WC2007: Super 8

[pal]

Bangladesh should be looking for Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed to fire to have any chances of winning against England.

[angryangy]

Whos playing tonight? I can look it up, but I'm too lazy! ;)

Malinga out! Yes! (From an Aussie point of view), now SL will have nothing for us;)It'll still be good in some ways, because they're forced to test their depth; someone new will have to step up and unlike, for example, the West Indies, they won't be throwing their rookies in the deep end. Maharoof is a well proven performer who would likely get the first choice, but Bandara is an underrated leggie who really should come into play if conditions call for his inclusion. Additionally, Sri Lanka can expect to have Malinga fit for when it counts, so they may be able to mount a sneak attack on whoever has gotten the least practice against him.

As for Bangladesh, the only change they should make is to bring in Shariah Nafees for Javed Omar. He's had the opener's curse throughout this tournament, but if he can survive the early overs, he will be able to test England far more.

[masterkhan]

England must win all there games to be in thr semi finals And bangladash are a good team

[aus5892]

We will all be happy tommorow if Bangladesh knocks out England :)
English people won't be. And neither will I, I want Australia to knock them out, why should we let Bangladesh do our work. Let us beat the poms again.

[masterkhan]

Can banglasdah really Beat England.

And good news for NZ fans and probably Aussie fans. Malinga is out of at least these 2 games.

http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/current/story/289943.html

Ankle Tear. It's obviously a shame for Sri Lanka and Malinga, he's going to be out for the biggest 2 games of the Super8's, but hey, we've had our fair share, it's about time other sides have players out for a while ;)

WHAT!! I want Sri Lanka to win the world cup. Thats Bad News Man

[Vcassano]

In some ways I am very worried about today. I feel the spin might cause us some difficulties (Freddie in particular, not so much Colly, KP or Bell) but apparently the pitch is very bouncy so that might not be so bad. I can see Vaughan getting a decent score because Mortaza and Rasel look pretty average - and slow- seamers and Vaughan is quite proficient at playing spin. We'll probably struggle but just edge home.

New Zealand have had all the luck in terms of fixtures, as have Sri Lanka to a degreem, as they played the easy teams; England, Bangladesh, Ireland etc first and so already qualified by the time they play Australia. However you have got to say if we had had it that way we'd still have lost..

[angryangy]

Can Bangladesh really beat England?It seems that they are most likely to win where they are expected to be completely outclassed and catch the opposition's hubris. They have wins against Australia (http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005/OD_TOURNEYS/NWS/SCORECARDS/AUS_BDESH_NWS_ODI2_18JUN2005.html), South Africa (http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wc2007/engine/current/match/247490.html), Sri Lanka (http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_BDESH/SCORECARDS/SL_BDESH_ODI2_22FEB2006.html), India (http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wc2007/engine/current/match/247464.html) (also (http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/IND_IN_BDESH/SCORECARDS/IND_BDESH_ODI2_26DEC2004.html)) and Pakistan (http://aus.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/WORLD_CUPS/WC99/SCORECARDS/GROUP-B/BDESH_PAK_WC99_ODI29_31MAY1999.html). In general terms, a game of up to 250 is well within ground they've already covered, which coincides nicely with England's batting ability. The question is how hard England feel it, versus how hard Bangladesh feel it. South Africa were completely disinterested and they paid. Are England in a better place mentally?

[evertonfan]

England have to win or they are definitely out. Hopefully that's enough motivation for England to win. For the love of good don't open with Vaughan; It should be Bell and Strauss opening with Vaughan at 3.

[Sagacious]

England will bowl first

[masterkhan]

I think Batting first is always good

[angryangy]

As for Bangladesh, the only change they should make is to bring in Shariah Nafees for Javed Omar. He's had the opener's curse throughout this tournament, but if he can survive the early overs, he will be able to test England far more."Bangladesh have made a change up the order, dropping Javed Omar for Shahriar Nafees."

[aussie_ben91]

Nafees is Bangladesh's best batsman.

I love the intro video. How Jacob Oram comes in doing his action (looks like his galloping like a horse) and then finishing with McGrath appealing and then (The Great) Ricky Ponting coming into the side of the picture appealing aswell is just class.

[Hooper]

What are you on about ben?

[Leicester Fox]

Vaughan is very lucky. That was really crap fielding and if it wasn't for Bangladesh's running that could have been costly

[MUFC1987]

Reminds me of those days when Vaughan was juggling the ball down at third man.

[Drewska]

My god Vaughan's a liability to this one day team, his strongest suit this World Cup has been his bowling...he hasn't even made those inspiring bowling changes that can change games.

[evertonfan]

What are you on about ben?

The introduction video which is played before the start of every world cup game.

I don't care if Vaughan dropped it, credit to him for having the presence of mind to throw the ball to Nixon as quickly as he did.

[masterkhan]

I think Vaughan is a Test Player

[evertonfan]

I think Vaughan is a Test Player

Yes, that is correct.

[masterkhan]

Drewska whats with the Signature?

[evertonfan]

He's taking the piss out of you.

[Hooper]

We all no that, but when will he and the England selection panel realize that too?

[Drewska]

It's the funniest thing i've ever seen, which is why it's my sig. None of this talk in this thread anyway.

[evertonfan]

We all no that, but when will he and the England selection panel realize that too?

They'll probably realise it when they recall Jones and Giles during the summer...

[masterkhan]

who is better

Monty or giles

[Hooper]

Hahaha...G.Jones Giles? Surely they must be on the scrapheap for good?
Saj Mahmood is starting to get some wickets in this tournament! Shame he goes for nearly 6 runs an over.

[Drewska]

who is better

Monty or giles

Giles, he gets an amazing amount of spin on the ball and good control and is capable of running through sides!!! :rolleyes:

[evertonfan]

Keedy...

[Hooper]

LOL! Giles should've been picked for the WC squad, its a disgrace;)

[masterkhan]

Bangladash are losing wickets fast I think England can win this.

[Hooper]

4-40! Oh no, an early finish for tonights game. Awww...was hoping to watch and even match of ODI cricket tonight:(

[Drewska]

Keedy...

No no no...Keeley :p

We really need to stop leaking boundaries now, Mahmood and Flintoff keep releasing pressure by bowling a bad ball every over.

[Leicester Fox]

Broads cutters turn more than Giles bowling :p Bangladesh are getting spanked here. This was the must win game seeing as KP beats the saffas on his own :p and the Windies are useless

[Drewska]

Broads cutters turn more than Giles bowling :p Bangladesh are getting spanked here. This was the must win game seeing as KP beats the saffas on his own :p and the Windies are useless

Theoritically I think we can lose against the Windies if South Africa lose to both us and New Zealand. That's a big if though.

[evertonfan]

- The Windies aren't useless, they are just out of form.
- South Africa will absolutely paste us on current form.
- Broad's cutters don't turn, they deviate.

That's my being a smart-arse over for the day...

[masterkhan]

come on Bangladash 40 is a good start in 10 overs just don't lose any wickets.

[evertonfan]

A good start? They are 4 wickets down and 4 an over isn't all that impressive in ODI's anymore.

[Leicester Fox]

- Broad's cutters don't turn, they deviate.
calm down i was only joking! England seem to be outclassing the Bangladeshis here. Our top order seems like it will struggle to knock off this many runs.

[Adarsh]

4 an over is very reasonable. England would find chasing 200 very challenging. It's the wickets that's the problem.

[masterkhan]

They are just 4 wickets down if they just don't lose anymore wickets and play through the whole 50 overs then they might have a chance.

[Drewska]

come on Bangladash 40 is a good start in 10 overs just don't lose any wickets.

42-4 off 12.2 overs...

Looks like you play for a good team!


4000 up

[evertonfan]

If they play through to 50 overs after this start then I will personally shoot a member of the England squad.

[Adarsh]

Broad's cutters don't turn, they deviate.
Turn is a synonym of deviate. Shane Warne's balls deviate a lot.

[Drewska]

Shane Warne's balls deviate a lot.

That's the wrong person to say that about :p!

[masterkhan]

Drewska thanks for the Signature just change my name.

well Ashraful is a good player

[evertonfan]

Shane Warne's balls deviate a lot.

Maybe you should consider re-phrasing that?

Drewska thanks for the Signature just change my name.

Why? It's not as if he's complimenting you...

Carn England, try and do 'em in for double figures here.

[masterkhan]

well Ashraful is a good player

I take that back :rolleyes:

[Hooper]

Lol at that post.

What a six! Bangladesh need these runs, because it doesnt look like they're gonna get many today.

[masterkhan]

Bangladash are playing rubbish if they put 100+on the scord card I will be shocked.

[Adarsh]

Maybe you should consider re-phrasing that?
No. Turn doesn't mean the ball moves any more than "deviate" suggests. My point was, Chris Board's leg cutters do turn. Just because it's bowled by a quickie doesn't mean the ball doesn't spin.

I meant his bowling and you know it :p .

[masterkhan]

Thats much better bangladash but its too late now.
they only got 4 wickets left.

[John Adams]

lol I was playing Supreme Commander and forgot about tonights cricket. Off to the tv I go! :D cya later...

[masterkhan]

143 all out man thats disappointing batting by bangladash

[Hooper]

I know, England are finally gonna win a game convincingly...Maybe;)

Vaughan's opening, if he cant make a score today, hes a lost cause.

[!x!Culli!x!]

That was a nice shot from Vaughan, glad Strauss is in now we can up this run-rate a bit :D

[Hooper]

Haha....Vaughan gets dropped make'em pay now! I doubt he will. He needs a big innings though (as the whole world knows).

[!x!Culli!x!]

Nice timing again from Vaughan, I hope he can overcome the draught this game

What's happening here then? They've gone back in?!

[John Adams]

lol nice to see Vaughan still in at lunch, and nicer to see bell out hehe, and monty getting 3 wickets was coolio :D

[!x!Culli!x!]

What's happening here then? They've gone back in?!
Oh it's lunch :p

[Sureshot]

Good bowling by England, on helpful conditions. We did it without our premier bowler too. Saj was impressive, as was Jimmy on his return to dismiss Aftab and Ashraful. Monty bowled well to the tailenders.

Vaughans drop was really annoying, but he got the run out from it so it was pretty null and void that he dropped it, in relation to the game situation (Though Nafees hit it and Bashar was out).

------

What was the point in those 6 overs?

Just take an early lunch it's not like we bowled them out with 2 hours to go till lunch!

Saqib was impressive :thumbs:

[!x!Culli!x!]

What was the point in those 6 overs?

Just take an early lunch it's not like we bowled them out with 2 hours to go till lunch!
I think we wouldn't have lost Bell if that was the case

[evertonfan]

My point was, Chris Board's leg cutters do turn. Just because it's bowled by a quickie doesn't mean the ball doesn't spin.

Chris Broad? ;)

Nice bowling from England. For the first time in this World Cup I come back from Football training to see that England have done well for a change.

[Hooper]

Haha, Hold your breathe I'm sure they're gonna mess it up somehow') Naw they should get the victory:watchtv

[Will_NA]

what is it with andrew strauss and playing across the line? can he see the area behind the bowler?

[evertonfan]

Strauss really does have a problem with left arm seamers.

[Hooper]

Yes. He can.

[Will_NA]

That graphic of Strauss's spider showed it all.

[evertonfan]

That's the end of Vaughan's innings and possibly the end of his ODI career.

[Hooper]

What a sad moment in International cricket.....








....Hehehe

[angryangy]

Interesting discussion going on in the Cricinfo live score. Because they are not the official ICC delegates, they aren't allowed to attend the matches they score and they rely on the tv broadcast like everyone else. They sign agreements with the ICC to make sure they don't do the scoring from the grounds. It's perhaps impressive that not even Wisden can weave through the ICC's bureaucracy.

[evertonfan]

This a disgrace. Flintoff in against the spin with still a fair few to chase. Another upset is on the cards here. Collingwood, Bopara and Nixon can't save us all the time.

[Eddie]

if collingwood goes before we get to 110-120.. then i'd back the upset..

If i was Vaughan i'd be to embarrassed to keep turning up..

[angryangy]

lolololol

Vaughan and Strauss we've come to expect, Bell was a bonus, now this. Seems they did their homework, though. Pietersen offered plenty of midwicket chances to Australia on the weekend and Bell is similarly susceptible on the off-side. Habibul Bashar seems to have made good decisions in regards to attacking and recognising that the powerplays are not necessary; however, will he turn to a powerplay as a tactic to encourage a rash shot? He has plenty of overs of Mashrafe Mortaza and Sakib Al Hasan in reserve, perhaps he has not discounted such a plan.

I don't think these finger spinners will get Flintoff, unless one of them has a doosra. One thing Bangladesh could use is a wrist spinner, not necessarily a good one, just one who bowls a good wrong'un. Still, if Freddie is going to take them on, I may be surprised by how easily he gets himself out.

[Eddie]

holy Moses.. that was a big hit..

well,....freddie gone, bopara gone..

still 30 runs needed..

oh dear...

[siddharth2002]

Now, England did play well at the end of CB series to defeat Aussies a few times but if they gonna keep it like this then might as well loose today and head home early. Its like "what would have happened had India squeezed into Super 8's somehow."

[Sagacious]

If Eng can't chase down this , better they stop playing ODI cricket :mad

[Cricketman]

Cmon, lets go bangla!
Get this duo out!

[Sagacious]

only 23 to win, come on Eng!

[evertonfan]

I wish all these people would stop saying. "Well teams like Australia or South Africa would come out all guns blazing and have this won by now with about 8 wickets to spare". Well we aren't Australia or South Africa, we are England. I'd say most of our players are boundary hitters but they are far too conservative to get off to blasting starts like other countries do. The only two players we have who can tear an attack apart are Flintoff and Pietersen; The latter is inconsistent and the former is ridiculously out of form. The one player we had who could get us off to an aggressive start was Mal Loye, yet for some reason he was dropped and we haven't got off to a flier since.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

If Bangla would have score 200 ,then the things would have gone the other way

[Cricketman]

I don't know
If you get rid of Colly in the next 2 overs-Game on.

[Sagacious]

If Bangla would have score 200 ,then the things would have gone the other way

Their batting is vulnerable against quality bowling especially in pacy pitches

[Cricketman]

Their batting is vulnerable against quality bowling especially in pacy pitches
They scored 251 against an awesome bowling attack of Saf..

[Eddie]

Their batting is vulnerable against quality bowling especially in pacy pitches


saj mahmood..quality bowling..are you sure mate?

[Sagacious]

^ He bowled well today, do you have any doubts in that?

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

^ He bowled well today, do you have any doubts in that?


Today , there was no real competetion :p next two matches are the main thing ;)

[Cricketman]

Today , there was no real competetion :p next two matches are the main thing ;)
What are you talking about?
A test side such as England lost 6 wickets chasing down 150 against a side before the world cup were qualified as "minnows". There was a competition and Bangla bowled well.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

What are you talking about?
A test side such as England lost 6 wickets chasing down 150 against a side before the world cup were qualified as "minnows". There was a competition and Bangla bowled well.


Who thought England will tumbling while chasing 144 ;)

[Sagacious]

3 consecutive maidens

Oh man!!! this England is making heavy weather of such a small target!

[irottev]

Who thought England will tumbling while chasing 144 ;)

I would of lol.

Thats a poor performance really. It's a shame Bangladesh didn't put a few more runs on the board.

[RoboRocks]

Wow you really would like to see us lose, wouldn't you.

[aussie1st]

Vaughan top scored guess that means he won't be dropped now :)
Can't see the English beating SA with a batting performance like that.

[evertonfan]

I would of lol.

Thats a poor performance really. It's a shame Bangladesh didn't put a few more runs on the board.

I don't really care how pathetic the performance was (which it indeed was) the important thing is that we won and got 2 points for it. Even though we made an almighty cock-up of it at the end, we still have winning momentum.

*sighs* I'm clutching at straws here really...

[Will_NA]

Why are people making such a big deal of this? Bangladesh beat India and SA due to the quality in their bowling. They are more than capable.

[Sureshot]

saj mahmood..quality bowling..are you sure mate?


He's been bowling well, vs Jayasuriya he was very good and today was the pick of the bowlers. Saj is improving, still plenty to go, but he's got 8 wickets @ 26 with an eco rate of 4.8 rpo. Still a way of Flintoff though 11 @ 18 with an eco rate of 3.8 rpo.

Did you know that Nixon has the most sixes in this world cup for England? 154 runs off of 153 balls. Can't moan about Nixon can we?

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/wc2007/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=2403;team=1;type=tourname nt

The bowling page actually looks very good. Looking at CricInfo's stats pages Nixon has scored more runs than Gayle!

I'm getting sidetracked....

---------

Abysmal stuff tonight, the bowling was good (barring Freddie) important day for Monty, he needed those 3 wickets.

Batting? Well Strauss looked in decent touch, but he gets out like that too often. Vaughan, he struggled, but he got some all important time at the crease. Shocking way to get out, playing sweep shots on a pitch that bouncy is bad enough, you might just be able to play paddle sweepshot or those pre-meditated really soft sweep shots, but not full blown slog sweeps.

Bopara I thought was unlucky, inside edge onto boot then onto the stumps. Colly struggled but got there in the end, Nixon was good yet again (though I hate how often he tries to reverse sweep), Flintoff was brisk, didn't pick any of Rafiques arm balls, one massive six though.

Overall, well we got the job done and our future is still in our hands. If we beat South Africa and the West Indies we are all but through (barring South Africa wooping the Kiwis).

Why are people making such a big deal of this? Bangladesh beat India and SA due to the quality in their bowling. They are more than capable.


I agree in some sense, they have a decent bowling attack. Mortaza was top wicket take in 06 (or was it 05), Rasel is very accurate and a canny type of bowler. In their 3 SLAs they have control, variation, and nack of picking up wickets. It's Bangladesh's strength.

[charith]

And good news for NZ fans and probably Aussie fans. Malinga is out of at least these 2 games.

http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/current/story/289943.html

Ankle Tear. It's obviously a shame for Sri Lanka and Malinga, he's going to be out for the biggest 2 games of the Super8's, but hey, we've had our fair share, it's about time other sides have players out for a while ;)

Yeah its a real shame coz the kiwis really struggled with him. Fernando and vaas are bowling well and of course murali. I hope they play bandara the leggy if its a turning track. The loss of Malinga means that we have to put a really good total on the board if we bat first. Even a par score can be a good score with 3 matchwinning bowlers, murali, vaas and malinga. But with only 2 not as much. Sangakkara needs to click hasn't scored much in the Super 8s.

[irottev]

A wins a win. It beats losing ;)

Big match tonight for us. I think we have a good chance. We've played Sri Lanka a lot over the last few years and without Malinga their bowlingwill be a bit less powerful. Hopefully Taylor and Gillespie return. That would be my team, same as the last with them 2 in for Marshall and Patel. (presuming they're ready)

So England and SA can fight it out for 4th place. West Indies will be playing to give Lara a nice send off and SA will be playing for their spot. I doubt it will be made easy for England so they're going to have to put in some good performances.

[sohum]

Too bad Bangladesh couldn't put a little more on the board. Have to congratulate on their showing in this tournament. And their team was the youngest at the WC by a few years. I can see them becoming a very strong team in the future.

[Hooper]

Yeah Exactly, If given the right resources and correct training facilities and funding, in my opinion, theres no reason why they cannot be a superpower like India or Pakistan? Its a large country (147 Million!) that is cricket mad and have good spirit.

Sure most of there batsman are not World-Class, but they are young, and are sure to improve. There bowling, particularly in ODIs is magnificent. They have some decent swing bowlers at the top there, and there middle over bowling is very impressive, as there spinners slow the run rate and also take handy wickets! Just look at some of there bowling stats om www.cricinfo.com ! Most of them have good economy.

Whenever I here the Bangladesh cricket team, all i think about is there dancing after a wicket, there high-pitched voices screaming in joy and there bowlers always smiling:)
I love watching the Bangladeshis play, and would prefer to watch a game of their cricket apposed to someone like England (just an example), who are a team with poor spirit (when they're down and out).

[aus5892]

Well the fact that they've gone further than both India and Pakistan rather diminishes the superpower tag, but the Tigers are starting to gain some real talent, and within a few years we could see them up in the mid table and real contenders.

A wins a win. It beats losing ;)

Big match tonight for us. I think we have a good chance. We've played Sri Lanka a lot over the last few years and without Malinga their bowlingwill be a bit less powerful. Hopefully Taylor and Gillespie return. That would be my team, same as the last with them 2 in for Marshall and Patel. (presuming they're ready)

So England and SA can fight it out for 4th place. West Indies will be playing to give Lara a nice send off and SA will be playing for their spot. I doubt it will be made easy for England so they're going to have to put in some good performances.
New Zealand look quite strong now, I had the top 4 down as Australia, Sri Lanka, South Africa and The West Indies, with NZ at 5th or 6th but they look the second best team in the comp at the moment. We could easily see a Trans-Tasman showdown in the final.

[aussie1st]

Bangladesh bowling definitely is a strength of theirs as they have shown through this WC. Some good pace bowlers in their side along with some very good spin bowlers. Once they get their batting sorted they will be a tough team to beat.

[formula1man]

i know its odi cricket but in test matches australia always would stumble chasing a small target maybe its the thought that its too easy and then you crash and burn

[aussie1st]

Well the opposition know they have nothing to lose so they go all out attack which usually wouldn't be the case for an average target.

Also depends on the mindset that the batters come out with. If they go out trying to blast the total off they could lose a few wickets. If they go defence then it depends on what the pitch is doing.

[jimo7]

New Zealand look quite strong now, I had the top 4 down as Australia, Sri Lanka, South Africa and The West Indies, with NZ at 5th or 6th but they look the second best team in the comp at the moment. We could easily see a Trans-Tasman showdown in the final.

If not in the final, how about a trans-tasman semi final clash on ANZAC day???

Will be a good match nonetheless :boxing

[zMario]

Bangladesh for WC Winners?

Hey, it could happen, they can easily beat Ireland, and an upset vs the Windies is always on (seeing how deplated they look these days)

So Bangladesh would have 6 points, would this mean they go through to the Semis, provided SA lose to England and New Zealand?

Or is there something I'm forgetting?

And of course, once they get to the Semis, they can go all out, since their Super 8 performances don't matter at this stage :happy

EDIT: Just looking at the points table, England have to beat SA, but lose to West Indies, then Bangladesh have to beat Ireland and West Indies.

Hmm....

Or, if Sri Lanka lose all their remaining matches, this Super 8 stage becomes even more intersting, and opens up the possibility of Bangladesh sneaking through to the Semi Finals! :onpc

[kodos]

Too bad Bangladesh couldn't put a little more on the board. Have to congratulate on their showing in this tournament. And their team was the youngest at the WC by a few years. I can see them becoming a very strong team in the future.

This WC certainly has illustrated the strength and true ability of Bangladesh which proves those doubters wrong that they shouldn't be playing at the top level. I expect Bangladesh to do well also in the 2011 WC where of course the conditions will be much more favourable and "at home". The great advantage Bangladesh have is that they only have IIRC 2-3 players over the age of 30 whereas other teams such as Australia, India and Sri Lanka have about half their team over the age of 30. It's about time Bangladesh get the recognition they deserved for years and hopefully more test teams are willing to play against Bangladesh and also Ireland who have also shown promise in the WC.

If not in the final, how about a trans-tasman semi final clash on ANZAC day???

Will be a good match nonetheless :boxing

I can't see Aus and NZ playing each other in the semis as NZ and Aus are most likely to finish 1 and 2, question is who going to top it. My predicted semis matches will be Aus v SA and NZ v Sri Lanka.

[Sagacious]

This BD team was unknown identity to most of the teams till this WC. That's the one reason they are doing well. Once the other teams sort out their bowling, they will be back to their old 'standards'.Yesterday England exploited their batting weakness by bowling short of a length deliveries. SAF bowled poorly to them by feeding them with half volleys.I hope other teams will not repeat the mistake that SAF did.

Latest points table:

New Zealand 4 4 0 0 1.73 8
Australia 4 4 0 0 1.51 8
Sri Lanka 4 3 0 1 1.55 6
South Africa 5 3 0 2 -0.2 6
England 5 2 0 3 0.08 4
West Indies 5 1 0 4 -1.21 2
Bangladesh 5 1 0 4 -1.43 2
Ireland 4 0 0 4 -1.39 0

[angryangy]

This BD team was unknown identity to most of the teams till this WC. That's the one reason they are doing well. Once the other teams sort out their bowling, they will be back to their old 'standards'.Yesterday England exploited their batting weakness by bowling short of a length deliveries. SAF bowled poorly to them by feeding them with half volleys.I hope other teams will not repeat the mistake that SAF did.Meanwhile, they didn't return the favour to South Africa, so some credit must be given somewhere.

The actual problem for South Africa in terms of bowling was that when Mohammad Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed came to the crease, they were content to let them get settled, probably figuring that they'd just hole out somehow. There were no slips in place and so they both went about dabbing singles to third man. It wasn't the couple of half volleys that Aftab Ahmed launched into the stands, it was all those good length balls that went to waste.

In spite of England having put in what seemed to be an outstanding bowling performance, the Bangladeshi Sakib Al Hasan was still able to do what even the mighty English couldn't do; score a half century. He adds another impressive performance to his short career and maintains his name high on this list. (http://aus.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/STATS/ODIS/BATTING/ODI_BAT_HIGHEST_AVS.html)

Bangladesh do have considerable talent as a team of very young cricketers, many of which would be considered too young for regular first class cricket in some countries. These teams they have defeated aren't idiots. It's a joke to say they are unknowns in this day of DVD post match analysis. South Africa don't have to wait until Bangladesh come to their shores, they can watch any of their matches. The plans would be laid if only to ensure that the method of laying plans is effective.

Now that said, I don't believe it should be so easy to make it through to the Super 8s. The Super 6 structure was better (and more interesting), although it must be said, the bottom half of the draw is so mediocre, Bangladesh may well have made it through on their merits. Still, it's not necessary for the development of their game that they play these matches; success at the World Cup should be the end result of the hard work; the work shouldn't begin at the World Cup. This goes the same for any other team. If Australia play bad cricket, they shouldn't make it through the group stage either. Increasing the pool to 8 lowers that yardstick, because if the expected sides are out of form, we get semi-professional sides like Ireland.

In my opinion, this is where the T20 Championship could fill a niche. We could have less associates at the World Cup, but balance that by having more at the T20. There's no chance of it running as long as the World Cup, plus it can be a more unpredictable format so the spectators are pleased. The small teams get this "exposure" that people keep talking about, while the World Cup is toughened up for the seasoned pros.

[Sureshot]

KP could reach 2,000 ODI runs during his 50th ODI, that's impressive. Certainly should do it before his 50th ODI innings.

[icyman]

I think Vaughan is a Test Player

True,he should'nt be playing the short-version of the game.He is excellent in Tests,but somehow he always seems to cook it up in ODI's.He does remind me of Nass Hussain.Huss got a hundred against India in the Natwest Final which they sadly lost.

[wolf]

A win is a win, but I am tired of England stuttering to victory. Be RUTHLESS please. It is make or break against SA, we must win, and to win we HAVE to play better. If KP is out we don't have anyone capable of playing a match winning innings. Sad but true.

[aussie_ben91]

KP could reach 2,000 ODI runs during his 50th ODI, that's impressive. Certainly should do it before his 50th ODI innings.
Well duh, he does average 56. :rolleyes:
He'll probably finish his career with averages of 50 in both forms of the game.

[John Adams]

KP is my favourite player who plays for England :)

[surendar]

hmm.. Well done Bangladesh! Their left arm spinners have taken around 25 wickets in this competition. Its very much poor response from England after having great time with the ball.

Bangla players should have thought that they shd have played full 50 overs which might have fetched them a win.

Anyways, match against SA for England is very important for both the teams as Eng is in + NRR while SA in negative. But recent performances in England batting hasn't impressed me.. It will be a great suprise if they go to semis. Lets see what happens ;)

[masterkhan]

I can't believe England won by 4 wickets by chasing down 143
if bangladash has played all there 50 overs I think England could have lost that match.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Great start for Lanka :clap Fleming back in pavillion

[irottev]

Those decisions should go to the batsman. I'd say a harsh decision from Rauf. Theres no way an umpire can be sure of that hitting the stumps.

Flemming out to Vaas, LBW, No surprise there.

[Dare]

man how many times has Vaas done this to oposing players this guy is absolutely amazing, Sri Lanka are gona miss him big time after the world cup. would have loved for him to get to 400 ODI wickets.

[John Adams]

Flemming out to Vaas, LBW, No surprise there.

A tentetive innings would you not say? :p lol

[Sureshot]

Those decisions should go to the batsman. I'd say a harsh decision from Rauf. Theres no way an umpire can be sure of that hitting the stumps.

Flemming out to Vaas, LBW, No surprise there.

I thought it was going to hit the stumps, but he was outside the line wasn't he?

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Vass grab another one , this time its Taylor :happy

[Leicester Fox]

Another 1 for the Sri Lankans, who needs Malinga :p Vaas is bowling beautifully

[Drewska]

Good start by New Zealand eh...I think they'll recover as their middle order is strong like when we had them 37/4 in the group game then threw it away.

[John Adams]

Meh it's the Bangladesh innings by NZ tonight again? lol on replay are we?

[Dare]

hahahha yea Vassy, wow amazing. this guy is brilliant, New Zealand in trouble here.

[angryangy]

NZ now need to show class that hasn't been required from them all tournament. This is the cost of an easy run.

[Leicester Fox]

i think jayawardene might take the last powerplay this time :p

[evertonfan]

My goodness that was an outrageous bit of fielding. Dilshan is really top class.

[Dare]

why was Fernando taken out of the atack.

maybe Jayawardene wants to save him for the last 10 overs?

@ evertonfan- yea Dilshan really impresed over the last year or so with his fielding especially the catch he took in the series against SAF at home. for me its a toss up between Dilshan and Collingwood as the best fielders in cricket today.

[Adarsh]

Sangakkara is a top keeper. His keeping to medium pacers is simply brilliant. He gets numerous stumpings from the spinners too. I'd say he's the best at the moment.

[masterkhan]

Come on Sri Lanka
good start from Sri Lanka

[Dare]

man not having a good 3rd paceman is hurting Sri Lanka, looks like Dilshan might have to bowl 10 overs today because Maharoof is leaking runs all over the place.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Good recovery by Kiwi

[masterkhan]

Yeah come on C.VAAS thats 3 down.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Vass strike again and Kiwi loose their third wicket as Fulton ;)

[angryangy]

Now Murali's ploy succeeds and we don't have to look at McMillan's silly beard any more. NZ knee deep in trouble.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Mcmillan departed and Kiwis are in big trouble

[angryangy]

Things being maintained now, Sri Lanka happy to contain, New Zealand happy to accumulate. It's shaping up for an interesting final stretch, Oram and Styris could get NZ past 250, but Vaas, Murali and Fernando have plenty of overs left, you'd expect it won't be without a fight.

[Adarsh]

Mccullum gone, just after Oram. They're collapsing quicky here and will do well to get to 200. Regarding McCullum's dismissal, I reckon there was a good shout for an LBW there!

EDIT: My thoughts are confirmed! He was indeed given out LBW! It was a case of "if he hit it, out caught, if he missed, out LBW"

[evertonfan]

He didn't really need to play a shot like that then did Daniel. I rate Franklin as a good batsmen though so I reckon NZ will bat the 50 overs and get 210-20 here.

[John Adams]

lol how this match has mirrored last nights match is amazing! night my time btw..

[irottev]

Sri Lanka havn't put a foot wrong in the field or with the ball. (maybe with a bit of excessive appealing, but not game wise). It's a dissapointing effort with the bat thus far, we were caught out on a lot of occasions playing silly airy shots. McMillan being the main culprit and Fulton too. Oram was unlucky he got just under it too much. Coulda cleared the stadium with that one. I think we should have bowled first, it's our strength but we need practice and we don't really NEED to win this game so fair call to bat. We're going to have to at some point.

Lets see how we do with the ball. SL obvious favourites, but we have what it takes to bowl Sri Lanka out for a small 200 score (presuming we get there)

A tentetive innings would you not say? :p lol

All 4 balls of it? Just drop it. It's not tentitive. Vaas has a lot of LBW's against Fleming and this is one of the harsher. Vaas just gets perfect swing back into him for it. I hope the ball swings for Bond when we bowl.

[Adarsh]

If I'm being frankly honest, there was only one wrong decision, when the caught behind wasn't given off Vaas. Fleming LBW was right, hit him in line and would have clipped off stump. It was close, but a right decision. Same with McCullum's LBW, pitched in line, hitting leg stump.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Kiwiw lost their seventh wicket , i hope they can reach 200 atlist otherwise it would be very hard for them to win

[John Adams]

And I wanted NZ to win :( well anything can happen of course, oh and *drops it* hehe

[icyman]

You never know !
Bond can strike early and get out Jaysuriya and Mahela,it would be Kiwis game then on.I reckon the Kiwis will win this one.Lanka have had a long lay-off and plus their top-order is not in the best of form[do not count the WI match]

[Adarsh]

220 to win off 50 overs. That's not an easy target. Styris batted very well and the last partnership has somewhat saved them a bit. If Srilanka get through the first 15 overs without losing more than 2 wickets they should win this.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Kiwi got a pretty good score to defend , i just hope Jayasuriya and sangakara play a good knock to win this one

[evertonfan]

He didn't really need to play a shot like that then did Daniel. I rate Franklin as a good batsmen though so I reckon NZ will bat the 50 overs and get 210-20 here.

Just call me Mystic Matt.

I fancy the NZ bowlers to pull this one off.

[irottev]

Early wickets is the key. And with Bond opening the bowling, there isn't many in world cricket better to do that job for you. Franklin will have a crucial job at the other end.

220. Winnable, but SL have to be favourites. The pitch seems to be good, it does seem to turn and be a little slow and hopefully we get swing early.

Good Hundred for Styris and Unselfish as well, still was going for the big shots, the hundred means less to him then the job he has to do which is a good thing, made sure we got 220 and not maybe 10 less runs if he had of taken singles. It's a shame no one batted well around him. Apart from Franklin (Who is massivly under-rated. Thats 2 games now he's looked better then half the rest of the batsmen out there) and Fulton before he threw his wicket away. Oram was good as well, just unlucky.

One advantage is, if we don't play Sri Lanka again in the semi or final then we will never have to face Murili in an ODI again. Never have to face Jaysuriya and maybe won;t have to face Vaas, but he has a few years left.

[angryangy]

If I'm being frankly honest, there was only one wrong decision, when the caught behind wasn't given off Vaas. Fleming LBW was right, hit him in line and would have clipped off stump. It was close, but a right decision. Same with McCullum's LBW, pitched in line, hitting leg stump.Even the caught behind would have been a hell of a call. The face was closed on the ball, so the umpire saw no contact and no deviation on the trajectory of the ball. The sound the ball made was very faint and even with the pitch mikes, it was not obviously the sound of bat on ball.

[Sureshot]

Styris is doing really well in this world cup, and he's also passed 3,000 ODI runs. 379 runs, only behind Hayden and Kallis.

I reckon Sri Lanka should do this, but with Bond and Gillespie and with the niftyness of Vettori New Zealand have a chance.

[Adarsh]

I know the umpire should be misled, but the appeal from Sangakkara was so strong that I was convinced he'd hit it.

[irottev]

Keys:
Bond's 10 overs
Vettori's 10 overs
Styris and Oram's job. Both have been economical and wicket taking lately.
Gillespie and Franklin who may be the weaknesses
McCullum behind the stumps, expect him to be fired up.

I think Sri Lanka need to target Gillespie and Franklin as the other 3 seem to be the threats. Even though they like to think they're good against Spin and have in the past played Vettori well, Vettori's in good form and it's a situation which will suit him.

[charith]

had a 10$ bet with a mate that vaas wld get flem LBW within his frst 3 overs. Shldve made the odds better. 2 easy for Vaas in the end. I reckon he shlve had him the previous ball. dat was gettin middle and leg. So doesnt matter really. hmmm styris's caught behnd was prtty obvious coz the bat was away frm the pad and the only thng the ball cldve come off was the face. SO since dovtrove ddnt call it a wide wat else could it have hit? also the catch off fulton dat was a no ball dat was harsh and he had a plumb lbw frm maharoof as well so more in favour of the kiwis.

Hope the umpirin is better in the run chase. Reckon we shld see off bond.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

I was being a bit harsh I guess. The benefit goes to the batter so whilst the edge was maybe the most obviously incorrect decision it was actually fair enough if the umpire wasn't sure. McCullum's I don't know how an umpire can be sure of and Fleming's is probably half fair. Just one which you would see turned down for the benefit by more experianced umpires possibly.



Yes, but he was appealing strong for stupid stuff as well for a while there. I hope this typical excessive appealing from the Sri Lankans gets punished finally. You see it happen from time to time. They scream at the umpires and plead. I don't think it's good sportsmanship (ironically comming from a player who complained about McCullum running out Murili that time)


I dont know what is your problem :rolleyes: it seems that kiwi doesnt make any excessive applealings

[evertonfan]

I dont know what is your problem :rolleyes:

You quoted his whole post just to say that?

And his problem is with the appealing of the Sri Lankans; As is clearly stated in the post that you quoted...

[Adarsh]

I was being a bit harsh I guess. The benefit goes to the batter so whilst the edge was maybe the most obviously incorrect decision it was actually fair enough if the umpire wasn't sure. McCullum's I don't know how an umpire can be sure of and Fleming's is probably half fair. Just one which you would see turned down for the benefit by more experianced umpires possibly.
I look at it differently. The umpire gave it out, because he was sure it was hitting the wicket, otherwise he wouldn't have given it. AND, he was proven right by Hawkeye (which is now apparently 99% accurate). Therefore, the decision was right. Simple as.

[Will_NA]

nz showed their resolve today. you can never keep them down. was taylor injured or dropped from the team?

[MUFC1987]

McCullum's made himself look like an idiot shaking his head like that as he walked off. Gotta feel a bit for the Sri Lankans, they would have been chasing 150 at most if not for the decision on Styris.

[evertonfan]

nz showed their resolve today. you can never keep them down. was taylor injured or dropped from the team?

I think both he and Gillespie were injured.

[MUFC1987]

I get what you mean now. Apologies.

[MUFC1987]

How was the McCullum decision harsh?

[charith]

I wish I could read that drivvel. Please use proper English not all this "dat", "frm", "cldve" stuff.

The ball before was even more not out then the one after it. The Caught Behind wasn't off bat, if you were paying attention, it was off glove which must be much more difficult to see/hear, and third, harsh noball? A no ball is a noball. He was over. It cost you nothing anyway, he holed out a short while after. What was Harsh is the McCullum decision. To be honest, I doubt the umpire had half a clue what he was doing.

I think u read it just fine there dude since u were able to figure out wat i said aye? i save the grammer for my Law essays.

[Dare]

Yes, but he was appealing strong for stupid stuff as well for a while there. I hope this typical excessive appealing from the Sri Lankans gets punished finally. You see it happen from time to time. They scream at the umpires and plead. I don't think it's good sportsmanship (ironically comming from a player who complained about McCullum running out Murili that time)

I think Sri Lanka need to target Gillespie and Franklin as the other 3 seem to be the threats. Even though they like to think they're good against Spin and have in the past played Vettori well, Vettori's in good form and it's a situation which will suit him.

man i dont understand why you are still talking about the Murali run out, that was 3 months ago stop mentioning it every time you see somthing bad happen to your side. you seem to comment on bad umpiers and missed calls only on the decisions going against NZ but the one bad decision that afected the match the most was Styris not being given out and i dont see you saying o well that was a bad decision.


there was alot of close and bad calls in this game and it afected both teams probably but lets not make the umpiers take avay from what could potentially be a good game to watch.

[charith]

You realise if Styris had of gotten out then who knows what could of happened. Maybe McCullum would have scored a 50 or Oram, change the past and the future will be different.

And McCullum didn't make himself look like an idiot, he made the umpire look like an idiot. He knew he didn't hit it, and he was right. The LBW was a bad decision as well. By rules, it can't be given out.

BY rules can't be giver out? It pitched in line and was hitting leg stump. I mean you gt to be a brave umpire to give it but it CAN be given out.

[MUFC1987]

^ The ball did NOT pitch in line. And it was clipping half of the leg stump.

Yes, yes it did. I fail to see how you can look at the footage and argue that it was outside leg.

[irottev]

Where are these quotes from?

I was only going by the commentary by the way. They said it was harsh and now i'm trying to find reasons why myself.

[charith]

Where are these quotes from?

I was only going by the commentary by the way. They said it was harsh and now i'm trying to find reasons why myself.

yeah ur rite it ddnt pitch on leg stump. It pitched on MIDDLE AND LEG. That was watching live btw. NOT following cricinfo.

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

You realise if Styris had of gotten out then who knows what could of happened. Maybe McCullum would have scored a 50 or Oram, change the past and the future will be different.

And McCullum didn't make himself look like an idiot, he made the umpire look like an idiot. He knew he didn't hit it, and he was right. The LBW was a bad decision as well. By rules, it can't be given out. The commentators had the same opinion, so your on your own buddy.


Stop moaning . dont blame the umpires they just get fraction of seconds to make a decission :mad:

[irottev]

Stop moaning . dont blame the umpires they just get fraction of seconds to make a decission :mad:

I'm not the one blaming the umpires. I don't know where that came from :rolleyes:

Time to watch the rest of this game. I hope it coems close, even though I doubt we can win with only 220. Hopefully if I come back on the same clown who keeps winding me up each time shuts his trap. From now on i'm going to think about what to post rather then type out some drama sript about it.

[John Adams]

lol yur all mad haha cya im off to watch the cricket :D

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

I'm not the one blaming the umpires. I don't know where that came from :rolleyes:

Time to watch the rest of this game. I hope it coems close, even though I doubt we can win with only 220. Hopefully if I come back on the same clown who keeps winding me up each time shuts his trap. From now on i'm going to think about what to post rather then type out some drama sript about it.



Have some faith on your team , 220 is not a bad score to defend :p

[irottev]

I have faith. But showing it on here leaves me open to idiotic comments later on. I'd perfer to be neutral at this stage.

Judgeing by our first 2 overs. 5 wides from the bowler running into the stumps. Jaysuriya getting 4 legbyes when evading the ball and 4 byes from 1 ball which for some reason took off and cleared McCullums head off the pitch, it ain't going to be our day.

Fantastic captaincy, just a shame he grassed it. Didn't cost us much though. Great catch Bondy!

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Tharanga gone , great catch by Bond:clap

[Dare]

gotta give it to you irottev you did say that the Sri Lankans should pick on Gillespie, hes 1st over has been brutal.

[Adarsh]

I'm a bit disappointed with Bond. He seems to be holding himself back or perhaps not being able to bowl real fast. I feel he's best when he lets loose and bowls at 95 mph instead of the 88 mph that he's bowling now.

[Dare]

yea but if he lets loose of one at 95mph than there goes his back, and bond is best at 90-92 mph. thats when most of his wickets come, bowling too fast just gets his back in bad shape.

the kiwis are droping to manny catches here, tough chances but at the WC you have to hold on to some of those.

[masterkhan]

Sri Lanka Should win it from here and good innings from jayasuriya

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Vettori got the wicket of Jayawardane , though its not enough to wrap up the who le things now ,maybe if Kiwi can pick up 2-3 wickets soon then we have a game on

[Dare]

well with Silva on im not sure that the powerplay this late is a good idea, but it might be worth the gamble.

[aussie1st]

The Vaas and Murali show has returned I see.

SL should be in the finals now, so only one real spot open.

[Cricketman]

Hmm.
Its still probably going to be taken by Saf, but lets hope that England or the Windies can take it up. Would like it if Bangla sneaked in to the Semi's somehow too :)

[irottev]

We fought well in the end, noi disgrace there. We'll know if we had 30 odd runs more we were good chances. 250-280 somewhere I rekon. We just batted impatiently and poorly against good bowling. Bowling, well Vettori was fantastic, Bond and Styris were great. Gillespie, Franklin and Extras just let us down a little. Oram was a tad expensive too. We were never really going to defend 220 really unless Bondy got 2 or 3 quick wickets, but all the swing had gone. We did drop some hard chances and with 220 they have to stick.

Anyway I'm not worried in the least. I think we'll bounce back from this well.

The first 10 overs of the match was the time where I think made the big difference.

[Cricketman]

I think this will help NZ, in a way.
Bring em back to reality and they'll go harder at whoever they face next. (England, is it? I don't know)

[irottev]

Nah, we've already disposed of England. We have South Africa and Australia.

[aussie1st]

Both of which should be good matches if we get on those flat pitches. Should be very high scoring games if that the case.

[Justcrazy]

Nah, we've already disposed of England. We have South Africa and Australia.
Austraila?? HAHAHA...it'll be good to see Aus topying with this poor New Zealand side. Franklin and Fulton are crap...i dunno wat they doin in the lineup. Well South Africa match will be intersting to watch...guys i waz wondering
what if NZ lose all of their remaining matches...will they still reach semi final??
This probe will be semis lineup...Aus vs SA SRl vs ENG

[irottev]

Austraila?? HAHAHA...it'll be good to see Aus topying with this poor New Zealand side. Franklin and Fulton are crap...i dunno wat they doin in the lineup. Well South Africa match will be intersting to watch...guys i waz wondering
what if NZ lose all of their remaining matches...will they still reach semi final??
This probe will be semis lineup...Aus vs SA SRl vs ENG

I can see why you have so much negative reputation after posts like that. I don't need winding up any further thanks. Australia sure did toy with us in the recent Chappell Hadlee series didn't they?

if we lose our remaining matches, then we should still make the semi's. Net Run Rate may come into it, but ours is good. Theres only 1 side with any chance of upsetting the current 4 and I doubt it will happen.

[Justcrazy]

I can see why you have so much negative reputation after posts like that. I don't need winding up any further thanks. Australia sure did toy with us in the recent Chappell Hadlee series didn't they?

if we lose our remaining matches, then we should still make the semi's. Net Run Rate may come into it, but ours is good. Theres only 1 side with any chance of upsetting the current 4 and I doubt it will happen.
Was uncle Ricky, Lee, Gilly playing? And who was the captain...Hussey?? That guy is not a good captain as a batsman he is. With Rickey captaining the side is totally different side and I dont think I have to say anything about his batting. BEST batsman I've ever seen! Im not saying NZ sucks or anything Im saying based on todays NZ performences against ugly lankans. [dont take is seriously buddy...im "just crazy"]
:cheers

[charith]

Great performance by SL was no surprise tbh. The greatest thing was that it was done without Malinga. If he had played i doubt NZ would've made over 150. One thing I noticed was that they were really flat in the field. Especially when sanath and kumar were having that partnership. The kiwis normally are prtty loud and nifty but not today.

Also was great to see how Bond was neutralised. Don't think he troubled any batsmen even tho he did bowl well. Gng to be tough for NZ. THey always lift their game when they play Aus, especially when they do it at HOME but the 3 nil in the Chappel Hadlee was a whole different scenario. Crumbled at their first real test in the tournament.

SL v Aus should be a humdinger. Especially if Malinga is fit again. Could be the battle of the Slinger's. Mali vs Tait.

[irottev]

Malinga does tend to be a little expensive in his first spells though. He may have actually allowed us a better start. Who knows.

And to crazy, yeah, you are crazy. You said Fulton and Franklin suck. Both are young and can play very well. Both aqre probably more test players. I expect Franklin to be a top test all-rounder for us in the future. The White ball doesn't do as much for him, but he's good decent accuracy most of the time and I saw him bowl a slower ball or two today, which is a good sign. He's developing new skills.

[cric_craze]

We will all be happy tommorow if Bangladesh knocks out England :)

someone gave me a bad reps for saying this lol. u have to admit that england really do suck in odis.

[Sagacious]

^
Shhhh...making statements against England is not a good idea in this forum. Even I got some -ve reps :cool:

[irottev]

I bet you can all imagine I do as well :{

I'm hoping the Aussies take the Irish to the cleaners.

[charith]

Just read Flemmings post match int and he says that they were limiting the damage? No wonder they were flat. Almost giving up early and then not taking the powerplays to prevent us cruising early to the target. Good tactic even tho a bit negative. Could've been more attacking to try to get wickets.

[Sagacious]

Nah, we've already disposed of England. We have South Africa and Australia.

Most probably you will also lose those matches :rolleyes:

[irottev]

Most probably you will also lose those matches :rolleyes:

Why was that comment necessary? 1 bad game and we're already written off. SA have played pretty average. I;d say we have a decent shot. Australia, well it's Australia. When will any team ever be favourites against them?

[Sagacious]

Why was that comment necessary? 1 bad game and we're already written off. SA have played pretty average. I;d say we have a decent shot. Australia, well it's Australia. When will any team ever be favourites against them?


Not written off, I just said the probability

[evertonfan]

someone gave me a bad reps for saying this lol. u have to admit that england really do suck in odis.

As much as I agree with that statement (which I no doubt wholeheartedly do) you still have to admit that we can at least reach the Super 8's unlike some other teams...*whistles*

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

As much as I agree with that statement (which I no doubt wholeheartedly do) you still have to admit that we can at least reach the Super 8's unlike some other teams...*whistles*


Reaching super eight is not a big deal Matt , if Country like England cant reach there then its better to leave the cricket :p .Competition has just now begun for England ;)

[evertonfan]

The Super 8's isn't a big deal? Hmm, I wonder why all those Indian and Pakistan fans were so pissed off then...

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

The Super 8's isn't a big deal? Hmm, I wonder why all those Indian and Pakistan fans were so pissed off then...


Pakistan and India both countries take the cricket very seriously than other countries :p

[kodos]

Reaching super eight is not a big deal Matt , if Country like England cant reach there then its better to leave the cricket :p .Competition has just now begun for England ;)

I don't want to degrade you or anything but can you please rectify your grammar and choice of words. Pretty much every post of yours I can identify 2 or more errors. From your profile it says that you are 22 years of age, surely you have known the basics of grammar and syntax by now.

Also reaching the Super 8's is a significant achievement, it means that you are better than the other 8 teams that have already been eliminated in the WC. England are a renowned poor ODI side but still they can pull of performances like ones in the CB series where they can beat any teams in the world.

Why was that comment necessary? 1 bad game and we're already written off. SA have played pretty average. I;d say we have a decent shot. Australia, well it's Australia. When will any team ever be favourites against them?

The way they are playing atm I can't see any team beating them. I guess Sri Lanka is the closest opponents but NZ do tend to "lift" their game when they verse Australia. SA haven't played their best cricket so far in the tournament but I expect them to finish off the super 8's well and reach the semis. Question is whether they choke in the semis or not?

[angryangy]

Why was that comment necessary? 1 bad game and we're already written off. SA have played pretty average. I;d say we have a decent shot. Australia, well it's Australia. When will any team ever be favourites against them?It should have been predictable by anyone that NZ would hit the wall when they got to this point. They only had the weak and moderate opponents up to yesterday's game, they had been winning, often with suitable merits, but not always. Last night's game and the next two count for twice as much as any other win by NZ in this tournament.

On a tangent, if Fulton can open, then what about Oram? NZ seem to be falling into what I call the England Hole, without a decent opening combo and Oram's class is eternally wasted down the order, where he spends half his innings batting under pressure caused by the top order. Meanwhile, Fulton seems unable to pierce the offside against decent new ball bowling, which will only waste powerplays and give bowlers like Vaas, Pollock, Bracken and McGrath what they want; really it should give any opening bowler a giant confidence boost. It seems an elementary move.

[Justcrazy]

Malinga does tend to be a little expensive in his first spells though. He may have actually allowed us a better start. Who knows.

And to crazy, yeah, you are crazy. You said Fulton and Franklin suck. Both are young and can play very well. Both aqre probably more test players. I expect Franklin to be a top test all-rounder for us in the future. The White ball doesn't do as much for him, but he's good decent accuracy most of the time and I saw him bowl a slower ball or two today, which is a good sign. He's developing new skills.
OKKKK...I agree with you on Fulton that hes developing into a decent player and so with Franklin but don't you think Franklin gives away a bit too many runs at ODI level? And also, awhile Flemming was having faith in him by giving him overs at the important stage instead of Bond...he kept releasin the pressure by giving away boundaries...At one stage when 60 odd runs were required NZ looked to be in control but Franklin kept giving the odd boundaries and SRL were getting nearer. And also hes not pacy as well...hes about pathan's pace...

Why was that comment necessary? 1 bad game and we're already written off. SA have played pretty average. I;d say we have a decent shot. Australia, well it's Australia. When will any team ever be favourites against them?
Dont worry my friend. When I start playing for India watch...ima knock over all those good players of Aussie...im a fast bowler...

:cheers

[aussie_ben91]

Dont worry my friend. When I start playing for India watch...ima knock over all those good players of Aussie...im a fast bowler... :cheers
Yeah, I'm an opening batsman. I'm Matthew Hayden junior, btw. I look forward to taking you to the cleaners in the near future. ;)

[evertonfan]

Look no further than Jimmy Anderson junior...

[aussie_ben91]

Why are they giving Stuart Clark a game? His nothing but an unworthy goober.

[nightprowler10]

Yeah its a bit surprising that he keeps getting chances. He has to be the worst ODI bowler in the Australian squad.

[evertonfan]

Well they may as well; No offense to them but it is only Ireland and you are virtually through anyway.

[John Adams]

Maybe if he wore the test kit he'd bowl as good as he did in the Ashes series...

[Justcrazy]

Yeah, I'm an opening batsman. I'm Matthew Hayden junior, btw. I look forward to taking you to the cleaners in the near future. ;)
Lol...I bet I can get you out in my first over...lol anyways...do you play for any team? I mean for school team or any league...well I’m currently living in USA and play for a cricket league NJIT...as an opening fast bowler.

[evertonfan]

With all due respect, this isn't the club level cricket thread....

I'd much rather have Clark in my team than Johnson to be honest.

[w3lshrugby]

So then, can Australia continue to be unbeaten?
I think so...

[aussie_ben91]

With all due respect, this isn't the club level cricket thread....

I'd much rather have Clark in my team than Johnson to be honest.
Might aswell gone for Johnson seeing as Brackens being rested.

[aussie1st]

McGrath opening the bowling done the trick. Poor shot from Bray really should have been able to dig that yorker out.

The Taitster on a hattrick!

[nightprowler10]

Maybe Clark won't even get to bowl.

[aussie_ben91]

Can we bowl Ireland out for less then double-figures?

[w3lshrugby]

Ireland will definetly reach double figures, especially now they're 8 for 3

[aussie1st]

Over double figures now. Tait misses his hattrick just! Tait bowling too leg side now.

[w3lshrugby]

Yay double figures! :D

McGrath takes a wicket. 12/4

[aussie1st]

McGrath gets his second, this could get really messy now.

[w3lshrugby]

What's the lowest ever ODI score?

[masterkhan]

Ireland are 4 down for 13 not a good start

[IloveGilly]

Hmm. Tait not helping like he really should be. Too many on legside or wide. The score could easily be 4/4 right now.

[aussie1st]

That's just the way Tait bowls. Now Ponting isn't helping him by dropping that.
Long over though.

[angryangy]

What's the lowest ever ODI score?35

[masterkhan]

Ireland will probaly be all out for 50

[IloveGilly]

He doesn't really need to try so hard! When he gets it on the stumps it ends up getting punished anyway :( 11 Ball over and a drop catch.

[aussie_ben91]

Tait bowls like a machine gun.

[evertonfan]

More like a flamethrower i'd say.

[w3lshrugby]

Ireland will be all out for 34 :p

[aussie1st]

Depends which Tait comes on, it should get easier for Ireland from here on and knowing Ponting we're probably let them off the hook.

[nightprowler10]

I'm putting Ireland to get bowled out for under 75.

Wait, never mind. Clark's on.

[masterkhan]

I know Ireland were going to lose all there matchs in the super 8

I think Ireland are going score under 100

[angryangy]

Might aswell gone for Johnson seeing as Brackens being rested.Should've included them all. Six bowlers is hardly going to hurt here.

[masterkhan]

I miss Brett Lee I just love to see him bowl.

[aussie1st]

Should've included them all. Six bowlers is hardly going to hurt here.

5 would have been enough no point in having too many bowlers.

[IloveGilly]

What's wrong with a comeback from Ireland?

I miss Lee too, the memories of his pace, accuracy and ever-growing experience. He's one guy who can do a much better job than Tait. :(

[Animator!]

Lee was slowly becoming a really good ODI bowler. He was becoming more and more consistant with his line and length and at his pace that is always going to be troubling. He wasn't going for loads, which is the perfect situation, he'll take wickets with the new ball without going at 6+.
It's a shame for you Aussie he got injured, he could have been one of the better bowers of this world cup, despite the fact that pace hasn't suited the wickets, Lee had the versitility to change his game.

[aussie1st]

Clark looking average so far, McGrath producing his usual tricks to get his 3rd wicket.

[masterkhan]

thats 5 down now but they need to get KJ O'Brien

[aussie1st]

O'Brien has looked really good so far and Trent Johnson is starting to crack a few on McGrath, luckily Clarke saved that last ball or it would have been another 4.

[masterkhan]

Aussie1st I thought you were champion in 6 games?

they got O'Brien now and thats 6 down this game is getting easy for austraila

[aussie1st]

Not the best ball from Clark but he'll take it.
Looks like Tait is trying too hard again.

[Feelin Blue?]

Well aussies demolishing Ireland here. I reckon the game shouldn't take to long into the night / afternoon

[aussie1st]

Tait could get his best bowling figures here. 3rd wicket, almost had Johnston the previous ball got him the next.

[masterkhan]

Johnston is gone so thats 7 down now

56/7 thats not a good score against Austarila

[MUFC1987]

Did Tait used to play Baseball as a kid? He doesn't bowl, he pitches.