They boast of one of the most competitive sides this time – if their fast bowlers stay fit, that is. Every single bowler in their pace attack has picked up an injury this year. A lot will depend on how they rest and rotate them efficiently.
Prediction: A top four spot if their fast bowlers stay fit; not otherwise.

Sri Lanka: Having faced numerous retirements, axings, personnel changes, injuries, and defeats, they are the weakest unit this time. However, they have the experience to make the most of the slightest advantage.
Prediction: A win or two somewhere.

West Indies: Barring England, no team have a batting line-up to match them when it comes to sheer six-hitting firepower, but they really need to work on their bowling.
Prediction: Have an outside chance of making it to the top four; and they often do well once they do that.