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)

Don't worry raf... it's only a sun shower.
It lasted less than 10 minutes here. Sun's out again.

Great panel here - Border, Lara and KP.

So 134 is what SA will have to chase.
Pretty poor effort from the Lankan batsmen. South Africa bowled well and gave nothing away, but this really was a pathetic effort from Sri Lanka.......

Malinga looked like a beached seal doing his warm-ups. He's certainly on the tubby side.
I just can't see him producing a miraculous spell like he would have done a few years ago.

Such a good day

msp83 wrote:So 134 is what SA will have to chase.
Pretty poor effort from the Lankan batsmen. South Africa bowled well and gave nothing away, but this really was a pathetic effort from Sri Lanka.......

Only saw brief highlights of Sri Lanka's innings but that definitely seems the case.

South Africa coast to a too easy victory. They hit Sri Lanka hard from the start and never looked back in this game. I posted last night about New Zealand needing to show ''ruthless consistency'' - they couldn't do much better than look at South Africa's performance here. I did wonder about South Africa's 5th bowler but South Africa never sufficiently recovered from a harrowing start for that to be an issue.

De Kock in the runs which should do him good. Well done to him - whilst the result wasn't really in much doubt when he walked to the crease, there was a lot of personal pressure with serious questions being asked about his team place.

Unfortunately Lanka died with a whimpher
India will crush BD

looking forward to the Pak-Aus game

Sangakkara dropped a boo boo saying he's off to play with KP at Surrey

Well in general the matches between top member nations at this world cup have been absolute dogshite

Fernando wrote:Sangakkara dropped a boo boo saying he's off to play with KP at Surrey

and KP mentioned that Graeme Smith might make a return. GS told him that he retired prematurely. He's what.. 33?

Hi LD - could you expand at all on this please.

guildfordbat wrote:Hi LD - could you expand at all on this please.

There wasn't much detail, Guildford. KP just blurted it out during the dinner break.
They had been talking about the great players retiring for SL, etc and he let it slip (suggesting that Sanga still had something left in ODIs).
Just previously; the subject had been about SA's quest for this trophy... and how close some great players had come to winning it.

That sort of thing...

Have you read Graeme Smith's book?
I haven't... but apparently his daughter had a little accident (scolded herself with hot water) and he was under immense pressure at the time.
KP recounted that GS then picked up the phone (it was late at night... around 10-11pm) to resign. GS later said that his decision was too hasty.

Thanks, LD.

Fernando's post suggested Pietersen definitely believes he (Pietersen) will be pitching up again at Surrey. As my recent posts have tried to suggest, I believe that's possible but there's still some way to go.

No, I haven't read Smith's book. I was unimpressed by him during his brief time at Surrey. Imo there appeared insufficient commitment towards the county with it seeming more of a glorified shopping trip for his wife (believe they've recently separated).

I did hear of his daughter's accident but that was pre-Surrey, wasn't it? I thought his knee was shot which resulted in him packing things up at the Oval. Can't see any way realistically he'll return - certainly not with Surrey.

Was a rather hasty decision. I felt it at the time. Retired to spend time with his family, but according to local papers, found quite soon that he isn't really a househusband. Switched his cricket friends for new gents to drink with in the middle of the day. Apparently wasn't quite as ready to fade into the black as he thought. Divorcing his wife as it stands. That said though, if he does wanna come back, he needs to accept he isn't getting anywhere near a protea jersey. Test team has evolved without him, and the ODI team is miles from him.

Onto today. What a performance, 10/10. Couldn't ask for more from anybody. Sri Lanka simply had no answer. Two quick wickets in a knockout match, and Sanga had to rebuild, as he got nearly right for the acceleration, Thirimane got out. Lanka were in hole by then, and for once, we seemed quite prepared with shovel in hand.

guildfordbat wrote:Thanks, LD.

Fernando's post suggested Pietersen definitely believes he (Pietersen) will be pitching up again at Surrey. As my recent posts have tried to suggest, I believe that's possible but there's still some way to go.

No, I haven't read Smith's book. I was unimpressed by him during his brief time at Surrey. Imo there appeared insufficient commitment towards the county with it seeming more of a glorified shopping trip for his wife (believe they've recently separated).

I did hear of his daughter's accident but that was pre-Surrey, wasn't it? I thought his knee was shot which resulted in him packing things up at the Oval. Can't see any way realistically he'll return - certainly not with Surrey.

Guildford,
Do you get the "Cricket Legends" show during this World Cup?
He is being interviewed by Robert "Crash" Craddock... talking about his career now.

Surrey was after his Test cricket retirement, yes?
So yes, his daughter's accident was pre-Surrey.

The Loaded Dog wrote:

Guildford,
Do you get the "Cricket Legends" show during this World Cup?
He is being interviewed by Robert "Crash" Craddock... talking about his career now.

Surrey was after his Test cricket retirement, yes?
So yes, his daughter's accident was pre-Surrey.

Thanks again, LD.

No, we don't get the ''Cricket Legends'' show during WC games. Possibly it might be shown here at some later time.

Yes, Smith's time at Surrey followed his Test retirement and turned out to be good money for little in return. Alec Stewart, Executive Director of Cricket at Surrey, copped a lot of stick from members for Smith's medical allegedly not being stringent enough. Stewie remains pretty sensitive (and in denial) on the subject. Partly influenced by this, I'm keen for Pietersen to have a thorough medical at Surrey before re-signing, assuming negotiations get that far.

I've now heard what Sangakkara said on Sky. I think his comments reflect what's widely being discussed about the possibility of Pietersen returning to Surrey and what that then might lead to. I don't believe it's a case of him giving away anything that's been finalised and is confidential - if Sanga had been told anything by the Club in that vein, they would have been sure to emphasise that he needed to keep it under his hat for now and he's more than bright enough to understand that.

Btw, Sanga always seems to come across very well in interview. Pleasantly modest and level headed.

Hi guys you're either missing some very fantastic cricket or stunned into silence

Morning Shah, I'm watching it quietly.
Bangla have kept it tidy thus far but I have a feeling India will try to push things along from here on.
152/3 after 34...  so even at 8 rpo for the last 16... that's 280.

Not really, Shah. I just woke up... Worked till midnight last night. Anyway, India beginning to stamp their authority.

The Rohit Raina partnership has rested the advantage back from Bangladesh. India 224-3 in the 42nd over. Remember India can't bat in the last 4 overs, so they've to score as many as possible in the next 4.......

Hundred for Mr Sharma!
Quality innings from him, his first substantive contribution in this world cup. It was of course Bangladesh and all, but this was a big stage, and he has batted through periods where the opposition had an upper hand.
Pleasant surprise........

Skipper Mortaza, who missed the last game with fitness concerns, emerging as the weakling in the Bangladesh attack. Going for plenty, and his pace has been down....... Was he ready for this big game? Tough call it would have been to sit out, but in hindsight, looks like he should have........

Raina goes, the death over meltdown has started for India!.

It is rather strange how a team particularly skilled at finishing off chases seem so clueless at the last ten overs setting a target

MSD not able to rotate strike or bring out the big shots right from the word go. Just 4 of the 45th. India 245-4.
If Bangladesh can restrict India to under 290, think it would still be a fine effrort.

Raf, its the last 4-5 where there is a problem.

No such problems today, msp. Been a very professional performance thus far

After being carted for a massive 6 and a 4, Taskin goes through Rohit. Sharma goes for 137, might set India's eventual total back by 15-20 at least.......

He had a lucky reprieve at 90 thanks to Mr Dar.

End of a strange innings from Dhoni, he was never in, just couldn't get the singles didn't middle anything.......
India 296-6 with one over to come.

Just 6 singles of the final over, excellent from Rubel.
India finish on 302-6. They would take it from the point of the Rahane wicket. The last 5 overs weren't a disaster as they used to be either, the last 10 overs overall, were pretty good.
2 players who haven't been up to the task up to now, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja stepping up today when the in-form Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane failed. Crucial innings from Raina, played a significant role in shifting the momentum.

It has been a decent bowling effort from Bangladesh. They kept up with India up to the 35th over, kept the runs down, took Dhawan, Kohli and Rahane out without much damage. It was a fine innings though from Rohit and he had his share of luck too. And it was Jadeja's day today, started with a lucky underedge that went for 4 instead of crashing into the stumps, and then connected with most of the slogs.......
India do have a solid total in the end, but Bangladesh aren't out of it by any means. If Tamim Iqbal can get going at the outset, they have the in-form Mahmudullah, and Shakib and Mushfiqur are class acts in the middle order. With Nasir, Sabir and Mortaza there, the lower order also has some depth and power. So The Indian bowlers will have to maintain the terrific standards that they've been maintaining throughout the tournament.

Hi msp - only just joined coverage but the view here of the Sky pundits (Gower, Laxman and Strauss) is that India have enough. Apparently 300 has never been scored batting second at the MCG, I'm not sure if there's any particular reason why that should be. A lot of praise was given to Bangladesh for their work up to the 35th over but the tone of the comments was that they blew it after that.

Decent enough effort from the Bangladeshis to remain in this contest.

A target of 303 is far from unassailable.

Terrible, terrible communication and running by the Bangladesh batsmen for Imrul's dismissal but good work by Jadeja and bowler Yadav who got back behind the stumps.

I've never been a fan of the modern way of the fielder taking the ball in front of the stumps although I know some here feel differently. Shane Warne had this to say:
''Yadav had the presence of mind as well to be in the right slot and get behind the stumps, none of this rubbish of getting in front of the stumps and all that crap! That's absolute rubbish, get behind the stumps! ''

I realise Warne is, at best, marmite to some posters and don't expect them to alter their views as a result of his comments but I'm glad I'm not alone with my view.

Bangladesh enjoying our wide open spaces too.

There's something about the way they are going about this run chase (so far) which impresses me.
They don't seem so daunted by their opposition and have the right attitude thus far.

Maybe Australia were lucky their match against them in Brisbane was washed out?
We'll never know I suppose...

So comfortable win for India in the end, a 300+ total was always going to be difficult, and ones the Indian bowlers kept up the intensity up in the initial overs with good backing from the field, it was too much for Bangladesh.
So 70 out of 70 for Indian bowlers, 11th WC win on the trot and hundredth ODI win for Captain Cool.......

Why is the thread looking like English cricket of late!?
Its a World Cup QF that's going on!!.

Pakistan batting against Australia, and are in deep trouble at 167-6 in the 37th over.

So Pakistan bowled out for 213 in the final over. Fine bowling performance from Australia, but some really awful batting from Pakistan. They kept hitting every half-tracker to Finch in the deep...... Misbah, Umar Akmal and Afridi.......

Starc was threatening throughout and is back on top of the top wickettakers' table, Hazlewood who came back in to the side for this game took 4 wickets. Johnson and Faulknerbowled well, and Maxwell helped Pakistan's effort at providing catching practice to Finch.......

What a day... only just managed to break free from my work shackles but had an eye on proceedings.

214 is a tricky score to chase. In a way, I'd rather they had been set 270!

The Loaded Dog wrote:What a day... only just managed to break free from my work shackles but had an eye on proceedings.

214 is a tricky score to chase. In a way, I'd rather they had been set 270!

Evening to you, LD - yes, I understand your comment about the score Australia are chasing.

Drat! I've just jinxed you! I was about to type that the good thing for you is that Warner and Smith are currently playing as if they're chasing 270 and looking comfortable. Then Warner falls immediately.

Now 50/2 off 9. I still have you as favourites but a couple more wickets in the next 10 or 15 overs could make it very interesting ....

guildfordbat wrote:

The Loaded Dog wrote:What a day... only just managed to break free from my work shackles but had an eye on proceedings.

214 is a tricky score to chase. In a way, I'd rather they had been set 270!

Evening to you, LD - yes, I understand your comment about the score Australia are chasing.  

Drat! I've just jinxed you! I was about to type that the good thing for you is that Warner and Smith are currently playing as if they're chasing 270 and looking comfortable. Then Warner falls immediately.

Now 50/2 off 9. I still have you as favourites but a couple more wickets in the next 10 or 15 overs could make it very interesting ....

Maybe you need to take a leaf out of my book... and lie low!
This is going to be a hair-raising chase. It has that feel about it.

[quote="The Loaded Dog"]

guildfordbat wrote:

Maybe you need to take a leaf out of my book... and lie low!
This is going to be a hair-raising chase. It has that feel about it.

Woohoo! Great captaincy and bowling to get Clarke. Game on!

I've posted supportively of Watson in recent weeks. Time for him to stand up for both of us ....

Great viewing. Wahab Riaz all over Watson here. Will that dropped catch cost them the game?

LD - easy at the close for your boys but it sure didn't look that for a lot of the time.

Some wonderful bowling from Wahab - never will figures of 2/54 off 9 be so unjust! Mind you, Pakistan have only themselves to blame. Whilst catches may win matches, drops may lose World Cups! Can't say that Pakistan would have won if Watson had been held early on as he should have been but it certainly would have made it a lot harder for Australia.

Napoleon said that the thing he most wanted his generals to have was luck. On today's showing, he would have welcomed Watson into his army! Mind you and to his credit, Watson went on to make the most of his luck and see Australia home. Praise as well to Smith who again batted well and added a calmness to the batting when Watson was really struggling.

Finally, a bit of an anorak point but still valid imo. Warner is always happy to speak his mind to opponents. However, he needs to be prepared to do the same at time to team mates. Finch was palpably lbw but Warner bottled telling him not to use and waste Australia's only review. That didn't hurt them in the end but it could have done.

Almost certainly didn't help their cause, jimbo and neither did the later one from Sohail Khan - looked like he had to cover some ground but his judgement was very poor to get into position to take that one.

Good to see Watson weather that storm; or more correctly, Cyclone Wahab. That was one of the most vicious spells of bowling in World Cup matches. Smith batted beautifully as usual, he looked so calm and in control out there. The lbw decision, although probably clipping leg, was unfortunate for him. We still need Finch and Warner to contribute more up top... it's getting frustrating seeing them get out for such low scores. Maybe they're saving it for another day? As for Maxwell... well he is just plain mad!

Our bowling attack was quite awesome. Starc (another local!) is having a stellar WC. MJ is finding some form at the right time (seems to be enjoying it again) and it's so good to see Josh Hazlewood handle such a pressure match with his cool & assured style and deservedly winning the MoM award.

Guildford - since birth of the baby and the death of Phil Hughes, Warner has noticeably curbed his verbal aggression but I agree... he should have (firmly but politely) dissuaded Finch from wasting the review.

I don't think it was a "great spell" by riaz, it was good sure but it was hardly Boult against Australia or Starc in that same game stuff.