I suppose if you are going to misfire then at least do it early and give yourself chance to recover but…ouch, that’s a beating.
Real shame that the stadium looked so empty though.
Apologies as I wasn’t following that closely, but why was batting second better? I thought in D/N games, potentially things get a bit damp later on, helping swing bowlers - but maybe there wasn’t much dew at this location?
Actually it’s exactly the opposite.
With the dew the ball skids onto the ball quicker making it relatively easier to hit.
Further the dew makes the ball slipperier so harder to hold and so there are more loose deliveries without swing.
If the dew is heavy enough for the ball to get wet then the advantages of the conditions for batting are lost, but the disadvantages for bowling remain.
So for sides, requesting a change of ball because it’s wet and out of shape can be a match turning adjudication.
Many thanks. England did get the ball changed around over 27 I think, but the game was gone long before then.
Particularly in a T20. If you can get a dry, hard, 16-18 overs old ball for the last couple of overs that your bowlers can use to their advantage is a significant win.
Today, Netherlands started strongly against Pakistan, reducing them to 38-3. However, regression to the mean is a right bastard, and Rizwan and Shakeel have scored 50s each to bring it up to 148-3. (Shakeel having been dropped on 5).
Hopefully, he’ll turn out for England in our next game!
I’m starting to get a bit concerned. This shouldn’t be a proper match.
Though I would expect Pakistan’s strength is in their bowling.
286 feels a little bit light. Netherlands qualified in part by beating WI in a super over, so they’ve got big match temperament.
I’m a Pakistan supporter (born and raised) but I’ve got a soft spot for the Dutch.
I’m going back and forth on wanting Pakistan to make sure of the points and for the Dutch to do well.
So far a very well balanced match
ETA: Vikramjit is gone and that’s a big blow to the Orange.
2 more quick wickets to Rauf (and a drop as I write!) makes it 133-5 so less of a dilemma for you now!
South Africa looking to embarrass the Sri Lankans today.
82 off the last 5 overs.
Shocking first 2 overs for India. Potential for a historical collapse from onset.
You drop King Kohli, you’re gonna pay.
That catch would’ve changed the whole game, I think.
England’s NRR is back on the plus side.
Pakistan are in trouble against Sri Lanka, despite a good showing by their bowlers in the last ten overs.
Pakistan - Sri Lanka might be our first close game!
The odds have flipped to Pakistan winning now.
Pakistan’s game to lose now. Hoping Rizwan can bring us home.
Australia literally batting to save NRR. This isn’t what this format should be about.