Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals)
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=5334
Printed Date: 24 May 2013 at 10:57pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.71 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals)
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Subject: Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals)
Date Posted: 21 March 2011 at 5:35pm
|
A new thread for the finals stage would be nice I think. Pakistan v West Indies at Mirpur Australia v India at Ahmedabad Newzealand v South Africa at Mirpur Srilanka v England at Colombo with all due respect to the WI, I think this is a team that can lose from any position any time, the "resting" of Gayle and Roach for a World Cup game was a very very poor decision add to that Chanders gets dropped is as bad a team selection as it can get, I'm not too sure if their attitude is right, they look happy to be playing PAK and avoiding AUS, but in a WC there is no place to hide and this attitude of the WI will take them nowhere. I agree with Daisy that SAmmy has been a pretty poor captain and except for that one game against BAN, the team has looked quite ordinary. PAK should find it easy if they play normally... but then this is Pakistan, they can beat AUS one day, the other day they can lose to Ireland! Should they not Implode then this will be a fairly comfortable win for PAK. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Replies:
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 22 March 2011 at 1:48pm
| I agree with what you said Sam. It's expected that the WI will lose to Pak although you can never really predict how PAK will play because they can be very suprising sometimes. However, they have performed great so far in this world cup so based on that they should win. The India/Australia match should be VERY intense. Those aussies dont give up easily they would definitely be determined to retain the trophey. On the other hand India is playing at home and thus, they would be under even more pressure to win. I can't make any predictions for that game but it shoudl definitely be a great one to watch |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 22 March 2011 at 5:34pm
|
yes Daisy, IND-AUS will be a tight game, overall I'd say IND have a better team but the ability of the aussies to rise to the occasion and perform at the big stage is something that can make the difference. Remember India's results in ICC Events have been very ordinary of late... 2007 WC - 1st Round Exit 2007 WT20 - Winners 2009 WT20 - 1st Round Exit 2009 Champions Trophy - 1st Round Exit 2010 WT20 - 1st Round Exit So a wonderful team but when it matters the most they don't perform, it's all in the mind and that may make a difference. ------------- 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: 22 March 2011 at 10:36pm
|
Sam, these are the 2 most unpredictable team in Cricket - In all fairness, not much seperate the batting. Pakistan have a whole line up of un-top quality batsman, Umar Akmal is definitely the best of the lot. Hafeez is no different from Devon Smith. West Indies have Gayle, Sarwan, Chanderpaul (he is returning for this game), no one in this current Pakistani line up is as good as them. Stats isn't everything but Hafeez, Akmal, Afridi has under achieved with the bat. I won't include the young Shafiq (can't remember the youth name haha) because he just started. Razzaq is pretty good too but Pakistan is wasting him to late, he won't get to do much damage down there so i'm not worried.
Difference is, Pakistan's bowling attack usually saves them! ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: abubakar52
Date Posted: 23 March 2011 at 12:07am
| Spinny, You can say Younis and Misbah are the best Pak got at the moment, agreed about Umar Akmal and the rest, I have a feeling Hafeez may unleash in this match. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 23 March 2011 at 2:27am
|
Crap, I forgot all about, Younus haha. ------------- 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: 23 March 2011 at 5:37am
|
So it really kicks off today after a month of "the phoney war". The top eight sides in the world with reasonable chances of success for all of them. For the Windies to undo Pakistan I see Roach as the key , with Rampaul a useful foil. The Pakistani batting isn't that special and if the Windies are to beat them I see it as a low scoring contest. Lots of talk about Gayle , understandably so , but they can win even if he fails. Younus carries a lot of responsibility in the batting department for Pakistan and has the ability to assess the conditions and determine what is a decent total. In the last two years the Windies one day cricket has been dire , but Gibson seems to have brought them together and I think they'll push Pakistan close. They mustn't take liberties with Afridi's leggies , just as the Pakistani batsmen need to respect Benn's. All in all it should be fascinating - I don't see one side running away with it - it could be a really topsy turvy contest but I see Pakistan just shading it if they can get a decent start to their innings. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 23 March 2011 at 4:57pm
|
Congratulations to Pakistan on a dominating victory!!! This was a loud and clear message and a slap in the face of everyone who thought they will not do well in this tournament! Great win, I'm delighted to say the least, 2 steps away from the World Cup, God willing that will be achieved too. well done Pakistan, well done Afridi and his men! I feel bad for the westindies and the westindian fans though, Spinny's assessment of the two sides was fair enough, if you compare man to man then PAK have got a better bowling but batting wise these two teams were pretty equal, unfortunately though, WI just don't have that mind set these days of winning and that sometimes can make all the difference. As I always say though, there is always something to look forward to, the WC will be won by just 1 team and it doesn't mean it is the end of the world for the remaining 13, WI have got a good bunch of young players I think what is required is groom them properly, perhaps make them more passionate about the game, and I'm sure the results will come... They have two BIG BIG home series coming up against PAK and IND, that will be just the right time to start off. ------------- 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: 24 March 2011 at 3:19am
|
Pakistan's bowling is mostly the difference, their batting isn't usually up to much but their bowling is quite reliable.
And I think it has now hit home to me why people say Chanderpaul is a very selfish batsman!! I don't think I need to explain! Sarwan has been a disgrace this tournament. Gayle has been striking the ball well but hasn't gotten away - too much T20s. Amazing enough, he's been one of the best Test batsman in the last 2-3 years.
One things for certain, with Pakistan, you can't predict right. Sledger and i were way off!! ------------- 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: 24 March 2011 at 5:18am
It wasn't close SW , but I did get the result right!  I've seen lame batting on many occasions (remember , I'm English!) , but that performance yesterday was shameful ! Afridi simply left an inviting gap at midwicket and asked the West Indian batsmen to hit across the line to score there. All of them , bar Chanderpaul and Sarwan fell for it , none more so than Bravo and Sammy - simply terrible batting. The pitch didn't turn that much and there was little bounce - all the Pakistani spinners did was bowl straight and that was enough for the lamentable West Indians. Still , all you can do is beat what's in front of you and the Pakistanis did that comprehensively - well done to them and a mouth watering prospect of an Indian/Pakistani semifinal is a real possibility now ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 5:47am
| Bring it on - say us!! The variety in the bowling paid off. It was more than just terrible batting. Ajmal's deliveries were a treat to watch - youtube stuff really!! West Indies have to sort out their over dependence on Gayle. You cant expect a tea to win whose captain does not even deserve to start in the playing eleven. |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 5:54am
|
Oh!! Wat an anti-climax in the end? Yes did consider Pakistan to be the favourite going into the game, but din't expect such a lopsided contest. The Pakistani biys were on demolition mode and the Windies seemed to have pressed the wrong button 'Self-destruction'. In the end they had no answers to the guile of Pakistan's spin.
All the spinners were terrific but I enjoyed watching Ajmal the most. Those doosra's is such a potent weapon I'm sure there are not many batsmen in the world who could read em well. I've always thought that he was a must in the team. Rehman has had a good tournament so far. But for me Ajmal is your big match-winner, and must play no matter what. Afridi was his usual self, intimidating. Phew, What a tournament he's having? Like Rameez Raja says they peaking as a unit at the right time. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 6:36am
| And might as well play both Rehman and Ajmal in place of Riaz in the semis!!! Will depend on the opposition though - if it is the Aussies - I would not mind playing all of them!! |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 6:41am
|
Okay So its QF #2 India vs Australia.
The Tale of Two greats, End of the Road for One. Sachin Tendulkar v Ricky Ponting. As they could probably be going through the last leg of their career this could very much be the last time we see one of these legends in action at a WC . Both have many times been in the midst of raging debates between fans, the media , cricket experts, former players . Though Sachin does have his nose slightly in front( I'm just being nice ) when it comes to personal landmarks, Ponting clearly enjoys a better success rate and team accomplishments . In fact Sachin's never tasted success against australia at a WC. So will this be the time when it finally happens. Or will Ricky yet again continue to rule the roost over here. Come tonight we shall find out.
Either way its going to be the culmination of the WC career for one of these heroes. And with that their last fight at the Biggest stage of em all. So like always lets enjoy this glorified rivalry at the WC stage for one last time. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 7:59am
| Yes - big match. I expect a big turner of a pitch. Aussies will make some changes methinks. There is no point playing Steve Smith when he does not bowl. Play a specialist in his place. The toss will be crucial and the team winning it will have a huge advantage. |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 8:36am
| Good call by Ponting. Wins the toss and bats and rightly drops Smith for David Hussey!! |
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 1:01pm
| Well david Hussey played a good little innings coming down to the end there so maybe it was a good choice to choose him ahead of Smith. At this point, the match is nicely poised. Australia has set up a challenging total for India to chase and it wont be easy! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 1:33pm
| I would not call it a challenging total - I think they are good 30 runs short. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 4:14pm
|
India 187/4, slightly ahead at the moment but a wicket or two can finish it off... tense moments.
------------- 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: 24 March 2011 at 4:17pm
|
ah and as I speak, poor captain Dhoni goes, what a pathetic tournament he has had... AUS clear favts now... I do not expect much from Raina, Yusuf should have played this.
------------- 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: 24 March 2011 at 4:28pm
|
Yuvi playing another terrific knock here!
------------- 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: 24 March 2011 at 5:08pm
|
India win!!! champions innings from Yuvraj... It's India vs Pakistan at Mohali come 30th of March... IT DOESN"T GET BIGGER THAN THIS!!!!
------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 6:22pm
|
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 6:24pm
|
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 24 March 2011 at 7:12pm
|
The Pakistan vs India clash should have been the finals, then it would have been the most epic finals in Cricket. Sad to say, but work will have to take a backseat on that day!
And one thing, I did wonder why is Pakistan playing Rahman over Ajmal. Rahman bowls a lot of seamer type deliveries more than trying to put sidespin/overspin on the ball!
Only thing i'm worried for about the semi-final game, is the players houses if any of the team play poorly. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Cricket Crazy
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 4:06am
|
Australia lost to India what a match i must say ............ India batted very well at the end.... This is for all the Indian fans http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0tELT5NVWY We need such motivation when we play r semis against Pakistan ..... The link is of an ad of 1996 world cup .....we need to repeat history again |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 5:34am
|
Australia gave away 21 extras - 16 of them wides - and that is where they lost it!! That is why Shaun Tait just does not make the cut - too much for the x-factor. It is fine if you have a varied bowling attack or have more than 5 bowlers - Aussies dont have that luxury and they paid for it. Brilliant stuff from Yuvraj and Raina though. Master stroke to play Raina ahead of Yusuf came off - it would have been tight had Raina not been playing.
But now WHO CARES - it is THE MATCH coming up folks. Forget about The Ashes, forget about any other thing - cricket rivalry does not get bigger than this!! And both these teams have not played a bigger game ever before between themselves!! there is not much between the two teams - it will be all about handling and absorbing the pressure - which will be more on Indians than us!! So bring it on I say!! I wonder how do the players feel like - as the fans at home have already got so nervous and have started praying and what not. Even I have been thinking of the match since last night - spare a thought for the players!! Bring on Wednesday the 30th. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 5:36am
|
Rather comfortable for the Indians in the end - fine partnership between Yuvraj and Reina that settled it. Congratulations to the selectors in picking Reina over Pathan - he looked rock solid from the start. Australia can have no complaints , they haven't set this world cup alight and they were clearly second best yesterday. Zaheer Khan was tremendous yet again , the reverse swing in that second spell did for Michael Hussey - that was top class bowling. Tendulkar and Ponting showed why they've been the best batsmen of this generation but Ponting's dismissal will give him nightmares for years! Zuhair was dead right , they were 30 runs short and India never let the runrate get much above 6 per over - they were very cool in the chase. So Wednesday sees Pakistan take on India in what should be a fantastic match. I just hope the pitch is a fair one and the toss isn't crucial. One thing's for sure , I won't be betting on the outcome ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 5:38am
But they may well play both Rehman and Ajmal and drop Riaz in the semis!! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 5:42am
|
Yep , Riaz looked very ordinary in the quarter final , poor control meant there was little pressure on the batsmen. Good job there were good 'uns bowling when he wasn't !
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 5:49am
| And who will you be supporting Sam? Such a tough question for you!! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 7:44am
|
Just under an hour to go before SA take on NZ and I'm surrounded by maniacs dressed in green! Their overconfidence is annoying - they simply give New Zealand no chance of winning. Whilst I expect SA to win today I don't think it'll be a walkover , NZ are always competitive and will give everything today. Vettori is back and Allan Donald is their bowling coach. I expect Donald's also gone through the SA batting and given a few tips as to how to dismiss them. If NZ prevail I might have a few little digs around the workplace on Monday !
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 7:48am
| Expect this to be a cracker of a game - NZ won't be a walkover for sure. They raise their game for big occasions. Their batting is pretty good. There is no denying SA are the clear favorites but it can be as close as yesterday's QF. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 8:54am
|
McCullum gone and it's Peterson who takes a fine return catch to dismiss him. That's a blow to the Black Caps ! As I type the 2nd one goes ! Deceived by a slower ball from Steyn , Guptill goes and it's 16-2 ! Plenty of batting to come , but it's all SA at the moment. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 10:02am
|
Kudos to Yuvraj!! Kudos to India. The scorecard reads India wins by 5 wkts with over two overs to spare but it was a tight affair. India should be thankful to Yuvi's timely return to form, couldn't have chosen a better stage. He reminds me a lot of Inzy these days , there is this deceiving calm and controlled approach in the beginning but at any moment will unleash the monster within and take you home in a flash, also of late gaining this knack of running out his partners . Raina played a beautiful small and crucial supporting cameo right on the money, just when India were determined to make a hash of the chase. Ian Chapell was on commentary saying that India would ve it easy unless the batsmen did something monumentally stupid while gambhir-kohli were cruising along(going at above 4 rpo depite not scoring a single four in 10 overs) . and my word they followed his advice at the word. D Hussey couldn't ve bowled a worser ball to get a wicket and I've no words to describe those crazy moments to the lead up to that gambhir run-out. The pressure had clearly got to them, and by the time Dhoni fell Australia had their noses in front for the first time in the match. Thankfully they live to fight another day. And that fight could be the biggest one in their life's. Oh my stomach aches at the thought of that match. Wonder what the players must be going through. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 10:05am
|
Good small comeback by NZ through Ryder and Taylor. 84/2 after 22ov. Hope I don't jinx em  ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: crabs
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 10:23am
| Pat Symcox... everything seems to be what South Africa is doing right and NZ doing wrong. I think Simon Doull was getting pretty ****ed off with him in the end. |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 10:45am
|
Symcox will start to get a little jittery now. Good 100+ partnership by Ryder-Taylor 128/2 32overs... ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 10:47am
Oh crap what did i do......   Taylor gone 130/3..  Tahir continues to impress.. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 11:30am
| 171/5 in 43. Its all South Africa's now. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 12:31pm
Yep , all the SA commentators are irritating - you're lucky you don't have to watch the TV or listen to the radio broadcasts !! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 12:35pm
|
222 to win and it's no gimme . They'll be jitters in the SA dressingroom and they'll be hoping for a good start. It's important for the Black Caps to apply pressure from the start - wickets would be ideal , but keeping the boundaries to a minimum will trouble SA. This wicket isn't great and 222 is a long way off - if they bowl properly there could be an upset here. The green maniacs here are a mixed bunch right now. The ones that know nothing about cricket think it's all over , the others are worried ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 12:40pm
| Great effort by the SA bowlers to restrict NZ to 221. It's definitely a small total to defend so I expect SA to win this game easily! |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 12:47pm
|
So Pakistan and India are going to face each other in semifinals on 30th March. Huuh lala, I'm feeling the heat already.
Pakistan team in Chandigarh now. Good luck MY team!! ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 12:54pm
|
Good effort by South African Bowlers but hey What happened? Amla is gone, SA are 10/1. Anyway still I believe that SA will win this match easily ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 12:56pm
|
What a freaky dismissal !! SA don't seem to get the rub of the green in world cups - Amla must be distraught! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 12:57pm
That pitch isn't good Daisy - this will be very challenging. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 1:05pm
|
I think they very much capable of this chase. They good enough to make their own luck. This team mentally a much tougher unit.
------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 1:11pm
|
We'll see v4p - they have history !
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 1:12pm
Of the 44 matches in this WC only 20 won by teams that won the toss. Don't think toss will be crucial enough to determine the result in the coming games too, atleast on Indian pitches. They do stay true till the end like we saw yesterday. Just need to be used to such chases, and more importantly be able to handle the pressure. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 1:14pm
Ah!! Can't move ahead if one keeps looking back. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 1:43pm
You lucky you don't have to bear with a so called Navjot Sidhu and his Sidhuism . Bet he would beat em all when it come to getting to your nerve. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 1:58pm
| He is absolutely annoying!! Wonder why is he even allowed to be on the mic |
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 2:15pm
|
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 2:26pm
| Brilliant catch by Oram!!!! NZ is fighting hard |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 3:04pm
|
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 3:10pm
| Fo Sunjay Manjrekar India will win comfortably against Pakistan. I dont know what he is trying to proof with such comments. As a comentator he has to be neutral. I beleave India is clearly favourite in this game, but Pakistan still have the chance, especially in India. They are always playing good in India. I have the feeling that Afridi will do some damage in this game with the bat, and so Dhoni and Sehwag for India.Pakistan will surely miss Shoaib Malik and Salman Butt in this game as they always performed against Inida. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 3:39pm
|
I cannot believe what is happening out here ... RSA not again, please not again... 8 down, can Du Plessis do a miracle? Please God, don't let RSA lose this, please they deserve better...
------------- 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: 25 March 2011 at 3:47pm
Not at all Zuhair, Pakistan any day... although this has absolutely nothing to do with my love towards my country neither does it have anything to do with my religion. Never in my life have I wanted a team to win a tournament as badly as I want Pakistan to win this World Cup. Pakistan needs this more than any other country. We are playing at Mohali, although lately it hasn't been as quick as it was earlier, it is still the fastest track in India, mark my words, if anyone will win it for PAK, it will be Umer Gul. Also you cannot play both Ajmal and Abdur Rahman against India Zuhair, Shoaib Akhtar must play, he will be determined and extra charged up for this encounter, believe me if he plays he will make a major impact. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 3:58pm
They have gotten precisely what they deserve, yet again. Anyway, can someone help me with this crossword clue I am stuck on? The clue is "South African cricket team (7 letters)", and what I have so far is - C _ _ K _ RS Any ideas???? |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 4:05pm
|
chokers? am i right? :-) Again they promised so much but gave it away in very important time. |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 4:06pm
|
Chokers? South African cricket team?? Surely not??? |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 4:11pm
|
it's all over for south africa ... I really can't believe this. Very sad moment this for all fans and for the team which really deserved to win this tournament.
------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 4:16pm
| more hyperbole, how exactly did they "deserve" to win the tournament? |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 4:17pm
|
2 big favourites are out now. There are 3 left now: India, Sri Lanka, England. How wrong the experts can be. It will be really funny, if Pakistan and NZL will reach the final. 2 teams of which no one was thinking that far. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 4:26pm
|
well Clobs it's easy to say that once they are out of it but as long as they were in, they were definitely the best side in the tournament and the favorites to win. Ok I must not have said they "deserved" to win because some other sides too have played pretty good cricket, but they certainly didn't deserve to lose to NZL, who barely made it to the Quarters. The winner of the match tomorrow should almost certainly make it to the finals, I think this result now means that the WC is wide open. Contrary to what many believe, I think Pakistan should be able to beat India and we might well see a Pak - SLN final unless ENG do something special, who will do it for ENG though remains to be seen, may be Morgan, may be Swann, but do they really have that X-Factor? ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 4:41pm
|
they clearly weren't the best side or they wouldn't have make a dogs dinner of a simple run chase against England, and they certainly wouldn't have got stuffed by a side as ordinary as NZ. Sri Lanka must be delighted as their path to the final looks pretty smooth. England though have pretty much confounded expection in all their matches so far, one way or another, and have a decent recent record against SL so shouldn't be too fearful. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 4:52pm
I don't think there will ever be a rivalry in any sport as intense as that of India vs Pakistan clash in Cricket. The nation of both sides are always bouyant about it and they do play some terrific Cricket against each other.
Rahman's economy rate i'm sure in no where under 4 per over, I don't think Ajmal is more than 5 so it would be a no brainer to me as to who should play. Ajmal is a very good limited over bowler (exclude that over to Mike Hussey).
That's a no brainer zuhair, he'll be supporting Pakistan! ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 5:01pm
|
So, SA have once again choked and that's why, if anyone here recalls some months ago, I didn't give SA a chance just because of this very reason. The 3 sub continental sides were always the favourites for mine (along with my baisness for West Indies). Oh, and never count out the kiwis either but I don't see them winning it. They don't bow out of competitions that early or easily!
This has been the best WC i've witnessed!
Tomorrow's game should be fun, I mean, England have entertained in all the games (although that's no consolation to the fans). ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 25 March 2011 at 6:11pm
| wow! that was unbelieveable! SA was in such a good position and then the wickets began to tumble. This result is kind of a suprise because I believe they have a better team than NZ yet they were outplayed when it really mattered. those NZ bowlers successfully defended a small score. I'm sure that SA must have been very satisfied with their bowling performance.... |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 6:44am
| They did not choke - it was not like any of the previous exits in World Cups. Let's praise Kiwis for the patience and the belief that they had in themselves. And Sam, SA clearly were not the better side yesterday and they did not deserve to win the tournament by any means - their performance up to the QF was good - nothing to suggest that they were the invincible. And boy, don't NZ love to be in the semis all the time? they have made the semis six times now - equal with PAk and Aus!! Will we see a new winner this time? It is getting really exciting. |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 8:45am
How did you do that? You wouldn't happen to be a match-fixer now would you .. Next time I'll take your word for it.
And the legacy continues.. They have choked again. I still can't understand it, Defies logic, when will it ever end. I really thought this time they would break free of those shackles. Feel sorry for them and their fans. Very Glad for NZ though. 6 WC semi-finals some record huh. NZ for me symbolizes Team Spirit & Unity. They haven't got the so called Big Names in their ranks(one or two at most) but yesterday they were their together hunting lack a pack of wolves out there. Their fielding such a beauty to watch. You watch teams for their batting some for their bowling But NZ you watch them for their fielding and their spirit( at least at the WC's). ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 9:14am
Not sure the other countries would quite agree. I'm sure India would want to win it real bad. Same for SA and Aus. You could see it on their captain's faces after they lost the match. Ricky said he was devastated. All I can say is let the better team win ( please God make that team India )   ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 9:18am
|
Eng win toss elect to bat. Hoping for another humdinger.
This has been a honeymoon period for ODI's . Expect it to continue esp with Eng playing. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 9:50am
| 220 will be a good total on this track, wont be easy to chase it down. Will be interesting to see Swann's reaction with the wet ball. |
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 1:37pm
|
England's total should be challenging...They could have made a few more runs though. Their run rate during the beginning and probably middle was a bit low. Then there was the appauling Sri Lankan fielding. Morgan got 4 lives!!! I think SL dropped like 3 catches. that's kind of suprising because you won't expect that from a top class team like SL but I guess it just was not a good day for them in the field. Hopefully, this game would turn into a thriller! |
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 1:38pm
|
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 2:48pm
|
ENG look to be on their way out, Lanka 116/0, I would have loved to see ENG win this, I thought 230 was a good score but SLN are making it look very easy, which is quite surprising as it normally is not easy chasing at the Premadasa. SLN v NZL will be a repeat of the 2007 Semi Final if it happens. NZL have reached the SF's 6 times but never have they reached the finals... so are they also Chokers???? I hope they do it this time, make the finals, although it looks difficult, I have said this before a team with the likes of Ryder, McCullum, Vettori, Taylor, Mills (although he is injured now) can never be an easy opponent, the great advantage NZL have is that almost everyone in their team can bat and bowl and add to that they are an excellent fielding side. Should it be NZL v SLNB, I expect NZL to give the lankans a very good fight. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 3:19pm
|
it is a bit early but SRL is on their way. I think in last games englands bowling was a bit lucky. Anderson is definetly better choice than Tremplate. His experience was needed in this crunch game. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 4:22pm
|
That was as convincing win as you'd get ... loud and clear message by
Srilanks to the remaining three opponents that they won't be easy to
beat. quite amazingly, except for India, all the remaining three Semi finalists are from Group A when it was Group B that was tougher!!!  ENG were considerably weakened after the departure of KP, Broad, Shahzad and even Anderson was unnecessarily dropped. The bowling was nothing really, and the paid for it. Looks like the ICC plan has worked perfectly, all three Asian giants have got through to the SF's, and NZL is the only outside team that has been able to make it. What a tournament this has been for the teams from the subcontinent. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 6:37pm
|
I thought England were maybe 20 runs short - as it turns out even another 100 wouldn't have been enough! Superb stuff from the Sri Lankans - I can't even be all that critical of England, I think they did the best they could in the circumstances but were blown away by what was a far superior team on the day. |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 7:13pm
|
Oooops!!! South Africa choked once again. Well done NZ. Their fielding was superb yesterday.
England played some really good matches in this world cup and I was expecting a close match today but it turned out to be a walk in the park for Srilanka at the end. ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: Amal
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 7:52pm
Yup Sam, but I think his inclusion will be little risky or maybe not. Meanwhile many Ex cricketers including Imran khan wants Shoaib in final 11. So, maybe he will be there and will prove his worth InshaALLAH!! ------------- Cricket for peace! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 26 March 2011 at 11:29pm
|
I thought the 229 would have been competitive but not say, Sri Lanka made it look all to easy. They dropped some sitters off Morgan today, I couldn't believe it, seems like they were mixing up in butter prior to the game.
Anyhow, 3 sub continent sides and the dark horses of the kiwis. I think that's some good games on hand. Bring them on! ------------- 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: 27 March 2011 at 9:18am
That risk is worth taking Amal, espwhen you know that Wahab is not setting the world on fire anyways, and Indian's play spin so so well that there is no point in playing 4 spinners against them (Afridi, Hafeez, Ajmal are anyhow there) other possible case is Junaid Khan and I'd say throwing him into such a big game as a debutant will not be a great idea... Considering those three options above, I think playing Akhtar is definitely a risk worth taking. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: daisy77
Date Posted: 27 March 2011 at 6:53pm
| I had actually thought that England's total would be challenging. I think this is the first time in this world cup that a team batting second, made the required runs to win without losing a wicket! |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 27 March 2011 at 9:13pm
| actually second time. Pakistan also chased against WI without losing a wicket. |
Posted By: jaysjay
Date Posted: 27 March 2011 at 10:40pm
|
^^or the opposite of it, in reality they used three batsmen though.
------------- for what a man would like to be true,that he more readily believes. |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 5:16am
|
Really letdown by England. They seemed totally exhausted in the field.It looked like a match between a boxer in his 15th round and the other in his 1st. Superb chase by SriLanka showed that there were no demons in the pitch. England were probably done by the avg 1st innings total( 195 ) and failed to come out and attack.
So three sub-continent teams in the semis. Also for the sixth consecutive time a sub-continent team to feature in the WC final. Impressive that. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 5:27am
The build-up to Ind-Pak match grows at a frenetic pace with each day. Switch to any NEWS channel and thats all they discuss. In one if you've Aamer Sohail and Ravi Shastri having a go at each other, in another you've Imran Khan building up to the mind games and Kumble return it with a back hand. In a third channel things get really ugly with cricket analyst/journalist literally shouting at the top of their voice just to be heard. And they say it should be treated as just another cricket match, huh!! The PM of Pakistan has been invited for the match and to be accompanied by his Indian counterpart. Hope they don't end up in a fist fight towards the end of the game  .
Just hope the players are banned from the TV, papers and the crazy media and fans for the next few days. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 6:52am
|
You had to be at my local to see the reactions of my South African pals as this match wore on. The elation at 108-2 and how Kallis and de Villiers would see them home. Then the disbelief when Kallis holed out off a log hop (albeit a terrific catch by the born again Oram).To the stunned silence followed by incredible ranting following de Villiers suicidal run out ! Suddenly they looked a batsman short and Duminy played the most awful shot to almost settle the issue. Fine captaincy from Vettori - he smelt blood and just brought the field in and the South Africans meekly caved in. At the finish the pub emptied as if there was a fire drill - they disappeared at a rate of knots ! The local papers were merciless the following day and the C word headlined in all of them ! So Kallis will never play in a WC Final , which is a pity but no-one deserves to win a world cup - you have to go and grab it ! England's performance was much better than South Africa's , but they were simply blown away. That score looked reasonable , but they would need early inroads to have a chance. That didn't happen and no one was more surprised than me when the openers were there at the finish! I was a little unhappy to see an unchanged side after Tremlett's performance against the Windies , but it would have been a gamble to throw in one of the replacements. That I was hopeful of success didn't really have much to back it up - in the cold light of day England had struggled against lesser sides than this fine Sri Lankan outfit. Home advantage and players in good form always meant it'd be very tough and I think if they played them in Columbo 10 times I don't think England would win on more than 2 occasions. So the semis start tomorrow and even though the Black Caps played solid cricket in the quarters I see them doing what they always do in semifinals - come second. They've had a fine tournament and Allan Donald must have got great satisfaction in helping them beat his home country - but this match is a bridge too far. India/Pakistan still has me flummoxed - I really don't know how it will pan out. I firmly believe though that the winner wil be the side who handles the unbearable tension the best. Both sides have very experienced campaigners and some inexperienced players too. Both sides know their best XI - there won't be any surprise inclusions unless injuries arise. Both sides will be desparate to put one over on their greatest rivals and both sides have captains that attack from ball one - it will be an absolute cracker! Okay , I'll be brave and make a prediction , gutfeel says India for no othjer reason than they've got Tendulkar who'd like nothing more than to get his hundredth hundred in such a huge match and every neutral on the planet would welcome that. I expect it to be very close and hope that the contest is fought fairly and without unpleasantness - let's see explosive cricket and not explosive temperaments. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 7:32am
| I would say Pakistan - maybe because I am a Pakistan fan but also because the pitch is expected not to turn big and to be a batting paradise. Pakistan have done reasonably well in India on such tracks - and Indian bowlers will find it hard on a batting wicket that won't turn big. Everybody I know in Pakistan is not going to work on Wednesday - such is the build up. Terrorism, inflation, political turmoil have all taken a back seat and all what people are talking about is just the Wednesday game. Go Pakistan - finding it hard to be neutral at the moment. Should be spared for this one game though!! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 7:35am
|
There's no problem with being partisan mate - I always am ! ;) Pakistan have a great chance , no doubt , but their top order hasn't the class or experience of the Indians - they'll have to perform as well as they did in the quarters to set a platform for the big hitters lower in the order.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 7:53am
|
Quite surprisingly - our openers have somehow managed to perform decently enough against the Indians. And I am pretty confident about the middle order too!! Fielding will be crucial. I hope Pakistan do play Shoaib Akhtar.
As much as I respect the class in Indian team and especially Sachin - Pakistan have dealt with Sachin better than any other team around. He averages a modest 32 playing at home against Pakistan. Harbhajan averages 63 per wicket against Pakistan in India. Zaheer goes for nearly 6 an over against Pakistan and averages over 40 for a wicket. So we do handle their bigger players better. Stats will matter little though that I know. But Indians are not the overwhelming favorites for me. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 8:10am
|
Those are damning statistics and quite surprising! As you say though , they'll count for little on Wednesday. Shoaib will be chomping at the bit if he gets a game - a last chance to shine for his country.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 10:21am
|
Well the stats do not favour Afridi or Gul either. Yea even I think Shoaib is a must. ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: vote4peace
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 10:31am
|
This is a match that is overloaded with emotions, tension, expectations , sentiments, pressure more than any other. I think it could be the pressure that gets you the wickets rather than the pitch or the bowlers. No matter how match the players try to underplay the occasion, come Wednesday its gonna shout at their face " YOU IN AN IND\PAK SEMIFINALS OF A WC MAN. " ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 11:48am
| I expect a heated match too and we may see the umpires in action during and the referee after the game. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 28 March 2011 at 1:55pm
|
Of all the statistics mentioned by Zuhair, Khan's own shouldn't really be looked at. The last time Pakistan faced him for a series, he wasn't the top class bowler he is today!
Zuhair do have a point though, despite Pakistan batting not being the best, they do play good against India. Butt and Malik as far as memory serve have fine record against them as well and I think everyone on here by now know how I rate Butt.
And Zuhair, I can safely say I envy you - you get to see the game, and for free. Only caution from me, is that you should dress casual, as much as the moment is flowing, keep off the Pakistan shirt. I hope you guys can see where i'm coming from but that game can potential turn very ugly!! I think everyone can at least see where I'm coming from. Hope it doesn't go down that route though! ------------- 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: 28 March 2011 at 1:57pm
|
Yes could well turn out to be a hostile atmosphere out there in the middle.. Would also add to the already spicy environment. But for the greater good I would like to see harmony and respect between both the teams and the fans of both countries. A lot easier said than done esp the 2nd half. I just hope there won't be any cussing or abusing going around between the fans this time round. ( Ya keep dreaming eh) As much I hate to admit it I do fear a hostile response, atleast from some of the fans ( always a few idiots out there) should India lose the match. I would love it if we (the crowd) could give them the same gesture as they had given our team when we had toured Pakistan in 2004 when we had beaten them in a match.They had given a standing ovation when India had taken a victory lap after securing the series or a match can't remember. No repeat of '96 edens please!!!  ------------- I distrust a camel.. and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.
|