Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has named India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain of his World Cup 2015 XI.

Besides the 90,000 plus fans lending their noisy support, most of the 22 players involved in the final of the World Cup 2015 will have support in the shape of their families and spouses.

Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar was primarily overlooked for duty in the World Cup semis and final because of questionable umpiring in the high-voltage quarter-final between Bangladesh and India.

Former West Indies great Brian Lara has named Brendon McCullum as skipper of his Dream World Cup XI, which has three Indians in it.

Former Australian coach John Buchanan has backed Michael Clarke's side to beat India.

There was a lot of buzz about the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch for the high-octane India versus Australia semi-final on Thursday.

The dry and flat surface could increase the chances of the defending World champions in the second semi-final against India.

Defeated Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul Haq is of the view that India has an advantage of playing their World Cup semi-final against Australia on a Sydney Cricket Ground pitch that will assist spinners.

When the 2015 ODI World Cup began, no one cared to look past Australia to lift a record fifth title. A strong team, home advantage, and flailing opposition, meant that they were in pole position going into the tournament.

A hat-trick in international cricket is no mean feat. And when you are not one of the frontline bowlers in the team, to grab hold of three wickets in as many deliveries is not only a personal achievement but gives the team a huge fillip; after all, as a backup bowler expected to bowl till you get hit, a hat-trick is probably something totally unexpected.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed serious doubts about whether Bangladesh can beat the Men in Blue.

Bangladesh's first World Cup centurion Mahmudullah is hoping to extend his big scoring spree at the World Cup when he faces off against India.

The best they can do, in the event they defeat Australia and line up for the semi-final in Sydney, is summon spinner Saeed Ajmal.

Sri Lanka are never anybody's pre-tournament favourites but when the dust settles there they are.

South Africa has been perennial favourites but it hasn't helped them.

In the run-up to the 2015 World Cup, India seemed to stumble, but were a changed side once the tournament commenced. They have been clinical in their wins and have cruised to the quarter-final. Along the way, they continued their hold over archrivals Pakistan -- winning their sixth match against the neighbours in the mega event. They then thrashed the more fancied South Africa and took care of business in the other four first round matches. Here are the key moments that stood out in each of their first round matches.

Brendan Taylor has been the boy on the burning deck all through his career for Zimbabwe.

"The bench strength will warm the bench," is what the captain MS Dhoni had declared after India had beaten West Indies in Perth.

Shami's growth coincides with India's growth at CWC 2015.