WCL Division 3 set to get underway

The top two teams from this event held this week will be one step closer to the dream of competing in the Cricket World Cup in 2015. For the winners and runners-up in Division 3, they will secure their spots in the 2014 World Cup Qualifier set to be held in New Zealand.

This WCL Division 3 tournament features hosts Bermuda, Uganda, Oman, Italy, Nepal and the United States of America. Uganda and Bermuda were relegated from Division 2 in 2011, Oman and Italy remain from the previous Division 3 tournament, while Nepal and USA are recently promoted from Division 4.

The tournament should be a pretty close one with some quite decent teams involved. Hosts Bermuda have struggled in recent years and would need a strong form reversal to progress. They have come way back from the glory days of 2007, but winning this tournament may give them the spark that Bermuda cricket needs right now.

Uganda have been steady over quite a bit of time now. They are ranked #21 in the global one-day rankings, but do not seem to have the talent to jump into the top 20 and really challenge the top associates. They will hope that their push for an increased standing in associate cricket can start now.

Oman had a disappointing ACC T20 tournament recently where they finished fourth in their group, including behind surprise-packets Kuwait. They have some talented cricketers, but I don't really envisage them being able to finish in the top two from this tournament.

Italy are an interesting side to predict, but have been steady improvers of late. Their showing at the 2012 World Twenty20 Qualifer to finish 10th was a great effort considering they placed above four of their rivals in this tournament - USA, Bermuda, Uganda and Oman.

Nepal are probably the form team out of these competing teams. They have had a major rise through the WCL ranks after winning Division 5 in February 2010. They have played some impressive cricket, and they have a massive fan base behind them. They finished an amazing 7th at the WT20 Qualifier last year, showing that they have what it takes to compete with the top associates, albeit in the shortest format. Nepal have beaten better sides then those who lie ahead of them this week, and they should expect to progress.

The United States have chartered a similar path to Nepal in their rise through the World Cricket League. They actually played in the last Division 3 edition but failed to fire finishing last. Their recent form in winning the 2013 ICC Americas Division 1 should hold them in good stead, and I think they will put on a much improved showing than last time in this tournament.

This tournament is the last stage before the World Cup Qualifier next year and is therefore vitally important for these nations in their final attempts to qualify for the World Cup. The winners and runners-up from here would fancy their chances of causing a stir next year, and possibly battling for ODI status, with the likes of Kenya and Canada struggling. I reckon Nepal may the ones to beat which would represent a massive achievement for the cricket proud nation if they could progress. Italy and USA will provide a stern challenge though, Bermuda and Uganda will be competitive, while Oman may struggle to keep up.

Full Fixtures:
28th April: Bermuda vs Uganda
28th April: Italy vs Oman
28th April: Nepal vs United States of America

29th April: Bermuda vs Oman
29th April: Italy vs United States of America
29th April: Nepal vs Uganda

1st May: Bermuda vs Nepal
1st May: Italy vs Uganda
1st May: Oman vs United States of America

2nd May: Bermuda vs Italy
2nd May: Nepal vs Oman
2nd May: Uganda vs United States of America

4th May: Bermuda vs United States of America
4th May: Italy vs Nepal
4th May: Oman vs Uganda

5th May: 5th-place playoff
5th May: 3rd-place playoff
5th May: Final