You think England are going to make the final? I know it’s T20 and we’ve been good, but I think the other teams have caught up our methods and we’re missing some big names. I don’t think the UAE pitches are going to suit, either.
It’s an extended group stage though, with the top 2 of each group of 6 going through to the semis, so form will out over single victories. England are playing NZ today, another team who will be looking to get through.
Go Scotland though, they deserve their chance!
Well I mean, OK, it’s England for a start, and they are missing Archer and Stokes - but they’re a really solid team, loads of experience, great captain…
That said, I don’t know why I overlooked NZ who are more than capable.
The England/NZ warmup game today was a bit of a crap showing for both sides, to be honest. England seemed 20 runs short, NZ had a mid-order collapse that 90s England would have been impressed by and then managed a 10th wicket partnership that almost took them over the line.
Scotland are through! 3 from 3, a very straightforward win Vs Oman: kept them to 122 taking all wickets in 20 overs, made 123/2 in 17 overs.
This is really big for Scottish cricket. First time in a WC proper, opens up funding, chance to play on the big stage. Fantastic!
I thought Oman were aiming for a much higher score when I followed it a bit earlier, but really, Scotland stuff them! Bangladesh and Scotland through from that group!
Yeah, did a really good job of taking wickets just when batters were starting to look dangerous, and managed the chase extremely well. Every time I thought, “Ooh, run rate’s slipping a little” they’d pick up a couple of boundaries and then get back to accumulating. Just very solid and professional.
Ireland trying to beat Namibia to get through themselves, but they’re making a bit of a meal of it. They only got 125, but scoring is hard and Namibia aren’t going along particularly fast. The 200+ score games are all well and good, but a tight scoring contest is always good in whatever form of the game.
If Ireland lose they are out?
ETA: Never mind, looking at the table and the format, it seems like they are likely out even if they pull out a miracle against Namibia.
And they have not pulled off that miracle, and Namibia are through!
In other news, the 5th game between England and India has been rescheduled for next July:
And, somewhat surprisingly, will count as the fifth game in the series, giving England the chance to get the draw!
Aus v SA just starting.
Australia have picked essentially the same aging, underperforming, Test credentialed squad which hasn’t performed at previous T20s.
Them Maxwell opens the bowling and skittles Bavuma who plays for bounce and spin to a ball that as expected does neither.
Then van der Dussen nicks off to Hazelwood and this cricket tragic’s credentials are in tatters. 
Now Hazelwood bowls de Kock off his pads in a comical dismissal and the notorious Saffer Choking meme comes to mind
SA 83-7 off 14
Maharajah run out … don’t you love if when the internationals go all village!
That was a terrible runout as well. Aus looking to keep them under a run a ball to chase!
118/9. Shouldn’t be an issue for Aus, even with scoring being difficult. I think SA only managed 2 sixes, both by Rabada at the end.
That’s a few more than I thought they’d get at 84/7. Tough to defend 119, hope Rabada can get a few early, tighten things up.
Or Nortje! Finch gone without scoring.
Three wallies down Aus 38-3.
Now the guys who can bat in T20s get a bat
25 off 3 overs needed. Aus only need one good over, but SA fighting hard to keep themselves in it. Still Australia’s game to lose though.