Pakistan have become the bookends that ended Australia’s winning streak in One Day World Cup matches. Pakistan were the last team to defeat Australia in this competition and 35 matches later, finally ended their 34-match winning streak – and possibly doomed the current champions to a quarter final exit from the competition.

South Africa will head Group A going into the quarter finals while Pakistan will head Group B. England have managed to squeeze their way into the quarter finals and will most likely have to face either Australia or Pakistan. If the West Indies manage to defeat India in today’s final game, then Australia will be forced to play off against India, and on form would struggle to stay alive.

In outright World Cup betting, South Africa and India share favouritism at 7/2 ahead of Sri Lanka at 5/1 and Australia at 11/2. Pakistan is next best at 7/1 from England at 12/1. The top two teams are playing well although both have had experienced minor hiccups along the way. Sri Lanka can be dangerous at times while Australia are a shadow of their former selves.

Spin bowling will be the key to victory in this tournament along with some strong captaincy. South Africa get ticks in both departments there and have shown they are not afraid to open with a spin bowler when required, not a normal practice in one day cricket, but one that South Africa have been effective with this year.

If it comes to a South Africa – India final, the one unknown quantity will be the Indian crowd. If they can lift India, then they will be almost impossible to defeat. India’s problem is that they are so used to huge crowds, they often don’t respond to their support. We’re tipping South Africa to win the title – and they’re at pretty good betting odds right now.