As the semifinals approach, I, as a cricket fanatic, find my heart is racing ever faster.
Few would argue that the four teams, host India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, who have made it to the penultimate stage of the competition, deserve to be here, leaving the lesser teams to board an early flight home.
Holders England all but imploded, Afghanistan showed the energy and brilliance but ultimately lacked the pedigree, Sri Lanka was too distracted, and the Netherlands showed how Europe, in another decade, could become a good contender. By their absence, West Indies showed that flair is not everything in the game of cricket.
Pakistan and the unbearable weight of greatness
Pakistan, initially expected to shine in Asian conditions, began showing problems like an old car from the word go. Babar Azam, occupying the most pivotal piston in the team, failed as a captain. His man management was sorely lacking, his squad selection was unsuitable, and he appeared small and lost on the field. In the middle of noisy stadiums, this lion meowed.
Surely, the powers that be in the corner office at Gaddafi Stadium agree that it is time to decide upon a new captain (perhaps a few other new faces elsewhere in the overall cricketing structure, too) for the sake of Pakistan cricket.
In the days since it was confirmed that the only path available to Pakistan was a flight back home, our cricketers - past and present - along with members of the Pakistan Cricket Board, issued statements that can only be described as double standards. I have been deeply disappointed by them.
My point is that Babar was given the freedom to handpick his strongest squad. He ended up picking a side that lacked balance, favouring friends over players that the team needed to succeed.
In India, where the pitch turns, picking two top spinners is crucial. Yet, Babar ignored this, opting to build a team that pivoted on pace from bowlers who were still recovering from injuries. He opted to focus more on building a personal brand rather than a team that could deliver success.
If the board does not move first, in my opinion, Babar should spare himself the ignominy and resign as the national team captain. He was never the skipper the team needed, I may add.
He should instead take the time to focus on improving his batting repertoire and strike rate. He may have climbed to the top of the individual charts and briefly saw his side take the top position before the World Cup, but the tournament has exposed the gaps in his game. I hope he realises what skillets he needs to dominate modern-day cricket - individually as a batsman or as a captain.
At this moment, I would like to express my disappointment with some of our former players who failed to highlight Babar's weaknesses and chose to climb on the Babar Azam wagon of weak cricketing acumen. As players who have played in world cups - some performing better and some worse - one would expect they extend Babar some professional feedback.
All the four teams in the semifinals boast quality spinners. Pakistan's lack of a genuine, intelligent spinner is attributed to Babar Azam's inept captaincy and squad choice
Semifinals and cricketing excellence
Pakistan's World Cup is done, so it is time we turn our attention to the two semi-finals.
First up, hosts India take on New Zealand. It features a confident and well-balanced Indian team who have not lost a single match in the tournament - an unparalleled performance so far in the tournament. However, the Kiwis, led by Kane Williamson, pose a threat.
Since it is a knock-out match with a final berth up for grabs, it lends a different energy to the tie.
In my opinion, surviving the first ten overs against the likes of Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami will be crucial for New Zealand if they want to win. If they can somehow defy the Indian bowlers early on, they may dominate the game against the dangerous Indian spinners, who thrive on their fast bowlers making inroads (please note how it's nearly impossible to make a similar comparison with Pakistan's bowling plan).
I feel the Kiwi attack is strong, well-rounded, and capable of keeping the Indian batting at bay. They can dent India's plans if they can get to Rohit and Virat early on in the game.
Kohli and Rohit are like rudders; take them out, and the boat may sink.
The other semifinal is quite exciting as well. The toss, I feel, will be paramount in deciding how this match goes.
I feel Australia has an edge, and South Africa's best chance would be to win the toss, set a good score, and then defend it.
All the four teams in the semifinals boast quality spinners. Pakistan's lack of a genuine, intelligent spinner is attributed to Babar Azam's inept captaincy and squad choice. It is time someone teaches him the meaning of "horses for courses".
If I were Babar Azam, I would have been brave and picked at least two seasoned test spinners such as Yasir Shah and Noman Ali, for this World Cup. Alas, Babar's thinking cap is a limited one.