ICC Cricket World Cup: 5 group stage matches to look forward to

The ICC Cricket World Cup is exactly one month away and we are sure to witness some great matches at the biggest event in the world of cricket.The 14 teams have been divided into two groups with Group A consisting of Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Scotland. India, South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and UAE make up the numbers in Group B.The way these two groups are lined up, a lot of exciting matches are guaraanteed for the fans. Here are the top 5 group stage matches to look forward to: 

#5 Sri Lanka vs New Zealand - February 14

The 2015 World Cup begins on February 2015 and what better, than to start it with a mouth-watering clash between the Kiwis and the Sri Lankans. What makes this clash one to look forward to, is the fact that New Zealand are a strong contender for winning the title and have an added advantage of being the co-hosts, and Sri Lanka are the current Asian champions, and any ICC event is right up their alley.

Sri Lanka have been the runners-up in the past two editions of the World Cup and this will be a great chance for them to cross that final hurdle and win the cup that has eluded them for the past 18 years. They have an added motive since this will be the last World Cup for their legendary trio of Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Tillakaratne Dilshan; not to mention their brilliant pace bowler Lasith Malinga.

It will be hard to replace these players and it might take a long time for Sri Lanka to become such a formidable team again. The Black Caps, on the other hand, have a very well balanced side and an experienced and aggressive captain in Brendon McCullum. Both teams will be looking to begin their campaign with a victory. This promises to be an exciting encounter.