2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. Australia/New Zealand

The Game Room
302

:wink: Ain’t anywhere over yet. Could still be a first round exit.

Australia and by the last few matches, Pakistan seem to be going for taking wickets over restricting scoring, which has been the zeigiest over the last few years. 4 strike bowlers, thats a good positive attitude. But, it could backfire, sometimes you need someone who bowls tightly.

It was interesting that against both Zim and RSA, the Pakistan strategy was not to contain, but to strike, both sides were well ahead of the asking rate for the most part. Australia also adopted such a strategy against NZ, and nearly won the match from an impossible position. I hope its a sign of the future.

303

Well done Ireland - played 4 won 3 including two against “real” teams!

304

Respectable Afghan innings of 186 against an uninspired Kiwi attack and some ordinary fielding: we shouldn’t have any problems chasing it down, but full credit for an excellent effort.

305

Yes, nice (predictable) win by NZ.- and things heating up between Australia and Sri Lanka. Australia 4 for 270 with Maxwell 73 off 37 deliveries.

306

And Maxwell fails by one ball to equal the fastest century in World Cups. Still, having got that elusive century he will be happy I would think.

307

Sri Lanka loose the early wicket of Thirimanne! Sangakarra comes in at number 3, but can they chase down 376?.

308

I thought Australia really should have reached 400 - which was unheard of ten years ago- but still a very difficult target for Sri Lanka. With Sangakkara anything can happen and Australia does look a little light in bowling.

One thing I will say is that Watson batted beautifully today. I have been one of his harshest critics but he did a great job. Hopefully he can bowl a few tight overs as well.

309

Yeah if ever there was a team called ‘anything can happen’, it’s Sri Lanka. Dilshan is scoring at a good clip. I reckon this is going to get close.

310

Yeah- they are mauling the attack.

311

A win to Australia but I’d never say I was comfortable until about the chase petered out at the 300 mark.

I guess Sangakkara or Maxwell will get MOFTM but I think it belongs to Starc.

312

Australia and Pakistan roaring back into contention I’d say.

Of the 31 games played as of today:
The team batting first has won 18 times.
The team batting second has won 13 times, although 6 of those were games where the team batting first had been bowled out before playing out all 50 overs.
The highest successful chase was Bangladesh’s 322 against Scotland.

A lot of teams facing must win games this week, starting with England against Bangladesh. Come on the Tigers!

313

As I write BAN have 2/275 from their 50 overs, quite respectable. And ENG are 5/133 off 30 overs, RR of 4.43 so far and required is 7.15 … Go the Tigers!

314

172/6 now. England dying in a hole. England do have the players required to do this, but they really don’t seem to have the heart. They are making it look very, very difficult.

315

A few big overs and England are back in it. Shaping up to be a great finish.

316

31 needed from 3 overs. 8 down, only Jimmy Anderson to come.

317

I thought mid on was going to be sick after dropping that catch.

318

Argh! Broad bowled.

Jimmy has been here before though and he can hold his end up…perhaps.

Still going to lose though.

319

Bye bye England.

320

Well, England can’t even progress in a competition specifically designed to get the top 8 through.

Well played Bangladesh. England once again couldn’t get things going in the middle of the innings, and lost wickets at the end as they left themselves a little too much.

321

Well that was embarrassing. But hardly unexpected.