Well, as fans we can just ignore it, I do feel slightly for the players who have to endure it with the only motivation being whether they can avoid setting unwanted records against top teams - but they are largely responsible for being in that position so can’t be too sad.
At least Sri Lanka realize they not only have to win out from here, they need some big wins to get their run rate over Australia’s.
What absolute dogs water. Can’t even analyse it really, what can you say to that? “Sorry, guys, you were shit, you played shit, it’s hard to sugarcoat what an absolute embarassing laughing stock you are right now”?
Nailed it!
After 5 games each, there is a wide disparity in NRR between the top 4 teams on the table vs. the others. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will need to just win out, it seems. Tomorrow’s Pakistan-SA game will be huge for Pakistan, and everyone will be hoping Australia get toppled Saturday vs. NZ. I can’t see them losing another game after that one.
I’d be careful about that, England haven’t been the only ones who’ve slipped against ‘lower’ opposition.
There’s an analysis of the remaining games here, which suggests that, mathmatically, England could still finish third!
There’s a game vs AFG to go.
The flat track bullies are getting their mojo back against medium pace. Hit through the line over the rope. Easy as you’d like. But AFG have three world class spinners. I don’t know the expected pitch character at Mumbai but AFG win the toss and bowl on a “helpful” deck for Khan et al they might be chasing something more gettable than 300.
270 for Pakistan vs South Africa (in only 47 overs at that) feels just a wee bit light, but we’ve said similar things about an SA chase earlier.
Ooh, Markram out for 91 with SA still needing 21 to win (loads of balls left) - are Pakistan going to make it interesting?
9 runs, only one wicket in hand - that’s a bit of a collapse…
Well, we’re certainly having the excitement - South Africa’s last man survives an lbw appeal on umpire’s call! 8 required to win, you’d think as long as it’s 2 hits away, Pakistan will still believe.
It’s the bowlers’ to lose, I think
Possibly, but they are now out of pace options. 5 required to win now. Will one of the Saffers brave a slog for glory, or will they try to nudge it around? Hard to say who is under the most pressure! Exactly what you want at the end of a cricket match, perfectly balanced between bat and ball.
I will note that Pakistan have bowled at least 3 wides in the last few overs (albeit one was controversial to say the least, since it hit the batter’s pad). Could end up costing them.
And there it is - they got it down to 4 required, then a slightly streaky boundary was enough. Well played South Africa, bad luck Pakistan.
Whew!
Ugh!
Somehow the satisfaction of finally getting a thriller in match #26 is hard for me to enjoy.
And suddenly two thrillers in a row.
Yeah, AUS v NZ was monolithic
Result makes it harder for anyone currently outside the top four to qualify.
I’m trying to work out what’s funnier:
England having a shocker of a tournament but suddenly getting their act together just in time to beat India, or…
England having a shocker of a tournament, suddenly giving themselves a good chance to beat India,but then shanking it.
This is an important question, because it feels like we’re back in a Banter Era, where “what’s funnier” is a question with real predictive value.