Group A Discussion
Printed From: Cricket World
Category: The Archives
Forum Name: Cricket World Cup 2011
Forum Discription: Cricket World Cup 2011 discussion
URL: http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5227
Printed Date: 21 May 2013 at 8:08am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.71 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Group A Discussion
Posted By: -JP-
Subject: Group A Discussion
Date Posted: 17 January 2011 at 1:07pm
| Please use this thread for discussion of matches/squads/players in Group A - which comprises Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Kenya and New Zealand. |
Replies:
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 18 January 2011 at 12:21am
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Would anyone be surprise if Pakistan and Australia don't make it through? *disclaimer* Please note that spin wizard has been on a more cheerful note these past few days so comments might be influenced by that. ------------- 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: 18 January 2011 at 5:29am
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This world cup could be more tiresome than the last one. A full month of round robin matches just to see Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya fall by the wayside.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 18 January 2011 at 5:57am
| If any team, it would be NZL to go out for Zim. |
Posted By: cric_master
Date Posted: 18 January 2011 at 9:04am
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The final 15 for Australia 2011 world cup are:
Ricky Ponting Brad Haddin Shane Watson Michael Clarke Michael Hussey David Hussey Cameron White Tim Paine Steve Smith John Hastings Mitchel Johnson Nathan Hauritz Brett Lee Shaun Tait Doug Bollinger ------------- |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 18 January 2011 at 12:12pm
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Pakistan's Squad: Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal (wk), Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Ahmed Shehzad.
Horrible to leave out Yousuf and Malik - Pakistan will pay the price. They are not going beyond the QFs with this team. |
Posted By: kirankri
Date Posted: 18 January 2011 at 12:26pm
Don't worry Zuhair. Our team will accompany them.
|
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 18 January 2011 at 12:41pm
| That will be a huge consolation just like the 2007 WC. And I would not be surprised if the same boys spoil the Indian party this time too. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 18 January 2011 at 5:31pm
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Malik and Yousuf were never expected to be in Zuhair, I think it is a good team, the bowlers will surprise a lot of people, while batting remains a concern. A lot will depend on senior members like Younus, Misbah, Afridi, Kamran and Razzaq and hopefully the youngsters will contribute esp Umer Akmal.
I agree with Sledge, this format is quite pathetic, A month of round robin to eliminate 3 minnow teams! ------------- 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: 19 January 2011 at 6:10am
| It should just have been semi finals straight after the round matches giving meaning to every single match even the ones including the minnows. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 19 January 2011 at 7:13am
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Yes mate , I think all cricket lovers agree too. Your point about the strength vs strength round robin games is spot on - they would be much more intense affairs if only 2 sides qualified for what would be the semifinals. As usual it's an ICC directive where money comes before the cricket watching public . Th early games could be one long yawn. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 19 January 2011 at 8:18am
| And it is just 4 extra matches that will kill the contest and would also mean one bad day for a good team can end the hopes. This is where I liked the 92 WC format. The EC could have been 47 matches instead of the 51 and could have been really interesting throughout. the QF thing sort of negates the superior team advantage for my likings. |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 19 January 2011 at 8:22am
What? there will be QF's too. Pathetic  ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 19 January 2011 at 8:28am
| Pathetic is the word Amal. But all what the ICC cares about is money and more money. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 19 January 2011 at 9:05pm
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Ya ICC is making money , and I feel there is nothing wrong in it (as long as everything is leagal).
When there are less matches - There can be first round exits like last time around (when again format is blamed)
If there are less teams in WC - Then ICC is blamed that it is not trying spread the game
If Super Six is there - Carry forward points make the third teams literally out.(again format is blamed)
If it more like KO - What is the difference between Champions tropy and WC?
If QF is there - Again it is blamed
Guys, what should ICC do. No matter what they do it is criticized. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 19 January 2011 at 9:15pm
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I feel this format is good too. (A-1) will play (B-4) , which means a stronger team plays a considerable weaker team. Yes, there is a chance of (B-4)winning, but that is the beauty of sport.
Weaker teams can even win in Semis or Finals.
Apart from '75 (WI),'79 (WI),2003(AUS) and 2007(AUS) WC, I don't think any of the other world cup winning teams truly deserved to win.
------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 6:40am
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Raj , I have no problem with the round robin format where all teams , including the minnows play 6 matches. What zuhair , Amal and I have problems with is that 4 teams qualify from each group. Make that only 2 and you'll see seriously intense cricket when the big sides meet in the first phase. With 4 sides qualifying a team can probably lose 3 matches and still makes the next phase - that level of success doesn't warrant progression .
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 7:45am
| And you think Aussies did not deserve to win the 99 WC Raj? They win 7 consecutive games if I recall correctly. That's good enough to be the champion. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 12:02pm
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Australia won in 1999 because SA really messed up mate - but that doesn't detract from the way Australia made the most of their good fortune and then played seriously fine cricket to go on and win it.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 12:08pm
| But it wasn't like they did not deserve to go the distance. It was not like the way Pakistan and India won their titles. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 4:09pm
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If you look at '99 WC, SA won all the matches in group except against ZIM which was the last match when SA had qualified to next round. [Only one loss in group stage].Even in Super six , they won against Pak and NZ , and a very narrow loss to Aus.[two losses by the time they reached Semis].
SA victories were all convincing ones.
Even Aus had two losses (in group stage) before Semis and so did SA, So nothing seperating them in terms of loss, but in terms of overall supramacy on opponents SA were well and truly ahead. Yes, Aus had high pressure games to play , but they had luxuary of facing ZIM as one of the opponent in super six.
Enter Semis , it was again a closest of the match ever in the history and mind you SA did not lose the match. The foolish rule that Aus had beaten them in Super six sailed them to next round.
In '99 Aus was my fav team courtesy Steve Waugh and I liked SA outfit too (because of Klusner and Donald).
It would have been fitting if it was Aus-SA final, and SA winning it as they were better team than Aus, ironically it did not happen.
Summary of all the matches ,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Cricket_World_Cup - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Cricket_World_Cup ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 5:45pm
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saying a WC winning team doesn't deserve to win it is a ridiculous statement. WC is not only about winning all round robin games and saying we are the best, it is a lot more than that. You need mental strength, you need that self belief and you need to rise to the occasion even if you are not doing well initially.
AUS could so easily have had a bad KO game in the last 3 WC's but there is a reason why they haven't, RSA and NZL could so easily have made it to atleast one WC final but there is a reason why they haven't. SLN lost the toss on an eden gardens wicket which was impossible to bat on in the 2nd innings, there is a reason why Azhar still allowed SLN to bat first, he didn't believe his bowlers can win him the game.
Also if we look at the WC winning captains, all of them had that determination to win, I think it was michael holding who said, "Imran believed and so he made PAK to believe". ------------- 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: 20 January 2011 at 5:54pm
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I agree with you guys, Australia in 99 had more to do with SA (mainly an Alan Donald panic really). And SA were probably playing the best ODI cricket of their time, with Lance Klusener in scintillating form. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 20 January 2011 at 6:09pm
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There is a huge gulf between India '83 and Pakistan '92 victory.They cannot be compared Zuhair. '83 WC Analysis : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_Cricket_World_Cup - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_Cricket_World_Cup Anyone who has doubts about India, can have a look at India's group matches.They had beaten WI once and lost once,they got thrashed by Aus once,but they returned thrashing back at them. In Semis England was the worthy team,but India won that day.The same happened in Finals too,WI should have won but they did not.No help whatsoever from rain/absurd rule/sharing points or anything like that. If you examine carefully, At the end of tournament WI,ENG and IND all had lost 2 matches each.I don't say it means India were deserved winners, but comparing India's 1983 hard earned victory to 1992 Pakistan does not go well. I might be wrong , I have not witnessed it, all analysis from history archives and old video footage. '92 WC Analysis : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_Cricket_World_Cup - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_Cricket_World_Cup 1. The table explains everything Pak/Aus and WI all together.Just that the 1st March game Eng Vs Pak gave them crucial 1 point that mattered in the end [Pak 74 all out;Eng 24/1 in 8 overs - Match Abondoned and Points shared].Well without this crucial 1 point Pakistan might have been just above India at 6th place as their run rate would have fallen further down if that match would have been completed.Oops India had a pathetic WC. 2. 18th March, NZ having won all the matches (7 out of 7 in a row) had to play thier final dead rubber match against Pakistan.How motivated they were?Then, I remember Ken Rutherford's comment about NZ being in a position to choose thier opponents in Final.(I think it was rumour and I don't buy that, not sure of this) In semis and finals, Pakistan played like true champions and won it.On the other side Rain robbed SA's berth in final.SA was very very strong team throught the tournament, twice they lost to England both the time DuckWorth Lewis had spoiled the party in denying a strong team in final. I might be wrong, The great Wasim Akram might have ran through English batting order on 1st March game and won it for Pakistan fair and square, In any case, Equating '83 and '92 does not seem fair.In '83 India forced their way to win the world cup against all odds on sheer weight of thier performance, while in '92, there was lot of undeniable luck .. You are the best judge. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 22 January 2011 at 2:45am
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oh! ok, so going by that analysis, I think PAK should have won the WC in 1999 and may be even in 1987?
Now we have new WC winners guys. ------------- 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: 22 January 2011 at 6:21am
In '99 : I have already explained it was SA, Aus then Pak. Pakistan had lost two game in Super six in addition to 1 loss in group stage. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 22 January 2011 at 10:54am
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that loss in group stage was because of lack of concentration, just like NZL against PAK in 92 you know, again both losses in supersix were because of lack of concentration, they carried forward 4 points you know and despite losing 2 supersix games they still topped the super six stage. (again just like NZL in 92) ------------- 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: 22 January 2011 at 11:12am
Yes, in '87 they deserved to win just like India.I have posted that. Are you trying to find some fault in my analysis.Go ahead sam, I will be happy if you can find a bug in my algorithm  .------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 12 February 2011 at 3:41am
The good thing about this QFs is our Group B (the stronger group, where good teams like IND,SA,WI and ENG), still 4 teams will have a crack at QFs.
The bad thing is some weak undeserving team will not be filtered out  .------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: GreenCap
Date Posted: 14 February 2011 at 5:49pm
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Pak can win the WC if they want to win it. But i still doubt whether all the 11 guys have the same captain. |
Posted By: kirankri
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 4:27am
How easy it is for them ...
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Posted By: abubakar52
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 4:48am
Kirankri, I think GreenCap is not saying that if Pakistan wanted to they would win it easy. I believe hes questioning the devotion and willingness from the player, wanting to win it, I am not questioning it but I believe that is what Greencap was implying as in the next sentence he goes on to speak about a rumored divide in the team. I could be wrong  Interesting statement either way!
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Posted By: kirankri
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 4:53am
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May be, he has to say what exactly he meant. However, I don't deny the fact that, even Pakistan stands a chance. But there is no team this time which is sure about it's spot even in the semis. |
Posted By: abubakar52
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 4:57am
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Yup, I guess only Green Cap himself can tell us and yes, each of the top nations stands a chance, Ireland looks like a decent minnow once again for group A, decent showing against NZ and now Great start against Zim
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Posted By: GreenCap
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 5:07am
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abubakar summed it up very well. If there are 2-3 lobbies in the team, then you can only dream of winning a major tournament. By delaying the captain announcement, PCB has ensured that the team doesn't start the tournament as a fully united side. And yes, due to pathetic format of the tournament, even ZIM can go far in the tournament if they manage to beat the other minnows and one of the test nations. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 5:15am
I've heard about the different factions within the team and I agree , if some aren't happy with the captain chosen they might well underperform. That's Pakistan though , their fans suffer a heart attack watching every match !  ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 8:41am
| The team in my view seems well settled and the lobby part is just over hyped. Players wont under perform on purpose, not this current crop at least. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 5:14pm
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I agree with Zuhair, this specific Pakistan team looks willing to win. ------------- 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: 20 February 2011 at 6:03am
Kenya fold for 69...  ------------- 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: 21 February 2011 at 2:58am
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Vital batting practice missed by the kiwis.... ------------- 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: 21 February 2011 at 6:08am
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Just what the ICC didn't want , a completely one sided affair. Kenya have gone backwards and the likes of Tikolo looks half the player that he was in his youth. Expect them to get hammered by the other top sides before the month is out.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 21 February 2011 at 7:32am
| I think it is the opposite - it is just what the ICC wanted. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 21 February 2011 at 7:49am
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Maybe mate , I see that the next WC will only feature 10 teams. Still , these one sided affairs don't do the game any good whatsoever. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 21 February 2011 at 7:51am
| Have to feel for the broadcaster for the NZL Kenya match. It lasted 30 odd overs. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 21 February 2011 at 7:45pm
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well there have been comments about Afghanistan and Scotland being more deserving of this WC place than KEN and CAN and it looks true, the qualifiers take place 2 years ago and that makes a difference. ------------- 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: 21 February 2011 at 7:49pm
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Tait was bowling pretty quick today but the speed guns at times showed up just 139, that was a bit surprising to a few of us.
How accurate are the speed guns? ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: 1Daz
Date Posted: 22 February 2011 at 12:09am
No chance... More likely to be Pakistan imo. Nz has been in pretty poor form but we do tend to build our selves up for these tornaments and you cant take any thing from the recent Pakistan vs NZ series. That series was a joke. ROTATION....
Cant see Pakistan or Nz losing to Zimbabwe tho imo.
Im just looking forward to the Nz Vs Australia and Pak vs Australia games....... I wont be cheering for the Aussies thats for sure. ------------- Some people are only alive because it is illegal to kill them! |
Posted By: Genuine Muppet
Date Posted: 22 February 2011 at 11:48am
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 22 February 2011 at 1:56pm
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I saw a Canadian bowler bowl a decent pace and the speedguns were registering slowish speeds. I said no way, no way that speed would get batsmen ducking (a bouncer was bowled for that one) ------------- 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: 22 February 2011 at 7:20pm
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yes, They do not look as accurate. ------------- 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: 23 February 2011 at 9:44am
| 21 for 2 in 8 overs - watching the Pakistanis brings the memories of 2007 Ireland match. |
Posted By: Genuine Muppet
Date Posted: 23 February 2011 at 1:46pm
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Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 23 February 2011 at 4:43pm
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Yes Zuhair but thank God Pakistan won comprehensively at the end. By the way that new kit was looking good on them. ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 23 February 2011 at 6:28pm
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I was never in doubt that PAK will score big despite those two early wickets, anyways 2 points in the bag is important and the next game is a real big one against SLN. PAK should play Wahab Riaz and rely upon Afridi and hafeez for spin. Riaz is a must if PAK are to win this WC. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Ahmed
Date Posted: 24 February 2011 at 5:45am
| I don't know why they didn't give Junaid Khan chance against Kenya. I hope they give him chance during Zimbabwe and Canada matches. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 24 February 2011 at 7:04pm
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Junaid won't get a game unless absolutely necessary, at the most he might be tried against Canada but against ZIM PAK will play their main team.
Anyways, two big games tomorrow and I predict NZL to end Australia's 12 year undefeated streak in WC's. Tomorrow is the day guys! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Ahmed
Date Posted: 25 February 2011 at 5:27am
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I am really regretting the decision of picking NZ players for my Fantasy team.
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 25 February 2011 at 5:51am
| 83-6 and we will have to wait for a few more days before seeing Aussies streak coming to an end. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 February 2011 at 6:21am
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114-6 now , something of a recovery after getting belted , first up. Maybe this Aussie side is a tad better than I thought !
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 25 February 2011 at 6:24am
| It certainly is - but their real test lies ahead against SRL and Pak. I still expect Aussies to top this group. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 February 2011 at 6:32am
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Sri Lanka are extremely tough to beat on their own patch - we'll see how good Pakistan are this weekend , I think it could be the game of the round robin.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Genuine Muppet
Date Posted: 25 February 2011 at 12:45pm
 |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 25 February 2011 at 7:09pm
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I somehow expeced NZL to surprise the aussies, instead I was surprised by the drubbing. Talking of fantasy after having two horror games, my team is back on track with Shakib and Tamim scoring valuable points. As one would expect, I've got four pakistani's in my team for tomorrow's game!------------- 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: 26 February 2011 at 2:56am
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Brett Lee has made a big difference to this Australian bowling attack. He started off superbly against the kiwis. Johnson wasn't spraying it around for the few overs I saw, which could only be good news.
And McCullum can't expect to keep on playing this wrecklessly. ------------- 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: 26 February 2011 at 6:31am
| The big game today - really the first real match of the tournament this one - expect a close one. |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 26 February 2011 at 8:56am
| Pakistan gets the first thing right - win the toss and bat. Sri Lanka does the first thing right - they are playing Hearth for Mendis - smart move and might pay off. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 26 February 2011 at 3:01pm
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PAK well and truly on top, 4 down srilanka and boy am I loving this!!!
The Green machine is on it's march! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 26 February 2011 at 3:08pm
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Yup, I am loving it too!! but Sanga is still on crease. ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 26 February 2011 at 7:56pm
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Terrific performance by Pakistan, This was a very very important game to ensure they get a good placing in the table. Normally if they can get through ZIM and CAN which they should they can have a decent shot at 2nd position, They can expect to win against NZL as well and have a chance to even finish first depending upon how AUS fare against PAK themselves and SLN.
I'm very very happy with the way the team ahs performed, although it shouldn't really have gone till the last over once Sanga was out, they will have to work on that. ------------- 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: 26 February 2011 at 8:03pm
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Terrific performance by Pakistan, indeed it was sam. Saw the game up till the last five overs, at that point I had to surrender the t.v to the kids. Pakistan looked well worth their win for me. ------------- Warwickshire County Cricket, Edgbaston Birmingham England. County Champions 2012 |
Posted By: abubakar52
Date Posted: 26 February 2011 at 10:05pm
| Great to see Pak winning this match, very important win for them. Sri Lanka would have liked to win this one in front of that massive crowd. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 27 February 2011 at 5:31am
Exactly flipper, they look to be very confident and playing as a unit which are dangerous signs for other nations, This is one team which can be most difficult to beat when they are on song, It is such a delight to see them do well after such a long time and once again it is happening when people expected it the least! I would want them to lose one game somewhere so that they are not due for a defeat during the KO's. If they can win against NZL and AUS then I won't mind them losing to ZIM. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: -JP-
Date Posted: 27 February 2011 at 9:34am
Anybody just looking at the scorecard might think '11 runs - must have been close' but for me, once Dilshan and Tharanga were gone, Sri Lanka were never getting the runs and Pakistan always looked in complete control. I tipped them a couple of weeks back to win the World Cup - so long as 2 of their batsmen keep firing and Afridi inspires with the ball, they'll go far into the tournament. |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 3:59am
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Great Performance by Pakistan. Sri Lanka were always behind the 8th ball once they lost the toss. For pakistan their senior players stood up and lead the way. Specially pleasing to watch shoib akthr bowl the way he did. The turning point in the chase for me was Jwardene's wicket (a ripper from rawalpindi express).
Afridi's got be the one of the best one-day spinners out their at the moment, nothing like having the skipper taking charge and matter in his own hands. Watch out for this team... |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 6:09am
| It was not unexpected - Sangakkara knew Pakistan will be a tough team and you write them off at your own peril. Having Younus and Misbah is the middle order gives Pakistan the cushion to take control in the middle part of the innings and explode towards the end and not many teams have got this leverage. They still have to improve on their fielding and effective utilization of the key players. Razzaq has to play more balls than just the 4-5 balls he gets to play. If a wicket falls after the 40th over - Razzaq should come ahead of both Umar and Afridi - he is much more dangerous than them. |
Posted By: kirankri
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 6:32am
| Yes. It was not totally unexpected, though Srilanka were the favorites to win the game. As I had told earlier, any of the 8 teams could win the title this time. |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 6:34am
I agree its not a surprise result. Its just that considering all that the team had been through in recent times one would have though would have a barring on the team. Well watching their last game That definitely doesn't seem to be the case. A word of praise must be given to the captain and the team for such resilience and character. I have also always thought very high of Misbah , more so for his mental toughness than his skill. Never agreed with him not being in the team. Such a vital cog for Pakistan. The ideal player you need in that middle order. brings about a good balance in that batting line-up. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
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Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 6:42am
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9 wickets in 2 matches for Afridi - that's going some ! Pakistan controlled this match and look very composed. The batting is firing and the bowling is threatening throughout - they have a real chance of repeating their 1992 feat. The toss was important , but not massively so - the best side won.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 11:13am
I agree with that. Razzaq has to bat higher up the order than No.8 , else for most of the games he plays as a bowler who bowls around 4-5 overs. Also don't like the idea of having him share the new ball. Few question marks over Shehzad too, would rather Kamran Akmal as the opener, Umar Akmal at 3 or 5 and Razzaq at 6. gives pakistan the room to add a wicket taking pace bowler, maybe Wahab Riaz, to share new ball responsibilities with Akhtar. This doesn't really weaken or unbalance the batting of the team, while it strengthen the bowling. Agree that Umar Gul should continue as the first change, with his ability to sometines get the ball to reverse as early as the 15th to 20th over being crucial. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 12:32pm
| I am fine with Gul being the first change bowler and yes Kamran can open with Hafeez and we can instead have Wahab Riaz. Dont think the management is keen to do that yet. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 28 February 2011 at 4:26pm
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not at all, Shahzad I believe will hit a century in the next game. The team balance is perfectly fine, Razzaq is underutilized I agree but then he is there as a back up both in bowling and batting. But yes, if he doesn't get to bat at all then you can't expect him to do wonders when required. He should bat a little higher against Canada just to get a hit and be comfortable. ------------- 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: 01 March 2011 at 12:01am
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How many people think Pakistan made this game go further than it was suppose to go? How come Sri Lanka came back and loss by just 11? Truth be told, they should have loss by a bigger margin, thanks to Kamran Akmal and Rahman, missing to sitters of chances, really unbelievable how Pakistan continues to miss those stuff. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 01 March 2011 at 7:56am
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Here an interesting interview with Shoaib Akhtar... Shows how far the bowler has come since his controversy filled days. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/interviews/Shoaib-not-a-fast-brat-anymore/articleshow/7597863.cms - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/interviews/Shoaib-not-a-fast-brat-anymore/articleshow/7597863.cms ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 01 March 2011 at 8:09am
| I have never doubted his commitment to Pakistan - good that he has stayed away from the controversies - he is a showman type character but that is just fine, it suits him. As long as he delivers and is committed to this team, I would love to see him. |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 01 March 2011 at 1:51pm
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Slinga Malinga is at it again. Man sometimes i wonder where the Lankans dug him out from.
What a difference one man has made to that bowling attack.. From being mediocre to dangerous. He has without doubt added a new dimension to the sport. GO MALINGA!!!! ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
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Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 01 March 2011 at 5:21pm
I'am really impressed by this new Shoaib  . Go Pakistani team Go!!! The whole nation is praying for you guys.
and Malinga, what a great bowler he is. I think he alone can do wonders for Srilanka in coming matches ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 01 March 2011 at 7:54pm
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If only had Malinga played earlier, he was in my fantasy team you know... not anymore though! :( Anyways, Lasith Malinga will be the man if SLN are to do some serious damage.------------- 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: 02 March 2011 at 5:35am
| What goes in his favour is that he hardly needs the pitch and the conditions to make the impact. IT will be a tough QF for whoever plays them from group B. Good luck with that. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 02 March 2011 at 5:52am
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Malinga's control with that slingy action is remarkable. 6 wickets , 2 lbws , 4 bowled and all blockhole deliveries! He's got a simple philosophy , I'll take the pitch out of the equation completely - it doesn't matter to me how slow it is ! He'll bowl the odd 5 wides , but all batsmen will be fully tuned in for the agonising toe crunchers and wicket wreckers ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 02 March 2011 at 6:53am
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Just read of Murali's feats so far in this world cup. He's only taken 2 wickets in their 2 games but the astonishing facts are :- Balls Bowled 108 Runs conceded 57 6's conceded 0 4's conceded 0 3's conceded 1 2's conceded 3 No boundaries whatsoever - He might not be the wicket taking man of old , but that's fantastic containment ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 02 March 2011 at 12:53pm
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The only way to bat Malinga is to keep on moving either forward or backward in your crease. Many the yorker won't allows be the same if he keeps on aiming for the blackhole. Step out now and again, you might meet it on the full, go deep in the crease, you might be able to whip it away, it's something that I've seen Sachin Tendulkar do to him and played him fantastically well. If you can't do those stuff, then God help you against him, especially when he comes back with the field spread! ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 03 March 2011 at 3:59am
Well Spin Whiz, what do you know, you've just solved the mystery. 
True, But A lot easier said than done.  ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
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Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 03 March 2011 at 10:32am
| Familiar - 64 for 4 Pakistan in 16 overs. I will be surprised if we end up playing the full quota. I think the Ireland match was not the only upset of the tournament - more is on offer. |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 03 March 2011 at 12:33pm
| 184 all out - England cannot take it over from us. We will provide an ever bigger upset folks. |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 03 March 2011 at 12:34pm
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Here we go. Next upset is on the cards.Shambolic performance by Pakistan. They played sluggish shots,chased wide deliveries. After all it is Pakistani team, we can expect this kind of performances from them. Yup credit goes to Canada for creating a pressure on them. ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 03 March 2011 at 12:40pm
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Zuhair is there any chance? Can we defend it? As pitch has a little bit bounce and looks good for spinners also. ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 03 March 2011 at 12:43pm
| Not too sure - we can defend this - but that is not the point. You just can't get out on 184 on this track inside 43 overs. And it was more the ordinary batting than extraordinary bowling that did it. |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 03 March 2011 at 12:47pm
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Yup true, the way Pakistan batted was awful ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 03 March 2011 at 4:37pm
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PAK win thanks to another star performance by Afridi with the ball, 14 wickets now for him in 3 games!!! Never doubted the win, even when CAN were 100 odd for 3 but yes I was not very happy with the way PAK batted, you can get away with it against CAN but not in a KO game against tougher opponents. Hopefully this was that one bad game with the bat and they won't repeat. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 04 March 2011 at 5:57am
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Whoa!!! The match turned out to be much more interesting than anticipated. I must confess there was a point when i did think we were going to witness the 2nd big upset of the tournament. That man again Captain Marvel leading his troops from the front with his leg-spin cum medium-pace seam bowling. The Canadians had no clue what-so-ever. Batting a touch of bother but like sam had said they could have just got the bad performance out of the way.. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
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