ICC World Cup 2011 (India - Sri Lanka- Ba
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Forum Name: Cricket World Cup 2011
Forum Discription: Cricket World Cup 2011 discussion
URL: http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5194
Printed Date: 18 May 2013 at 11:52pm
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Topic: ICC World Cup 2011 (India - Sri Lanka- Ba
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Subject: ICC World Cup 2011 (India - Sri Lanka- Ba
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 9:07am
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The ICC World Cup 2011 is just 68 days away as AUS will begin their
defense for a 4th consecutive title and their 5th over all, such has
been the Australian dominance that they have not lost a WC game in the
last two editions.... can somebody finally stop them! India are likely to go into the tournament as favorites and look in ominous form, they will be hard to stop, Sri Lanka have a well settled team and one of the tournament favorites. South Africa have a complete team, no weaknesses really but can they win in the sub continent? Pakistan as always unpredictable and in controversies but can they fight against all odds and surprise the cricketing world once again?! England are in terrific form as well but like RSA, can they win in the subcontinent remains the question. West Indies and New Zealand are struggling but they are good ODI teams and I think they both have an out side chance, more so the west indies. Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will be looking to make an impact given their spin heavy bowling attacks. Should be a really exciting tournament.
------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Replies:
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 13 December 2010 at 8:02am
| Group B is the tough one - BD will have the home advantage and one of the regular test playing nation will have to make way for BD. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 13 December 2010 at 10:16am
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Quite right , Group B is a toughie. If Bangladesh make it through it'll be West Indies who will miss out. Group A's quailifiers will be the top four in Sam's list - I don't see any upsets in that group unless Zim beat the Aussies ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 13 December 2010 at 10:28am
| Teams with more spinners (even half decent will do) will have a clear advantage over pace heavy attacks. Pakistan, India, SRL, BD, England to to some extent NZL have this base covered. Safricans have to look another one to partner Botha, bringing back VDM would not be a bad idea. Have no idea what the Oz side will look like - they will for sure have any of Beer, Xavier, X, Y, Z to accompany Hauritz. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 13 December 2010 at 5:15pm
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Group B is clearly the tougher one. Luckily for Pakistan their road to the QF's shouldn't be that difficult. Actually if the Kiwis continue to play the way they are doing right now, ZIM may fancy their chances. but otherwise Group A looks pretty much straight forward to me! In group B, BAN will create headaches and also don't forget IRE are capable of causing an odd upset too, WI usually play good cricket in the subcontinent. Group B is REALLY tough! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 14 December 2010 at 1:06pm
| Surprise surprise - SRL have included the old horses in the preliminary quad - both Vaas and Sanath are in. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 14 December 2010 at 3:01pm
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If West Indies games are in India, they won't be knocked out in the first round, the trio of Gayle, Sarwan and Chanderpaul scores heavily on those surfaces. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 14 December 2010 at 5:36pm
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I highly doubt if they'll make the final eleven Zuhair. The preliminary squad means nothing really, it is just an exercise and moreover the selectors will not be restricted to these 30 while selecting the final 15. They can look outside if they want, although that normally doesn't happen. Spinny is right, WI won't go down so easily... apart from those three the Bravo brothers, Pollard and Roach... all will make big impacts. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 15 December 2010 at 6:10am
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The timetable will matter. Whoever plays Bangladesh first will have a tough job on their hands. Alternatively , playing them towards the end of the group stage and after they've lost a couple will be a different ball game. Since 1992 England haven't looked like a one day side , but this lot are pretty decent and can give any of the other sides a real go. I won't put a lot of money on them , but I will be having a little flutter. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Max Power
Date Posted: 15 December 2010 at 1:49pm
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India have got to be favourites right?
------------- There's 2 ways of doing things - the right way, and the MAX POWER way! BT&OBCC |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 15 December 2010 at 5:20pm
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I'll put up the fixtures: Here is a list:
------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 16 December 2010 at 11:34pm
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West Indies have all their group game in India, that's good, watch out for Chris Gayle. Edwards and Taylor should be appearing in some T20's in January in the local tournament so how they hold up and perform in that tournament will be crucial, along with Ramnaresh Sarwan. They are all vital to the team. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 17 December 2010 at 5:37am
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Just the one match against Bangladesh outside India for England and I'm pleased to see that match is quite late in the schedule. Hopefully Bangladesh's bubble will have been burst by then and England will be nicely placed near the head of the table .
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 17 December 2010 at 3:20pm
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Don't worry about England Sledger, this ODI team of theirs is far better than any I've seen them put on the field. The batting is very long too, with Broad, Swann and Bresnan. Add Anderson and that's a good bowling attack too. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 20 December 2010 at 5:17am
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I'm hopeful of a good run SW , but beating India in India will take some seriously good cricket.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 20 December 2010 at 2:18pm
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Ha ha, I never mentioned they would overcome India, just that they wouldn't do badly as you would once expect them too. To be honest, I can't see anyteam beating India so easily. If Gambhir gets 79 against Steyn on co in SA, nevermind the pitch got flatter there, I guess we can expect something much more on familiar territory.
This is India's best chance to win the cup. Ofcourse, in ODI's, just one guy can blow you away so.... ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 21 December 2010 at 5:41am
| India's bowling options will haunt them again. Their 5th bowler goes for 89-90 runs and the batsmen cannot always come to the rescue. I see no clear favorites. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 21 December 2010 at 6:39am
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That is the one ray of hope zuhair , their attack isn't the most potent and if Yuvraj gets 10 overs it'll cost more than 90 runs !
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 21 December 2010 at 1:33pm
Seems like you and Kevin Pietersen are related! ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 21 December 2010 at 7:03pm
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India do have their weak links, although mostly they have got all areas covered up... let us not forget that the format is such that the champion team will have to win at least 3 knockout games in a row... for teams like IND and RSA it is about mental strength as well, both big favts but highly vulnerable in KO stages... for teams like PAK and WI (both mercurial) it's all about getting that mercury to rise at these stages... a Razzaq or Gayle going berserk or A Gul or Roach cleaning the opposition. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: flipper
Date Posted: 27 December 2010 at 10:04pm
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I'm going to have a flutter on the 20/20 champs and why not. Playing Australia before the finals should be a useful warm up. Also got a feeling Flower really wants the one day crown to add to the list, Flower's after world domination. ------------- Warwickshire County Cricket, Edgbaston Birmingham England. County Champions 2012 |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 02 January 2011 at 4:43am
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Imran Tahir is now eligible to play for south africa, with this RSA's only possible weakness is also covered for the mega event next month. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: flipper
Date Posted: 02 January 2011 at 12:17pm
 ------------- Warwickshire County Cricket, Edgbaston Birmingham England. County Champions 2012 |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 04 January 2011 at 6:53pm
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PAK's WC squad has been announced and I have to say it looks very disappointing, no place for Malik and even Fawad! Kamran though has been included.
From the probables given this is the best 15 I can think of: Hafeez, Shahzad, Younis, Yousuf, Umer A, Afridi, Kamran, Razzaq, Gul, Ajmal, Akhtar, Wahab, Sohail, Asad, Arafat. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 05 January 2011 at 6:12am
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Malik's absence is indeed a blow. Looks like he has paid the price of his differences with Afridi.
I think the 15 would look something like: Kamran Hafeez Yousuf Younus Umar Akmal Shahid Afridi Abdul Razzaq Rana Akhtar Gul Rehman Ajmal Wahab Misbah Asad Shafiq |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 05 January 2011 at 3:45pm
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Misbah looks in good touch but I would rather not go with him in ODI's, I'll prefer a promising Ahmed Shahzad who looks more and more impressive by each game.
Rana is an interesting Selection because his record in the sub continent as a bowler is terrific! I preferred Arafat in my list but I certainly won't mind Rana given the otherwise thin pace attack. Knowing the way PAK selectors think, I think Zuhair's 15 will be the final 15 too. only doubt might be between Rana or Sohail Tanvir. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 06 January 2011 at 5:43pm
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I'll update this post with the squads as soon as they are announced.
World Cup Squads:
Netherlands:
Peter Borren (C), Adeel Raja, Wesley Barresi, Mudassar Bukhari, Atse Buurman, Tom Cooper, Tom de Grooth, Alexei Kervezee, Bradley Kruger, Bernard Loots, Pieter Seelaar, Eric Szwarczynski, Ryan ten Doeschate, Berend Westdijk, Bas Zuiderent.
Sri Lanka:
Kumar Sangakkara (capt & wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath.
Zimbabwe:
Elton Chigumbura (capt), Regis Chakabva, Charles Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Sean Ervine, Gregory Lamb, Shingirai Masakadza, Christopher Mpofu, Raymond Price, Edward Rainsford, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 06 January 2011 at 6:04pm
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I don't think there is going to be any upsets in Group B, while in Group A -Aus,NZ and SL will easily make it to next round.My prediction skills say that Pakistan might not make it to second round one more time. But if there are no upsets then any of the following 8 have chances in following order (Format is such that anyone who wins 3 matches that count on a trot wins the cup)
- ENG
- India
- SL
- Aus
- SAF
- WI
- Pak
- NZ
Though NZ I have placed at 8th, they are kind of a Dark Horse for me this time.
------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: joelza1990
Date Posted: 07 January 2011 at 2:55am
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I could see either Kenya and Zimbabwe either beating or pushing Pakistan to the edge. Will be a big test for the South Africans as the world cup has been a big weakness. India and Sri Lanka look strong and ready to go deep into the tournament, but the home team curse may just creep into mindset at some stage. Australia have won the last 3 world cups as most of us know, but this team is far weaker than of those 3 teams. Hopefully the likes of White,Marsh,Watson and Johnson and co can standup for the team when needed. Brett Lee may also be a rough chance to make a return to the ODI arena. Shouldn't be too many surprises and my predictions for the last 4 are: India Sri Lanka England South Africa or Australia (still undecided) |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 07 January 2011 at 5:15pm
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Srilanka have neamed their squad as well, a major surprise here, Herath selected ahead of Randiv and they have gone in with Samaraweera who is not necessarily an ODI player. no place for jayasuriya and vaas but that was expected, one man who will be very disappointed though will be Ferveez Maharoof who has missed out.
Kumar Sangakkara (capt & wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath.
nonetheless a very formidable line up from the 1996 champions. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 07 January 2011 at 5:17pm
you are riding your luck Raj, i do not have an iota of doubt that your predictions are going to go horribly wrong... and it is just a matter of time. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: abubakar52
Date Posted: 07 January 2011 at 5:24pm
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Raj, why do all of your predictions always have Pakistan either dead last in your list or close to the bottom. Although, You are entitled to your opinion. I just think its a bit strange.
Anyways, yes I would say do not expect any serious upsets, the minnows have not done much to change their sides, nor had decent one day cricket exposure, but you never know with one day cricket you cant count out any side. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 07 January 2011 at 8:18pm
1. I was dead right about my Ashes prediction,
2. I was dead right about Ind-SA series,
3. I was dead right about Ind-NZ final outcome (after initial scare),
4. I was dead right about England winning T20 world cup ,
5. I was dead right about Aussies slump till the end of Ashes.
I really don't like to take dig at other persons predictions when they go wrong.That is too childish and cheap.Predictions mean guess work, it may or may not come true.We just need to enjoy it , and by god's grace whatever I am saying it is happening. I hope whatever I write happens and India wins the world cup 2011. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 07 January 2011 at 8:32pm
Well, I have not ruled them out, have I ? Yes out of all the 8 cricket palying nations, the only upset I expect is from Pakistan, because in group A , there are 2 teams (Aus and SL - will easily enter next round), NZ will perform well in WC initial stages, that leaves Pakistan in a dangerous position
1. NZ, Aus and SL for sure will beat Pakistan.
2. If at all Zim or Kenya can pull off an odd upset agaisn't them.
In Group B Ind,Eng,WI and SA will accumulate enough points(kind of round robin points among one another) and easily sail to next round. If you read my posts, I have mentioned that if there are no upsets then any of the top 8 test playing nations can win the cup. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 07 January 2011 at 9:30pm
| I will say one thing, Raj has a far better record of success with his predictions than most, if not all, others on here |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 08 January 2011 at 4:25am
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whoa! I only said you are lucky that some of your predictions came true (you give 10 possiblities about an outcome so something will come true anyways) how is that cheap? ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
I'm entitled to my opinion that your opinion will be wrong, and I repeat, I do not doubt that AT ALL.Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 08 January 2011 at 7:02am
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You are still in touch with Mystery. Say my "Hi" to him. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 08 January 2011 at 7:40am
When I predict a series , I can just predict who might win the series. I never said that I can exactly say if it will be 2-1 or 3-1.What I predict is who might win the series. Sorry I dont have excess powers to predict each day scores, or number of wickets at the end of day.
I never said you took dig at my predictions. All I said was that I was happy about my predictions comming right, I believe that predictions are nothing but probablity which may or may not come true.
If my predcition comes true , I will be happy about it. If others' predictions does not come true, I wont take a dig at them.
If my prediction comes under a cropper, you can take a dig at it (if you like) , you are welcome to follow it (as you have posted it). But, I won't take a dig at yours if it comes under cropper,I will congratulate you if your predictions comes right.
One more thing , I don't make ten different predictions .. Here I have listed Ind/Eng as more worthy to win it.This is rating them by ability.More like who is worth winning the World Cup.
My WC predicitons are in "Be the Paul" thread. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 12 January 2011 at 6:47pm
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Zimbabwe have announced a very very formidable WC squad and making a return is Sean Ervine after a gap of nearly 7 years and he is still 28.
Ervine, Taylor and Taibu form a very decent batting line up and then they have players like Charles Coventry and Elton Chigumbura who are very clean strikers of the ball... pace bowling is their weakness but their Spin Attack comprising of Price, Utseya and Cremer is again a formidable one. Team: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Regis Chakabva, Charles Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Sean Ervine, Gregory Lamb, Shingirai Masakadza, Christopher Mpofu, Raymond Price, Edward Rainsford, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 13 January 2011 at 5:28am
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Zimbabwe are on the way back and playing pretty well - they'll be no pushovers next month. Ervine is a welcome addition to the squad , his allround attributes will strengthen both the batting and bowling. Any of the top sides who take them lightly could get a nasty surprise.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 13 January 2011 at 12:55pm
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Yeah, quite right guys and i'm happy for Zimbabwe. Their pace options is pretty weak though and that might haunt them. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 13 January 2011 at 1:21pm
| Not really SW. This may well work in their favor just like the BD attack. They will not be going for many runs - it is their batting that is a worry ion my view. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 13 January 2011 at 1:39pm
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They do have a fairly decent batting line up now Zuhair. We all know how good Taylor, Taibu and Sean Ervine are and even players like Lamb, Chigumbura, Coventry, Craig Ervine are no push overs.
Pace bowling has to be their major weakness.
Ray Price will be the man to watch in the spin department... he is a very very fine bowler. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 16 January 2011 at 6:16am
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Teams with lot of part time slow spin but accurate run controlling bowlers will have chance.Namesake part timers might not work. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 17 January 2011 at 3:47pm
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wow, I think now we can use JP's threads for the discussion. Good that we now have a seperate section for WC discussion. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 18 January 2011 at 5:26am
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So both Hussey's make Australia's 15 man world cup squad. No great surprise in that , David's spin bowling must have got him the nod. What is surprising is Mike Hussey has a serious hamstring problem and might not feature at all. The selectors must think he's central to their chances of securing a fourth successive world cup. If the rules are the same as in football , then players selecting carrying an injury can't be replaced if that injury doesn't clear up. Hauritz and Smith are in too , Doherty misses out. Lee and Tait made it too , along with Johnson and Bollinger , Siddle doesn't go. They'll still be difficult to beat , but they're there for the taking if Ponting and Clarke don't find some form. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 18 January 2011 at 1:39pm
| Pakistan definetly make it to the next round. They have a wonderful record in India. I think Sri Lanka, India, South Africa and Australia will reach the semi finals. One of Pakistan, england, NZL or WI could surprise us and make it to semis. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 18 January 2011 at 5:25pm
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I think they do allow replacements sledge and the logic behind selecting Mike Hussey seems to be that they expect him to be fit at least by the Quaterfinals. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 19 January 2011 at 7:03am
Yes Sam , that gives him a couple of months to recover from the surgery. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 19 January 2011 at 7:09am
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England's final 15 contains only 1 surprise - the return of Matt Prior instead of Steve Davies. On form that looks a good call , Prior is comfortably the best keeper/batsman in England at present. Shazhad got the final seamers place over Woakes and Collingwood kept his place , as expected. This looks a good unit with Swann , Yardy and Tredwell spinning and Anderson , Broad , Bresnan and Shazhad as the seamers. Swann's currently injured and will be out for two weeks , but I think that mainly a precautionary measure. It gives Tredwell a chance to turn his arm over - only Broad will have a question mark over his fitness. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 19 January 2011 at 8:29am
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Andrew Hilditch just keeps 'em coming . His latest is his explanation as to why Nathan Hauritz got into the Australian WC Squad - " Nathan is our preferred spin option and his one day record in India is excellent." Simple enough until you see Hauritz's one day record in India.............. Matches 7 Overs 62 Maidens 4 Wickets 4 @ 70.75 economy 4.56 A request from an Englishman to Cricket Australia - please , please keep him on !! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 19 January 2011 at 8:34am
| Times have changed Sledge - maybe these numbers are good enough for him. But on a serious not, I do think it is a good pick. He won't be that bad there. Better than Xavier and the likes. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 3:46am
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Guys hardly a month to go.Anyone for the prediction game ?
Be the Paul ..eh! thread http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5157 - http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5157
- 2 Points for every correct Group matches prediciton
- Predict 8 QF qualifying teams , 5 points for every correct prediction
- Predict 4 SF qualifying teams , 10 points for every correct prediciton
- Predict Finalists, 20 points for every correct prediciton
Then on Final outcome
(a) OR (b) conditions not both
(a) If the Winner is predicted right - 40 Points
(b) If the Runners-Up is predicted right - 30 Points
All predictions to be done before the first ball. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 6:35am
Don't get me wrong , I think that Hauritz is the best of a poor bunch but Hilditch's comments are nearly as stupid as Buchanan's used to be! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 6:02pm
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Putting stats aside and just by watching, Hauritz was doing very fine in ODI's and in Test Cricket too. Due to him being slaughtered by the Indians, they got rid of him, as if better bowlers haven't been slaughtered there before. Hauritz brings back a bit of balance to the Aussies, he's no mug with the bat. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: DRAVID FAN
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 11:28pm
| Hauritz will be the best bet for the Aussies. He brings with him experience of Indian soil and the ability to bat lower down as you said SW. His record may be poor but he just needs to be economical and he has a fairly healthy economy rate for modern day ODIs. That's more important than wicket taking at times these days. Anyway, I doubt anyone expects him to become a major wicket taker. Just gonna be used to get through overs quickly and to create a little pressure on one end. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 24 January 2011 at 6:55am
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Scyld Berry wrote an interesting article about the World Cup chances of the sides yesterday in the Telegraph. India , Sri Lanka and Bangladesh offer the best spinning options (no surprise there) and the one fact that raised my eyebrows was that in the trinations tournament in Bangladesh this time last year , the side batting second won every match !! The participants were the three sides named above and the reasons given was simply because of the dew factor - spinners just couldn't grip the ball in the wet conditions. My view is that the toss shouldn't have such a massive influence - to remove the dew factor the games should have been staged in the daytime. In the World Cup just 12 of the 49 games will be day matches - the ICC have got it wrong again and the winners could well be the team with the luckiest captain at the toss. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 24 January 2011 at 7:00am
| So we can safely rule Indian out now. Well again Sledge, it is not that the ICC does not know that the dew factor will be there, they have for sure submitted to the broadcasters' demands to milk more money out of it. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 24 January 2011 at 7:46am
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Yep , the usual factor came into play - money. It's annoying though that players and supporters alike will be on pins at the toss.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 25 January 2011 at 5:43pm
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There should not be much of dew in late Feb and March, temperatures will be very high, I don't know about BAN but certainly in India and I think even SLN dew should not be a factor. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 26 January 2011 at 5:05am
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The dew factor in Bangladesh is certain unless the world's weather has changed massively within 12 months ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 26 January 2011 at 8:22am
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That series was in Jauary beginning, there is a huge difference between January weather and late feb / march weather in the subcontinent sledge. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 26 January 2011 at 8:27am
| I have played night cricket pretty much throughout the year here Sam. Rather played a match just day before and I had too bowl seamer as I could not grip the ball to bowl off spin. Incidentally I went to Bangladesh back in 1999 and it was either Jan or Feb and faced the same problem of gripping the ball as the dew was really heavy. So I am not sure what you saying mate. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 26 January 2011 at 7:37pm
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Zuhair, most of you guys here know a lot more than me because you actually play competative cricket, I agree, sledge too knows far more than me, I agree on that too. But having said that, you don't really have to play cricket to know how much dew you'd expect in which season. I have never been to Bangladesh but then i think the weather there won't be too much different from Kolkata.
My point is simple, Sledge points out to a series played in january and says Toss will be a crucial factor in the WC matches because of the dew, but I say dew won't be as much of a factor in Late FEB / March as it will be in early January, because summer really sets in by the time we reach feb 19th.
Both the SF's of 96 WC were won by teams batting first (both D/N matches), and one of them was in fact held in Kolkata, both the QF's that were D/N in that tournament were also won by teams batting first.
So I think by scheduling most games as D/N affairs the ICC has done the right thing. It'l allow people to watch the games after work / school, it certainly won't affect the result significantly and personally I think D/N matches are more attractive as compared to day games.
As a matter of fact, I think it was 2003 WC held in RSA where playing under lights in Durban and Cape Town proved to be very difficult and it perhaps cost a few teams a super 6 berth. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 27 January 2011 at 9:46am
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I hope you're right Sam and dew isn't a problem , everyone just wants to see a fair contest.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 27 January 2011 at 3:15pm
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absolutely sledge, lets hope so. Big news though is that Kolkata has been removed as the venue for IND-ENG encounter as the ICC thinks it is still not ready. HUGE set back this for the BCCI and also for bengal cricket association. Embarassing for the whole country. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 27 January 2011 at 8:00pm
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Kolkata's atmosphere would have been electric for that contest, such a shame.
Anyhow, in regards to the dew factor, it all depends which part of India you're playing I reckon. I remember when Australia were playing India and they were in the South I think and there was dew affecting the bowlers. Ravi Shastri then said when the remaining games go to the North, the dew won't be a factor because it wouldn't be winter conditions there. It could be vice versa but my point is, that's probably what Sam is on about, maybe during the hotter months, dew wouldn't be a problem. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 28 January 2011 at 6:30am
| Then the Indian weather really has to be entirely different form Pakistan. Because we have the dew thing nearly all year. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 28 January 2011 at 7:07am
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The Kolkata debacle is hugely embarrassing for the BCCI and a real problem for travelling English fans. The match is being moved to Bangalore and that's a long , long way from Kolkata! Not fair on the travelling fans or the players - to play in front of that enormous crowd is the stuff of dreams - very disappointing for everyone. I think the BCCI should compensate the ECB and the travelling fans for this shambles , but I'm sure nothing will happen.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 28 January 2011 at 7:58am
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The BCCI says it is not their fault. it is ICC's.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/current/story/498480.html |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 28 January 2011 at 8:02am
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I can't agree with that mate - the tournament is in India and it's their responsibility to make sure the stadia are ready. Tis a very poor show by the Indians - 1st the Commonwealth Games and now this , shambolic.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 28 January 2011 at 8:16am
| But it isn't the worse thing to have happened methinks. Kolkatta crowd could go nuts if India does not do well. Let's see what happens of the other two matches which are scheduled to be played at the Eden Gardens. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 28 January 2011 at 8:51am
Sean Ervine's knocked back Zimbabwe , saying he's staying with Hampshire. Disappointing for Zim fans and probably the end of his international career. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 5:15am
well apparently the BCCI have "requested" the ICC to reconsider their decision. (I wonder if it is a request or an order!  ) so things may change after another inspecton scheduled in the near future. The CWG was a different story but cricket WC is entirely different, it is a real shame that despite being the world's richest cricket board the BCCI can't put things in place. A poor poor country like Bangladesh is managing things better. Bangladesh will also host the opening ceremony.
Sean Ervine departure is indeed a huge set back for ZIM, although he has done it for personal reasons and this has nothing to do with problems with the people in charge as in the past, so that is the bright side of it. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 5:24am
will be somewhat different Zuhair, there are significant differences in the climate of various parts of India itself. Anyways we are not the only ones talking about the Dew factor, Harsha Bhogle has recently written on cricinfo that the summer is quickly setting in, temperatures are rising fast and that should mean we will have fair contests as the effect of Dew will be reduced significantly. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 8:17am
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Great then - by the time the meaningful matches begin winters will be over anyways - so yes we can expect fair contests.
Saw a dream last night - not one I would like to see again though - saw India winning the World Cup beating South Africa in the final - Zaheer Khan takes the final wicket of Morkel caught at mid off by Parveen Kumar. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 8:31am
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ha..ha... believe me Zuhair, I also saw a dream a few days back (may be 1 week) it was PAK winning the WC and they were undefeated in the tournament. I was saying to myself in the dream, wow, exactly what I thought of.. can't remember who were the finalists though. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 9:05am
| I do believe you Sam - yes its coming home. You will be anyways happy if either of the dream comes true unlike me. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 29 January 2011 at 2:50pm
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If not Pakistan then India or Bangladesh, of course BAN won't go as far but then these are the three teams I would like to see winning.
However, I'm very very keen on PAK winning this time Zuhair, esp this time because of various reasons. In all honesty I will not be happy if any team other than PAK wins. In case this doesn't happen then surely India or (if they can) Bangla. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 30 January 2011 at 5:00pm
1. ICC is not a puppet at BCCI's hands
2. Maybe it's just an eyewash show by ICC-BCCI ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: ahxnccj
Date Posted: 30 January 2011 at 8:16pm
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i am very surprised that world cup 2011 on the haed and stadiums are still on the anvil but i hope asia will host this world come in good style ------------- |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 30 January 2011 at 11:48pm
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Zuhair, you have good dream memory to remember such exact details. I'd have probably only remember one of the team or player if that much.
Anyhow, I think this will be a good WC. Australia is no longer the powerhouse they once was, no team is "invincible" at the moment. India's batting is powerful but their bowling bar Khan and Harbhajan could leave them very open to being on the losing side. Pakistan still has a competent bowling attack and probably the most dangerous lower order in Umar, Afridi and Razzaq. Hafeez has been batting well lately and with Misbah and Younis, they have some stability before the big guns come in.
West Indies will bat well, i'm certain of it. Look out for Chris Gayle, many bowlers should be trembling already, Gayle has matured immensely over the last few years. Barath and little Bravo is 2 very quality batsman and this batting order should be no walk over. The bowling will be tidy but nothing to worry teams. If they score 300, they will put up a fight. Average scores won't do it for them because the bowling doesn't have firepower to blow out anyone.
SA choking habit is their biggest worry. Probably nearest to the most complete side currently but I won't bet my house on them. England, don't think they'll be so much of a worry in the sub continent but they definitely will be much better than they have been in the past. Sri Lanka has a good chance too, Dilshan, Jayawardena, Sangakkara and the slower bowlers will be their main weaponry.
NZ should never be written off, always the dark horses yet better teams don't reach as far as they do. Bangladesh will be more competitive this time around and Zimbabwe is picking up the pace too.
A 10 team WC would have been very interesting this time around, no sitbacks would have been on the cards. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 31 January 2011 at 1:06pm
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2nd option is correct Raj ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 31 January 2011 at 5:16pm
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Honestly I'm disappointed that Kolkata has been stripped of the IND-ENG game, there is nothing like watching a WC game at the Eden Gardens.
Yes, the ICC has taken a brave step and a move perhaps for the first time against the BCCI. However, I'm not too sure if the BCCI were keen to have it in Kolkata only, because the game still stays in India so it is not exactly a loss of the BCCI, it is a loss of the Bengal cricket association. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 31 January 2011 at 11:17pm
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Sam, that game would have been electric, would have been great to see it live on TV at least if not from the grounds. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 8:43am
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Brilliant organisation by the ICC too , the ground with far and away the greatest capacity - just check out the stunning matches left at Eden Gardens , unmissable games !
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 3:57am
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Meanwhile Michael Vaughan has put his money behind India and Pakistan to win the world cup. I don't know why he consider Pakistan as favorites. Anyway lets see!! ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 6:10am
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Michael Vaughan as a pundit ? A decent enough player , but he's just sounding off because no-one listens to his usual dross Amal ! Everyone who's anyone knows it's a Bangladesh / England final !! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 6:22am
| Absolutely Sledge - funny that I think either one of these two teams is going to go out in the first round. I don't see Windies failing to qualify. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 6:54am
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Hmmmmmmmmm , the first match that SA play is against the Windies and that could give a good indication as to the Windies chances - I don't fancy them myself.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: kirankri
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 8:22am
| The QF will be between A1-before, A2-B3, A3-B2, A4-B1. How will they decide the semi-finalists? |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 12:48pm
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West Indies is going to surprise folks, they love batting in India! ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 1:18pm
| Yes, I do think so. I dont'think Windies will find it difficult to move swiftly to the second round. And BD wont find it that tough either. Someone has to go and that someone may well be a team which is 5-1 down, down under. There is a real thereat of that happening folks. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 5:38pm
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That is true, ENG are in danger and they need to get things right pretty quickly. can't see RSA or IND going out in the first round, if IND do then the crowd won't allow them to play cricket again, one among BAN, ENG, WI has to go, currently ENG look the weakest in subcontinental conditions. Graeme Swann will be their main man. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 03 February 2011 at 10:05am
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England will qualify and qualify comfortably. They'll out catch and out field all in their group (including SA) and beat both Bangladesh and the West Indies. So speaketh the Oracle !! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 03 February 2011 at 10:16am
| I know you support England and they are a pretty decent side even after this performance - but they are nothing more than that. And Windies can give them tough time for sure. And if Tamim Iqbal gets going, England will not find it that easy. Yardy will be taken for plenty there, he will not get the bounce and he does not turn it. They will need a fit Broad and Bresnan to take them through. It is not as easy as you think it is for England this time Sledge. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 03 February 2011 at 2:09pm
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Sledger's post there was filled mainly with exuberance more than truth zuhair. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 03 February 2011 at 3:29pm
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Actually this group, Group B is really tough, we really can't say what will happen, Also we all have forgotten about Ireland, they won't qualify but have the ability to do some damage as well. Watch out for George Dockrell, he is some talent! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 03 February 2011 at 4:27pm
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No upsets in this Group-B IND,SA,ENG and WI will qualify easily (put them any order you like) Upsets might happen on the other group guys (I don't see AUS or SL getting knocked out for sure). In Group A, ZIM and KEN are no pushovers by any chance, it's Pakistan and NZ have to be very careful.One match here and there,it will be curtains for them.If at all there is a upset , it has to be in Group A for sure.
Regarding BD, First BD's match is against India, and mark my words, this match might just derail all their confidance.India will take this match very very seriously.They were caught unawares last time, but not this time mates.
ENG,WI and SA all these team are capable of playing spin, I don't understand how BD stands a chance ?. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 03 February 2011 at 4:31pm
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Sorry in the other prediction thread, I had predicted SA to lose to BD. That is the only match I suspect BD to cause some upset in this world cup.(Just because of SA's ability to freeze and choke at times) ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |