2015 World Cup

First topic message reminder :

March

Semi-finals

24 Semi-final 1, South Africa v New Zealand, Auckland (01:00 GMT)

26 Semi-final 2, India v Australia, Sydney (03:30 GMT)

Final

29 Final, Melbourne (05:30 BST)

Just watching SA-Pak highlights, that catch by Steyn must be the catch of the tournament

Mysti,

PLC programming, well what I do, covers a pretty broad spectrum. From DC/AC systems, emergency Generators, SCADA (DCS) systems and down to elevators and escalators. Its a very interesting job.

The only problem I see with the ropes is that of external influences eg, a fielder stepping on it by accident, a spectator throwing something on the ropes or even wind blowing against it.

brennomac wrote:

... Still al teams need luck and luck was on our side today.  Some of the irish bowling was awful and think they'll need to change for the Pakistan game which will be winner take all - think we can assume we will lose to India unfortunately

Hi Brennomac - the difficulty though for Ireland with making bowling changes for the next game is that your worst bowlers today were O'Brien and Stirling and you really need to retain them for their batting. Don't think there's an easy answer to that. Apart from Cusack, no one bowled that well against Zimbabwe. It might just be a case of the current bowlers needing to improve as a unit rather than bringing in replacements.

Ireland's fielding also needs to be a lot better than it was today. Fielding has been one of Ireland's strengths in this WC up until now. However, too inconsistent against Zimbabwe - some good catches early on but too many misfields in the closing stages.

Superb day of cricket, although Ireland's chances of progress now look slim - they need a win versus Pakistan, like 2007, or hope the Windies capitulate against the UAE.

Nachos Jones wrote:Mysti,

PLC programming, well what I do, covers a pretty broad spectrum. From DC/AC systems, emergency Generators, SCADA (DCS) systems and down to elevators and escalators. Its a very interesting job.

The only problem I see with the ropes is that of external influences eg, a fielder stepping on it by accident, a spectator throwing something on the ropes or even wind blowing against it.

I suppose the likely hood of that happening at the exact same time as an incident that it would be needed for would be very rare.

But we have goal line tech. It's needed only once in I dunno maybe 200 matches.. But then football is made of money!!

Nachos Jones wrote:

guildfordbat wrote:

Nachos Jones wrote:

... as an Irishman, I would say they were very lucky there.

Hi Nachos - from your name, I've always assumed you were half Mexican and half Welsh!

Hi Guildford. Not Welsh but you are not far off, the name is in honour of a friend who was Welsh but lived in Mexico and sadly passed on a few years back.

Nice touch.

guildfordbat wrote:

brennomac wrote:

... Still al teams need luck and luck was on our side today.  Some of the irish bowling was awful and think they'll need to change for the Pakistan game which will be winner take all - think we can assume we will lose to India unfortunately

Hi Brennomac - the difficulty though for Ireland with making bowling changes for the next game is that your worst bowlers today were O'Brien and Stirling and you really need to retain them for their batting. Don't think there's an easy answer to that. Apart from Cusack, no one bowled that well against Zimbabwe. It might just be a case of the current bowlers needing to improve as a unit rather than bringing in replacements.

Ireland's fielding also needs to be a lot better than it was today. Fielding has been one of Ireland's strengths in this WC up until now. However, too inconsistent against Zimbabwe - some good catches early on but too many misfields in the closing stages.

You're right there Guildford, we don't have too much back up in the bowling area and we can only hope O'brien and Stirling get their eye back in before Pak game. Ground fielding was uncharacteristly poor as well. Pakistan seem to be growing with each game - their batting v SA today not great but bowling excellent and that lad Sarfraz looks a very good WK.

guildfordbat wrote:

The Loaded Dog wrote:Maybe they need touch sensitive "zinger boundary foam" for the next match, Guildford?  

Maybe, LD, maybe!

Btw, any chance of rain for either of Ireland's last 2 games? 1 point for a washout would suit them perfectly and guarantee a QF place.

Tuesday in Hamilton should be OK according to cricinfo. Adelaide on the 15th... too far out but I'd say it should also be fine this time of year.
As for here (according to phone app) there's a 30% chance of rain but less than 1mm at the SCG. Max of 29°C with 80% humidity tomorrow.

Nachos Jones wrote:Mysti,

PLC programming, well what I do, covers a pretty broad spectrum. From DC/AC systems, emergency Generators, SCADA (DCS) systems and down to elevators and escalators. Its a very interesting job.

The only problem I see with the ropes is that of external influences eg, a fielder stepping on it by accident, a spectator throwing something on the ropes or even wind blowing against it.

Or a seagull attacking it.

According to Google, Napier's weather on the 15th (when the Windies play the UAE) looks pretty miserable. A washout there would guarantee Ireland's qualification.

Olly wrote:Ireland vs Pakistan is essentially a knockout game

Unless Ind decide to lose to Ire.....keep their arch rival and dangerous Pak out
AND also get to face Lanka that they would prefer to over Eng

The Ireland of 2007 that captured hearts, had a much better overall bowling lineup. Rankin, Johnston and Langford-Smith, they were all good and above the usual associate standards. They do have better than associate standard batting now also, but the bowling unit, apart from Docrell, just aren't there.
All that they can hope now is that it will be the other version of Pakistan who would turn up on their match day, or for a washout for the WI/UAE game. Must say the WI just doesn't deserve to be in there in the next round.......

And by the way, the way to stop South Africa is by batting first against them, score whatever you can, and somehow getting AB out........ That's what is been proven yet again today.......

my heart couldn't take today; ireland are putting years on me. As I've said all along we need to get something from Pakistan game.

Bit disappointed the Afghan captain decided to bat first tbh

Can't really blame them on a very good batting wicket. Try to post something on the scoreboard.
I suppose the alternative would have been to send NZ into bat and chase 400+ later on.
Either way, don't expect this to go down to the wire... although strange things do happen!

Not sure about that Dog, Afghan attack is good and the New Zealand batting has been shaky - I'd have backed the bowlers myself

This is the best batting wicket in NZ though; so I believe they made the right choice.

The Aus version of de Villiers played his blinder....and Aus look like finishing 380
Watson's was a brute inning too

Hop Lanka can show fight with the bat

Vettori is still a wizard. His contribution cannot be overstated.

McCullum takes pressure off Guptill and though there were some soft run outs, Taylor got some time in the middle and everyone made a contribution.

The only thing McCullum is hopeless at is winning tosses. I would ideally like to see NZ bat first as they need practice building a big innings rather than chasing a modest total.

WOW ! dilhsan creams 6 FOURs off Johnson and I can sense a game is on

so bored we are with pie-chucker close games being called exciting......and starved for quality competitive games.....that Dilshan has woken me up.

Lanka will fight .....most likely go down....but like SA-Pak this is high quality stuff.

Lanka and Pak have woken up and being counted now

big miss by clarke....drops a difficult but definitely catchable skier...dilshan set to get a big hundred today

100-1 in 15 overs......a third of the inning gone and Lanka still in the game...somehwhere though someone like matthews would have to play a blinder like a 20 ball 40 later on

We're privileged to watch Kumar sangakkara bat

and uncharacteristically I must say.....Clarke ain't trying to get wickets but rather choke runs with ultra defesive bowling.....asking spinners to ball into pads or outside the legs.

Not good.....he needs to pick wickets..that is what will push Lanka back here

I must say Aussie commentators are jingoistic and extreme one eyed, when their own team is playing.
there is little appreciation of the good work being done by Lankans...

the entire tone of commentary is hope and wish of what Aus should do...what can happen in Aus's favour...what they would wish to see happen....just so one eyed "Aussie wishes perspective"

Lanka are falling behind a bit...when you chase you have to keep up with the rate...it's unlikely to explode at 15 RPO in the last 6 overs like the side batting first can.

Lankans have to do more against the spinners....they should take a PP and smash 60 runs or so

they get a 17 run over as the do take the PP.....Sangkarra has scored 350 runs without getting out....if I heard the commentators right

SL can seriously bat in this format.

hats of to them- they could do this

jinxed em

jaya gone r.o and that's a blesing in disguise...he wasn't going and didn't look like he would get going today.

They want a power hitter like Matthews to come out......actually Matthews it should be now... and Matthews it is.....and hes gotta get a 30 ball 50 today

three HUNDREDS in a Row for Sangkarra....

how brightly the candle is burning as it reaches the end

pressure of RRR gets to Sanga.....
now it needs eitehr of Matthews or Chandimal to play a blinder.....percentage cricket at 120% SR won't get them throuhg now

pressure of RRR gets to Sanga.....
now it needs eitehr of Matthews or Chandimal to play a blinder.....percentage cricket at 120% SR won't get them throuhg now

35 runs off the last two overs....and Chandimal's flair has put this chase back on track

they may not win....still 375 is a mountain...but I'd like to see them get to 360ish.....be in the game till the end

100 in the last 10......chandimal playing that "needed blinder"...and a shame he goes back with cramps 52 off 24 n.o yet...may have a role to play at the end

Oh dear.

Now SL are in a horrid position with 2 brand new batsmen.

well chandimal's retired hurt knocked the wind out of the chase.....but Lanka can go with their head held high.

Mark my word....
Pak are the best bowling side in the tournament.......if their batsmen given them even 220 runs...they are in the game

and Lanka are the best batting side...even a 350 chase is not outside their grasp.

Lanka's show today should make Eng feel a bit better in retrospect for letting Lanka chase down 315 against them.

Olly wrote:We're privileged to watch Kumar sangakkara bat

Yes, Olly, we will be.

Fantastic knock from Maxwell today. Not the biggest fan of the guy, but no doubt he has freak outlier abilities of improvisation. Sangakarra was genius, as he normally is. Undoubtedly the best batsman in the last fifty years if you ask me. Surprised a touch that Lanka got as close as they did (in terms if realism, not overall scoreline). Until Chandimal retired, they seemed at least 40% to win it. The Chandimal injury was mighty unfortunate. Been racking my head last few days over whether I'd prefer us to face SL or Aus more. No closer to an answer on today's display. Johnson fought back well, but realistically, it's ANOTHER match where he's been expensive. Can't drop him because if he gets it right, there is no wicket placid enough, but he's a bit of a risk moving forward where the games should get lower scoring.

Eng will be under huge pressure as they play two poentially Elimination games in a row....albeit against BD and Afganistan.

If they lose /tie /washout tonight then they are eliminated.

Although you'd expect them to win easily vs. BD......they did lose to the same opponent last time they played each other in the World Cup ( of 2011).

The best scenario (other than rain) for BD would be to bat first.....somehow put a total of 250 atleast and then let the pressures of elimination work on Eng.

Althouhg there are murmurs of swapping Finn for Tredwell......BD is one side that play spin better than they would face an express pacer.
A pre-QF for this group as would be the Ire-Pak game in the other group

kingraf wrote:Fantastic knock from Maxwell today. Not the biggest fan of the guy, but no doubt he has freak outlier abilities of improvisation. Sangakarra was genius, as he normally is. Undoubtedly the best batsman in the last fifty years if you ask me. Surprised a touch that Lanka got as close as they did (in terms if realism, not overall scoreline). Until Chandimal retired, they seemed at least 40% to win it. The Chandimal injury was mighty unfortunate. Been racking my head last few days over whether I'd prefer us to face SL or Aus more. No closer to an answer on today's display. Johnson fought back well, but realistically, it's ANOTHER match where he's been expensive. Can't drop him because if he gets it right, there is no wicket placid enough, but he's a bit of a risk moving forward where the games should get lower scoring.

Think I'm now prepared to admit I was wrong about Maxwell being nothing more than a dirty slogger.

Not like the Aussie team lacks potential replacements for Johnson if his form doesn't pick up

Weather should be fine in Adelaide tonight, so the humiliation of the English will only be complete if Bangladesh defeat them.

The inconsistency of Bangladesh, coupled with their spin-heavy attack, added to England's inept nature, probably means that Moores' lads need a slight step up from what we have seen thus far to beat Bangladesh.

I will say the odds are 60/40 in England's favour.

Hopefully Ballance will make way for Hales.

KP_fan wrote:I must say Aussie commentators are jingoistic and extreme one eyed, when their own team is playing.
there is little appreciation of the good work being done by Lankans...

the entire tone of commentary is hope and wish of what Aus should do...what can happen in Aus's favour...what they would wish to see happen....just so one eyed "Aussie wishes perspective"

The one who set the standard which other Australian commentators should have tried to follow and emulate is Richie Benaud. Always fair minded with a very fine appreciation of how any particular match might develop. Listening to his commentaries and summaries influenced me and contributed to any understanding I might have of the game.

To be honest Olly, I didn't think Maxwell was a useless slogger. I just thought - in slightly nicer tones than I'm about to use - he was a bit of a brainless carnival cricketer. All sweeps and reverse pulls, but rather short on actual cricketing prowess. The Ricardo Quaresma of cricket if you will. Him playing completely down the wrong line (well, lines really, horrible misjudgement) against a rampant Steyn in Zimbabwe, and then getting bowled while leaving a ball with his stumps exposed in the Big Bash seemed to confirm that he wasn't well clipped. Recently though, he's shown the ability to build an innings (albeit at a faster rate of construction than most batters), and that he can pull off the stops even against quality bowling. Can't really ask for more.

On a separate note, while there are questions about our ability to chase, I must admit that teams have been pretty poor chasing this world cup as a rule. The current favourites, New Zealand, have made absolute meals of 2/3 of their chases, and these chase have been 120-150. India found themselves in a bit of trouble chasing 180, Pakistan have collapsed every time they've chased. Even Lanka only have a 1/3 ratio chasing.

Duty281 wrote:Weather should be fine in Adelaide tonight, so the humiliation of the English will only be complete if Bangladesh defeat them.

The inconsistency of Bangladesh, coupled with their spin-heavy attack, added to England's inept nature, probably means that Moores' lads need a slight step up from what we have seen thus far to beat Bangladesh.

I will say the odds are 60/40 in England's favour.

Hopefully Ballance will make way for Hales.

such low has Eng's stock fallen in your view?
Its 90-10 in Eng's favor in my view

It would be a BIG BIG upset for BD to beat Eng on an Australian pitch.

Olly wrote:

kingraf wrote:Fantastic knock from Maxwell today. Not the biggest fan of the guy, but no doubt he has freak outlier abilities of improvisation. Sangakarra was genius, as he normally is. Undoubtedly the best batsman in the last fifty years if you ask me. Surprised a touch that Lanka got as close as they did (in terms if realism, not overall scoreline). Until Chandimal retired, they seemed at least 40% to win it. The Chandimal injury was mighty unfortunate. Been racking my head last few days over whether I'd prefer us to face SL or Aus more. No closer to an answer on today's display. Johnson fought back well, but realistically, it's ANOTHER match where he's been expensive. Can't drop him because if he gets it right, there is no wicket placid enough, but he's a bit of a risk moving forward where the games should get lower scoring.

Think I'm now prepared to admit I was wrong about Maxwell being nothing more than a dirty slogger.

Not like the Aussie team lacks potential replacements for Johnson if his form doesn't pick up

Olly - I guess it was inevitable that Maxwell was near to a complete flop when he played t20 for Surrey in 2013.

As regards the Australian team, thought it was a good move today to bring back Watson for Marsh. Feel that Marsh's fivefer against England was more his day in the sun than sure signs of a future bowling great. As I posted recently on another thread, history won't judge Watson as an all time Australian great. However, he's still more than useful and is probably one of those players whose worth will only be properly appreciated when he's gone for good.

KP_fan wrote:

Duty281 wrote:Weather should be fine in Adelaide tonight, so the humiliation of the English will only be complete if Bangladesh defeat them.

The inconsistency of Bangladesh, coupled with their spin-heavy attack, added to England's inept nature, probably means that Moores' lads need a slight step up from what we have seen thus far to beat Bangladesh.

I will say the odds are 60/40 in England's favour.

Hopefully Ballance will make way for Hales.

such low has Eng's stock fallen in your view?
Its 90-10 in Eng's favor in my view

It would be a BIG BIG upset for BD to beat Eng on an Australian pitch.

Not necessarily how bad England are on paper, more how bad England are, presently, mentally. They look short of confidence, tired, bereft of ambition. Even against a clueless Scotland side, England did not truly put them away.

Bangladesh have won 2/3 of the last ODIs versus England, and they much prefer this format over Tests.

Plus England's batting order is a mess.

60/40 sounds about right. If England are put under duress at any stage, they will probably have an ignominious capitulation.

KP_fan wrote:Another CLOSE minnow v. Minnow game.
BD and Zim inspite of their full status are closer to Ire, afganistan, Scot etc....and should be relegated to some kind of 6 nation B group that ICC should form.

Haven't BD Whitewash Zim, Beat WI and Whitewash NZ twice, draw vs SL, Go to Asia Cup Final, all in recent years?

Zim, Ire, Afg, Scot haven't come close to that