2022 T20 World Cup thread

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

First topic message reminder :

We're now just over a fortnight out from the qualifying round, and team news is ever changing around the teams in the tournament.

Unfortunately today Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament (and a while after) with a back injury. Big blow to India that one, and a World Cup with no Archer/Bumrah (arguably the two best t20 fast bowlers in the world) is a huge shame

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

it looks like the Dutch are on course for a fairly resounding victory over UAE here

Any other good tips Olly?

They might just scrape home but they're sure making a meal of it. UAE are on a roll.

The Dutch look as though they've slipped off the dike and are headed into the polder. Luckily they're not wearing whites.

My tip - see what I post, bet the opposite

[Duty281]

Dutch just about get home. A thrilling conclusion to a game that looked like it was going to be a breeze.

Rizwann dropped a simple chance which would have left the Dutch 76/7, then he later narrowly missed a direct run-out chance. The first one would have probably won the UAE the game, the second may have done. Agonising stuff for him.

Fantastic first day of the tournament. Didn't think this group would provide much entertainment, but we've already had a bucketload. Sri Lanka v UAE is must win for both sides; and whoever wins between Namibia and the Dutch will have one foot in the Super 12s. Just seeing Sri Lanka's NRR is -2.75, so they could do with a big win over the UAE.

Group B starts tomorrow. I think any combination of two teams getting through from this group is plausible, it's a very tight group. I think the West Indies will lose at least one of their three games.

[Pal Joey]

Geez that was close.

Funny thing is Olly, I thought the same at around the time you posted. I also thought Sri Lanka had the pedigree (historically speaking and judging from the confidence of their loyal fans in the crowd) and were on their way back too after their Asia Cup success.

Anyway, an interesting table after those two matches. There should be some more lively encounters in Group A.

So it's on to Hobart tomorrow for West Indies v Scotland and then Zimbabwe v Ireland in Group B.

[alfie]

Dutch made a bit of a meal of that chase...for a ball or two there I thought they weren't going to make it.

After today I am reluctant to make any predictions for the group. Better leave that job to Olly I guess

[guildfordbat]

Scotland 160 off their 20 against the Windies. 

The Scots started well but struggled to keep firing after an early rain break. Probably competitive but no more. 

Munsey carrying his bat with a ''guaranteed to annoy Olly'' 66 off 53. Holder with an impressive 2/14 off 3 overs but why only 3?

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

WIndies 4 down for only 65 through 9 overs in reply here - Scotland have a huge opportunity!

[guildfordbat]

Windies in heaps of trouble at 79/7 off 12.3.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Scotland on the verge of a huge win here - and one which throws an already exciting and tough group, absolutely wide wide open!

[alfie]

160 always likely to be too many for West Indies this week

Chasing seems a tough business at present as Australia have just proved in their practice match , losing their last six wickets for nine to go down to India by six runs. At least Finch found some form with 76 at a decent rate - though he might be kicking himself for getting out to trigger the collapse.

Ah well the serious stuff is yet to come...

But as West Indies go nine down we can pretty well call Upset Number Two for the Qualifying groups.

[guildfordbat]

Great win by Scotland. I thought they had left 10 to 15 runs out there. Maybe but they did but it didn't matter. Excellent catching supporting their bowlers with spinners Watt and Leask particularly impressive.

[alfie]

West Indies could be in a bit of trouble in this group. Need to lift their game because their remaining matches aren't really sure things either - and with all the rain about here at present you never know when a washout might mess with the points.

[Duty281]

Well I thought the West Indies would lose at least one game in this group, but Scotland was perhaps the least likely to defeat them. It will be quite tough now for the West Indies to qualify.

It shows the interest of these early games, and we're also seeing the virtues of batting first which may became a theme through this tournament. Even the UAE nearly defended the pittance they amassed yesterday.

[Duty281]

Zimbabwe have made 174 v the Irish. Poor start, 37/3, but Sikandar Raza fired 82 from 48 to get them to a strong score.

You'd imagine this would be a very difficult chase for Ireland.

England look on course to beat Pakistan in a final warm-up game, one of those silly 15-a-side affairs. Salt only made 1 when batting, so I imagine Hales' place alongside Buttler is secure for Saturday.

[Duty281]

Second-ball duck for Stirling, that could be it for Ireland already.

[guildfordbat]

Well I thought the West Indies would lose at least one game in this group, but Scotland was perhaps the least likely to defeat them. It will be quite tough now for the West Indies to qualify.

It shows the interest of these early games, and we're also seeing the virtues of batting first which may became a theme through this tournament. Even the UAE nearly defended the pittance they amassed yesterday.

Tieing with Duty's post, Ireland already look gone chasing 175. They're a pitiful 31/4 off 5.

As Duty also suggested, Stirling probably had to equal or surpass Raza's contribution to get the Irish over the line. Once he went for a second ball duck, they were even more up against it.

[Afro]

Someone's going to have a tough job picking the lineup for England's opening game at the weekend. Stokes, Livingstone and Brooks all with decent enough scores at a rapid pace in the warm up game today.

[guildfordbat]

Someone's going to have a tough job picking the lineup for England's opening game at the weekend. Stokes, Livingstone and Brooks all with decent enough scores at a rapid pace in the warm up game today.

Yeah, and that's without Olly still looking to get a place for Jacks! 

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Someone's going to have a tough job picking the lineup for England's opening game at the weekend. Stokes, Livingstone and Brooks all with decent enough scores at a rapid pace in the warm up game today.

I would go with - Buttler, Hales, Malan, Stokes, Brook, Mo, Livingstone, Curran, Wood, Rashid, Topley (middle order is all flexible where they come in)

I suspect they're going to go with - Buttler, Hales, Malan, Stokes, Livingstone, Mo, Curran, Woakes, Wood, Rashid, Topley

But good to have multiple options, and players in form! Curran has really played himself into the XI in recent weeks

[Duty281]

Yes, I think England will go with the side Olly suspects. England have shown they want a top six, not top seven, then two all-rounders and the bowlers.

Livingstone v Brook is the only doubt for me. I'd favour Brook, but I think England will favour Livingstone due to greater experience and the chance of getting one or two overs of spin from him. However, Brook did make 45 off 24 in England's win today, so he still might squeeze into the XI. S Curran also hit 33 off 14, to back up a tidy bowling effort, so that should mean he's ahead of Willey.

While Pakistan lost, Shaheen got through a couple of overs, so they'll be pleased with that.

Meanwhile the unheralded Afghan seamers have torn Bangladesh apart in a separate warm-up, so England might have to be wary.

In the actual tournament, Ireland are heading for a thrashing and need to make the NRR respectable. NRR will probably decide at least one place in this group.

[alfie]

Yeah...don't know how much notice we should take of the 15 a side practice games : but Livingstone has proved his fitness and if you think England could get away with four overs from him , Stokes , and Moeen , then Olly's preferred XI could work. But the "expected" version , with no Brook , is probably more likely now.

You'd think Salt , Willey and Jordan are "spares' now. They do have plenty of options anyway. Suppose if Hales has a bad game or two they could consider Stokes as opener (especially now he has got his bat working again) and Brook added in ? Hope they don't do anything really silly like leaving out Malan...  

Can't fault the lead-up form from England. If they can keep this up they are a much better chance than I'd expected in this WC . But it is t20 so no guarantees , eh ?

[Duty281]

It's going to be a great winter for English sport, as England win the T20 World Cup, Rugby League World Cup, Football World Cup and the women's Rugby Union World Cup. Fantastic stuff.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Yeah...don't know how much notice we should take of the 15 a side practice games : but Livingstone has proved his fitness and if you think England could get away with four overs from him , Stokes , and Moeen , then Olly's preferred XI could work. But the "expected" version , with no Brook , is probably more likely now.

You'd think Salt , Willey and Jordan are "spares' now. They do have plenty of options anyway. Suppose if Hales has a bad game or two they could consider Stokes as opener (especially now he has got his bat working again) and Brook added in ? Hope they don't do anything really silly like leaving out Malan...  

Can't fault the lead-up form from England. If they can keep this up they are a much better chance than I'd expected in this WC . But it is t20 so no guarantees , eh ?

I did wonder about this Alfie - Stokes of course, an opener when he plays IPL usually. I think with the benefit of hindsight, and knowing how well Brook would play in Pakistan, they'd probably have gone with that...but it kind of is what it is now. They made the Hales call and need it to pay off

[Duty281]

This has been quite a valuable tenth wicket partnership for Ireland. Still lost, but their NRR will be healthier than the West Indies. I think it's been quite a few disappointing years for Ireland. They seem to have stagnated as a cricketing nation, and don't appear to have a lot of talent coming through.

Zimbabwe did good. I think they'll go on to ruffle a few more feathers at this World Cup.

Unfortunately for this group, Friday (the third and final round of games) has some rain forecast, so it perhaps gives even more importance to the second round of games on Wednesday.

[guildfordbat]

Yeah...don't know how much notice we should take of the 15 a side practice games : but Livingstone has proved his fitness and if you think England could get away with four overs from him , Stokes , and Moeen , then Olly's preferred XI could work. But the "expected" version , with no Brook , is probably more likely now.

You'd think Salt , Willey and Jordan are "spares' now. They do have plenty of options anyway. Suppose if Hales has a bad game or two they could consider Stokes as opener (especially now he has got his bat working again) and Brook added in ? Hope they don't do anything really silly like leaving out Malan...  

Can't fault the lead-up form from England. If1979.  they can keep this up they are a much better chance than I'd expected in this WC . But it is t20 so no guarantees , eh ?

That's probably more than a touch better than Boycott, Gooch and Larkins whom we somehow trusted to send down 12 overs against the mighty West Indies in the 60 over WC final of 1979. As expected, it didn't come off with a composite analysis of 12-0-86-0 (very expensive back in the day then).

[Duty281]

Always felt sorry for Boycott. He only just missed out on the IPL riches that would have surely come his way.

[Afro]

I'd go with the same XI as Olly's preferred rather than expected.

I think having 7 players who can bowl gives more than enough to give that flexibility in choice during the innings

[Afro]

Always felt sorry for Boycott. He only just missed out on the IPL riches that would have surely come his way.

Still love to hear the wind-up on TMS from Aggers, when they said Geoffrey's 100 test at Headingley was now his 99th due to the South Africa test having official status removed

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I see Topley is a doubt with an ankle niggle for the Afghanistan game…gah!

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Also the Dutch beat UAE - they tried their best to choke it away, but got it done in the end. Not sure we are seeing "chasing is harder" as a rule, like last year where you won the toss and bowled first to get the advantage of batting with the dew down in 2nd innings...a lot of these teams look to be struggling to deal with the pressure of chasing to me - rather than any inherent conditions advantage

[Duty281]

Solid win for the Dutch over Namibia. That's the worst result for Sri Lanka because, with Namibia probable to beat the UAE, the most likely scenario SL can hope for is winning their last two games and being locked in a three-way tie for four points which would be settled on NRR, rather than just a straight shoot-out between them and the Dutch.

The Dutch have made hard work of both of their chases so their NRR isn't as high as it should be, meaning SL should be confident of making it through if they win their last two.

Sri Lanka need a decent win over the UAE here and they've started strong by amassing 37/0 in the first four overs.

[Duty281]

Hat-trick for Meiyappan! Sri Lanka go from 117/2 to 117/5.

[Pal Joey]

Karthik Meiyappan got a hat-trick. Great celebration!

SL has stalled at 117/5 after 15 overs. They looked to be cruising towards 160-180 at one stage.

[alfie]

I see Topley is a doubt with an ankle niggle for the Afghanistan game…gah!

I said someone would get injured to mess with selection predictions... just didn't expect it this early. If he just misses the Afghanistan game , fine - gives a run out for Willey , or maybe allows them to go with the extra bat ; but I'd be concerned if he were sidelined for an extended period.

They have travelling reserves , of course ; but neither Gleeson nor Mills have had much cricket lately so I would hope they aren't called on. Topley would be a serious loss , I think. He has been excellent in the death overs.

[alfie]

Hat-trick for Meiyappan! Sri Lanka go from 117/2 to 117/5.

Wow ! I thought I was seeing things when I turned on Cricinfo to see 117/2 - and then instantly changed to the latter score. Six gone now so they aren't looking exactly secure...

The Curse of Olly ?

[Duty281]

UAE lost their way a bit after six down, surprised we didn't see any more spin, but the last two overs (including a brilliant catch!) have been tip-top and pulled Sri Lanka back again.

Just 152 for Sri Lanka, meaning they got just 35 off the last 33 balls. You'd still expect them to win here, but the UAE have a realistic shot of glory. Even if Sri Lanka do win this is unlikely to do their NRR much good, barring the UAE getting shot out for a double-digit score.

[Duty281]

Sri Lanka will be fine as the UAE slump to 21/4. The seamers have destroyed the top order and the stumps.

[Duty281]

UAE going to be bowled out for an even smaller pittance. They've competed well in both games though and should have beaten the Netherlands.

Sri Lanka/Netherlands will be winner goes through, and Namibia will join them presuming they beat the UAE. A few more permutations if Namibia lose to the UAE, but that seems unlikely.

Don't think Sri Lanka will be worrying anyone in the Super 12s if they got through.

[Pal Joey]

UAE going to be bowled out for an even smaller pittance. They've competed well in both games though and should have beaten the Netherlands.

Sri Lanka/Netherlands will be winner goes through, and Namibia will join them presuming they beat the UAE. A few more permutations if Namibia lose to the UAE, but that seems unlikely.

Don't think Sri Lanka will be worrying anyone in the Super 12s if they got through.

Perhaps they could take care of Afghanistan and Bangladesh. They'll gain a bit of confidence after this match even considering it was only UAE.
Of course this group pales in comparison to their greatest T20 WC winning side but I don't think Olly's 'dark horses' should be totally disregarded.

[Duty281]

UAE going to be bowled out for an even smaller pittance. They've competed well in both games though and should have beaten the Netherlands.

Sri Lanka/Netherlands will be winner goes through, and Namibia will join them presuming they beat the UAE. A few more permutations if Namibia lose to the UAE, but that seems unlikely.

Don't think Sri Lanka will be worrying anyone in the Super 12s if they got through.

Perhaps they could take care of Afghanistan and Bangladesh. They'll gain a bit of confidence after this match even considering it was only UAE.
Of course this group pales in comparison to their greatest T20 WC winning side but I don't think Olly's 'dark horses' should be totally disregarded.

I suppose you can't really rule them out in T20, but their batting is utterly dismal and it's difficult to see them winning four games in the Super 12s.

[Soul Requiem]

UAE going to be bowled out for an even smaller pittance. They've competed well in both games though and should have beaten the Netherlands.

Sri Lanka/Netherlands will be winner goes through, and Namibia will join them presuming they beat the UAE. A few more permutations if Namibia lose to the UAE, but that seems unlikely.

Don't think Sri Lanka will be worrying anyone in the Super 12s if they got through.

Perhaps they could take care of Afghanistan and Bangladesh. They'll gain a bit of confidence after this match even considering it was only UAE.
Of course this group pales in comparison to their greatest T20 WC winning side but I don't think Olly's 'dark horses' should be totally disregarded.

They'll only play one of Afghanistan or Bangladesh. If they do get through i'd assume they'd be playing Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, South Africa and the winner of group B.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I see Topley is a doubt with an ankle niggle for the Afghanistan game…gah!

I said someone would get injured to mess with selection predictions... just didn't expect it this early. If he just misses the Afghanistan game , fine - gives a run out for Willey , or maybe allows them to go with the extra bat ; but I'd be concerned if he were sidelined for an extended period.

They have travelling reserves , of course ; but neither Gleeson nor Mills have had much cricket lately so I would hope they aren't called on. Topley would be a serious loss , I think. He has been excellent in the death overs.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2022/10/18/england-handed-early-2022-t20-world-cup-injury-blow-reece-topley/

Doesn't sound good. At all!
What a shame this would be, not only for England but for Topley himself

[king_carlos]

What a shame. His career has been so hampered by injury but it felt like Topley was finally getting that run where his talent could be seen by a few more, even if briefly. He's been excellent for England this year.

A huge blow for England and a sad situation for Topley himself.

[alfie]

Indeed doesn't sound too hopeful - and would be desperately unlucky for Topley. Hope it isn't as bad as suggested.

But certainly they'll have to adjust the death bowling plans for the opening games at least. I would suggest using Woakes and Wood with Curran - which means entrusting a few early overs to Willey. But they are as likely to go for Jordan in his old role... I think that is inferior to the Topley/Curran pairing so a bit of a blow before the WC even starts...

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Absolutely unbelievable comeback victory for Ireland over Scotland this morning!

Scots posted a very good 176-5, with a lovely 86 (55) from Michael Jones and looked to be cruising to victory when they removed Harry Tector at 61-4 off 9.3 overs. But, just another 9.3 overs later, they had lost thanks to a quite frankly ridiculous 72* (32) from Curtis Campher ably supported by George Dockrell with 39* (27) - and they won with an over to spare! Incredible, and blows the group wide wide open

[Duty281]

Sensational innings from Campher to keep Irish hopes alive. He's been a player with quite a bit of promise, I think this is the first time he's properly announced it.

West Indies have had a Sri Lanka-style collapse in the other game. 90/2 has become 101/6 and their tournament hopes are hanging by a thread.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Confirmed that Topley is out of the tournament, and actually requires ankle surgery. Tymal Mills likely to be called into the squad to replace - what a huge huge shame for him, and a big blow for England.

I think this strengthens the case for the extra bowler now - with Topley/Wood/Rashid you had basically 12 banker overs, with Curran/Stokes/Livingstone/Moeen making up the rest (if going extra batter XI), but removing Topley and adding one of Willey/Jordan/Woakes I just don't think you have the same banker overs anymore. And to be fair, those guys coming in for him do add to the batting depth anyways, so it's not like we would suddenly have a tail starting at 8!

The bowler who comes in will be interesting...I am assuming now Curran at 7 and Woakes at 8 is fairly set in stone. Do you know go with Willey (left arm option, but can't really bowl at the death) or Jordan (bit more pace, and death option) to replace Topley who had been doing some new ball and death bowling. You can only really cover one of those off with the replacement...and I think I would err towards Jordan and allow Woakes to bowl 2/3 powerplay overs every game, similar to what he did in last years WC, rotating the bowler from the other end in those first 6 overs.
Either way, it's going to be tough to paper over another huge loss to the seam bowling ranks. Topley arguably been our best white ball bowler the last 12 months!

I suspect;
Buttler
Hales
Malan
Stokes
Livingstone
Moeen
Curran
Woakes
Jordan
Rashid
Wood

Is what they will plump for

[Duty281]

West Indies end up with 153 after a good effort from Powell and Hosein, including a 104 metre six from Powell. Raza continuing his strong tournament with 3/19.

West Indies don't defend it and they're practically out. Do defend it and there'll be four teams tied on two points.

Shame about Topley. It seems fast bowlers are cursed at this tournament.

[Duty281]

Really well balanced after the PowerPlay. Zimbabwe ahead of the rate with 55 scored, but they are 3 down and don't have too much batting left after this partnership of Madhevere and Raza.

[alfie]

Looks like the upsets are done for now...Zimbabwe aren't getting fifty off the last five , with seven wickets down.

Make that eight...

[Duty281]

Yep, looks done now. Zimbabwe batted as though they only had 15 overs to chase it and lost too many wickets, even when the RRR was more than manageable.

Means the group is perfectly balanced with every team on two points. Ireland/West Indies will be winner goes through, and so is Zimbabwe/Scotland. Weather has also improved for Friday so both games should be completed.

It's been a superb start to the competition.

If it is a washout, Zimbabwe and Scotland will go through.

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