INDIA
(First, six points)
Pool B table-toppers India humbled the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets following convincing victories against Pakistan and South Africa in their first two games.
The team looks to have adapted to Australian conditions thanks to the Test and ODI series it played before the World Cup.
Shikhar Dhawan is in excellent form with 224 runs at an average of 74.66, as is Virat Kohli (186 at 93). Ravichandran Ashwin is leading the wicket taking with eight scalps at 13.37, courtesy of a four-wicket haul against the UAE, while Mohammed Shami has six wickets at 10.83.
Matches to come:
India v West Indies, March 6, Perth
India v Ireland, March 10, Hamilton
India v Zimbabwe, March 14, Auckland
SOUTH AFRICA
(Second, four points)
South Africa leg spinner Imran Tahir has captured nine wickets from three matches. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images
The Proteas made an underwhelming start to the tournament. But there is no need for them to panic as they are likely to finish second in Pool B.
The 130-run loss to India in Melbourne did not bode well for confidence. But South Africa sent a reminder of its fire power when AB De Villiers smashed the fastest ever ODI 150 against the West Indies.
Spinner Imran Tahir has unexpectedly been the pick of the bowlers so far with nine wickets including 5-45 against the Windies.
Matches to come:
South Africa v Ireland, March 3, Canberra
South Africa v Pakistan, March 7, Auckland
South Africa v United Arab Emirates, March 12, Wellington
IRELAND
(Third, four points)
Ireland stalwart Kevin O'Brien has been a solid contributor with bat and ball. Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
The upset win over West Indies has left Ireland well placed to make the knockout stages.
However it will have to win at least one of its remaining matches to secure a berth in the top four.
There have been no standouts. Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien and Gary Wilson have all scored fifties and wickets have been amongst the bowlers, with George Dockrell topping the list with four.
Matches to come:
South Africa v Ireland, March 3, Canberra
Zimbabwe v Ireland, March 7, Hobart
India v Ireland, March 10, Hamilton
Pakistan v Ireland, March 15, Adelaide
WEST INDIES
(Fourth, four points)
Chris Gayle is averaging 64.50 from four innings at the World Cup. Photo: AFP
We have seen the very best and the very worst of the Windies so far.
Following the first-up loss to Ireland, the Windies came out firing against Pakistan, scoring 310 before they had their opponent slumping to a record 1-4.
The worst was on show when the Proteas smashed 408 before bowling West Indies out for 151.
Chris Gayle belted an awesome 215 against Zimbabwe. But there is a heavy reliance on Gayle, especially with the loss of Darren Bravo to a calf injury.
Matches to come:
India v West Indies, March 6, Perth
West Indies v United Arab Emirates, March 15, Napier
ZIMBABWE
(Fifth, two points)
The close loss to Pakistan on Sunday night dealt a heavy blow to Zimbabwe's chances of reaching the finals.
It's actually been a solid tournament for the Africans, but an all-important upset win remains elusive.
Zimbabwe can finish with a maximum of six points, which would mean it would still have to rely on other results falling in its favour and a superior net run rate to finish in the top four.
Matches to come:
Zimbabwe v Ireland, March 7, Hobart
India v Zimbabwe, March 14, Auckland
PAKISTAN
(Sixth, two points)
Wahab Riaz at the crease for Pakistan against Zimbabwe at the SCG. Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Plagued by off-field turmoil and mediocre efforts, the 1992 champion finally recorded its first win on Sunday, against Zimbabwe in Brisbane.
But Pakistan must win all three of its remaining fixtures to stay alive, and that includes a match against South Africa.
Matches to come:
Pakistan v United Arab Emirates, March 4, Napier
South Africa v Pakistan, March 7, Auckland
Pakistan v Ireland, March 15, Adelaide
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
(Seventh, zero points)
Mohammad Naveed was one of many UAE batsmen who fell cheaply against India in Perth. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
The winless UAE had justified its qualification with competitive showings against Zimbabwe and Ireland. But it let itself down against India in Perth on Sunday when it was bowled out for 102 and claimed just one wicket in defence of it.
UAE's challenge now is to restore some pride in its final three encounters.
Matches to come:
Pakistan v United Arab Emirates, March 4, Napier
South Africa v United Arab Emirates, March 12, Wellington
West Indies v United Arab Emirates, March 15, Napier