2015 World Cup

by **Pal Joey** Sat 28 Feb 2015, 10:44 pm

First topic message reminder :

March

Semi-finals

24 Semi-final 1, South Africa v New Zealand, Auckland (01:00 GMT)

26 Semi-final 2, India v Australia, Sydney (03:30 GMT)

Final

29 Final, Melbourne (05:30 BST)

by guildfordbat Fri 20 Mar 2015, 12:28 pm

Olly - you're probably setting the bar too high and judging Wahab Riaz by the standards of our own Harry Gurney.

by guildfordbat Fri 20 Mar 2015, 12:30 pm

The Loaded Dog wrote:

Guildford - since birth of the baby and the death of Phil Hughes, Warner has noticeably curbed his verbal aggression but I agree... he should have (firmly but politely) dissuaded Finch from wasting the review.

Understood and cheers, LD. thumbsup

by **Pal Joey** Fri 20 Mar 2015, 12:41 pm

Oh yes it was, Olly.

It was Bodyline 2015 with Watson completely clueless. If only he had bowled at the stumps more. The surprise yorker seems to have escaped his plan, because if he had bowled a few, I felt sure Australia could easily have crumpled. Well, that's the impression I got. It was a great spell. Very scary stuff to watch.

The Clarke 161 innings at Newlands was more violent and prolonged though. This spell certainly had a Test match feel to it in terms of intensity.
It was a pity he couldn't get a couple of more wickets before and after he blew Watson the kiss. Watson paid him back with that super flat 6 though and Maxwell wasn't afraid to take Riaz on either. No kisses were returned which was good to see. They let the bat do the talking by that stage.

However, he was probably spent as he bowled his final 4 overs - such was the energy he had put into his first six.

by **ShahenshahG** Fri 20 Mar 2015, 1:08 pm

Well done Aussies you koala licking bastards, a well deserved win. Effigies of Rahat Ali tonight.

by kingraf Fri 20 Mar 2015, 3:04 pm

Reading a few "how on earth did Watson survive that" type articles... does help that he got dropped.

by msp83 Fri 20 Mar 2015, 3:18 pm

It was an absolutely fabulous spell from Wahab Riaz. Really electrifying stuff. If only Pakistan could catch........
The spell reminded me so much of Fredye Flintoff, where in his figures often did not reflect the impact of his bowling. Particularly his spell against South Africa where in he got Kallis, but should have had many more.......

by **Pal Joey** Fri 20 Mar 2015, 8:00 pm

ShahenshahG wrote:Well done Aussies you koala licking bastards, a well deserved win. Effigies of Rahat Ali tonight.

Commiserations mate. Go easy on the poor bloke.
You or I would have swallowed it but the pressure of expectation must have got to Rahat.

kingraf wrote:Reading a few "how on earth did Watson survive that" type articles... does help that he got dropped.

Of course. "Them's the breaks" I suppose. Every team has a bit of luck every now and then.
It's just that dropping a couple of crucial sitters against Australia is especially frustrating ~ given their history of winning World Cups.
We really need to win this one and get the Full House.... India, England, SA, WI, Australia.

So... let's hope NZ don't bottle it today. I don't think they will because there is too much at stake.
This WC really needs the most consistent teams in the semis. We are almost there.

by **ShahenshahG** Fri 20 Mar 2015, 8:14 pm

The Loaded Dog wrote:
ShahenshahG wrote:Well done Aussies you koala licking bastards, a well deserved win. Effigies of Rahat Ali tonight.

Commiserations mate. Go easy on the poor bloke.
You or I would have swallowed it but the pressure of expectation must have got to Rahat.

kingraf wrote:Reading a few "how on earth did Watson survive that" type articles... does help that he got dropped.

Of course. "Them's the breaks" I suppose. Every team has a bit of luck every now and then.
It's just that dropping a couple of crucial sitters against Australia is especially frustrating ~ given their history of winning World Cups.
We really need to win this one and get the Full House.... India, England, SA, WI, Australia.

Don't make excuses for nancy boys, no excuse to bottle it.

by **Pal Joey** Fri 20 Mar 2015, 8:16 pm

ShahenshahG wrote:
The Loaded Dog wrote:
ShahenshahG wrote:Well done Aussies you koala licking bastards, a well deserved win. Effigies of Rahat Ali tonight.

Commiserations mate. Go easy on the poor bloke.
You or I would have swallowed it but the pressure of expectation must have got to Rahat.

kingraf wrote:Reading a few "how on earth did Watson survive that" type articles... does help that he got dropped.

Of course. "Them's the breaks" I suppose. Every team has a bit of luck every now and then.
It's just that dropping a couple of crucial sitters against Australia is especially frustrating ~ given their history of winning World Cups.
We really need to win this one and get the Full House.... India, England, SA, WI, Australia.

Don't make excuses for nancy boys, no excuse to bottle it.

It was a shockingly bad piece of work. Do you think he was under instructions from the Bookmaker?

by **ShahenshahG** Fri 20 Mar 2015, 8:19 pm

The Loaded Dog wrote:
ShahenshahG wrote:
The Loaded Dog wrote:
ShahenshahG wrote:Well done Aussies you koala licking bastards, a well deserved win. Effigies of Rahat Ali tonight.

Commiserations mate. Go easy on the poor bloke.
You or I would have swallowed it but the pressure of expectation must have got to Rahat.

kingraf wrote:Reading a few "how on earth did Watson survive that" type articles... does help that he got dropped.

Of course. "Them's the breaks" I suppose. Every team has a bit of luck every now and then.
It's just that dropping a couple of crucial sitters against Australia is especially frustrating ~ given their history of winning World Cups.
We really need to win this one and get the Full House.... India, England, SA, WI, Australia.

Don't make excuses for nancy boys, no excuse to bottle it.

It was a shockingly bad piece of work. Do you think he was under instructions from the Bookmaker?

No. Its a pakistan fielder, That would be like paying Shane Warne to fart

by **Pal Joey** Fri 20 Mar 2015, 8:23 pm

Obviously he was out of his depth.

So who do you want to see win now? SA I would suspect... or NZ?

by **ShahenshahG** Fri 20 Mar 2015, 8:46 pm

NZ maybe, just to inspire them to greater heights, but would prefer the most aggressive and passionate team to win. Watching Riaz bowl today reminded me of Akhtar vs SA when he took three wickets in an over. Been a long time since Pakistan have managed to stir my blood in this fashion. Best of luck to you Aussies.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Fri 20 Mar 2015, 10:07 pm

Not entirely sure why, but really do fancy West Indies tonight. Have backed them with five pounds of my not so hard earned money

by **Pal Joey** Fri 20 Mar 2015, 10:22 pm

Olly wrote:Not entirely sure why, but really do fancy West Indies tonight. Have backed them with five pounds of my not so hard earned money

I must confess I did something yesterday I usually don't do.
I took out a multi bet (around £20 total all up) for a Pakistan/Bulldogs/Melb City/WI/Newcastle-Arsenal draw. Over 500/1.
Stupid I know but I just felt like doing something crazy and hedging my sanity in the advent of an Oz loss.
Oh well, I didn't get past the first hurdle but I did get the next two. The Pakistan/WI/draw selections really boosted the odds.

by guildfordbat Sat 21 Mar 2015, 12:28 am

Olly wrote:Not entirely sure why, but really do fancy West Indies tonight. Have backed them with five pounds of my not so hard earned money

Olly - I can understand you wanting a punt on the West Indies. They're not reliable but if they fire, they're near unstoppable.

From when the QFs were first known, I'll stick with my tip of New Zealand - along with LD, somehow called the first 3 semi-finalists! Think McCullum and his team will be too experienced, organised and strong for Holder and his boys.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat 21 Mar 2015, 1:22 am

Brilliant take by Holder removes McCullum early

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat 21 Mar 2015, 1:23 am

Have to say I'm a little surprised NZ batted first, exposing there weakness to the WIndies strength, I'd have looked to blow the fragile WIndies batting away with Boult/Southee

by kingraf Sat 21 Mar 2015, 4:49 am

Please, for the sake of all that is holy. Tell me you didn't bet on this waste of a team, Olly.

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 21 Mar 2015, 4:50 am

If batting's a weakness then this should be a rout!

Sending a big statement that NZ can build a big innings. Lost two wickets and Guptill dropped on 4 but NZ were patient and accumulated and set a platform to launch. Highest WC knockout total of 237 not out.

Windies will do amazingly well to get that total.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat 21 Mar 2015, 6:48 am

Well I didn't expect to wake up to that scoreline Shocked

by kingraf Sat 21 Mar 2015, 7:35 am

West indies scored 250 in 30 overs. ahead of the run rate the entire day. Pity they ran out of wickets

by kingraf Sat 21 Mar 2015, 7:38 am

Quarter finals, I think that's as good as the Windies could have hoped for, even with Pollard and Bravo. Lots of encouraging signs. Jonathan Carter, the emergence of Holder as a batter, Lendl Simmons flattering yet again.

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 21 Mar 2015, 10:59 am

KP_fan wrote:--Well in the end all the expected teams made it to knockouts with the exception of Eng....not left out through some political walk overs or rain rules but rather a true reflection on Eng's standings in limited over cricket.,

--There was a lot of emotional reasons people would have liked to see Ire...and I also applaud their lion hearted effort...but in the end they just didn't have the bowling to make it to the next level.
By cricketing logic I'd much rather see Pak take on Aus and knock them out.

Pak is peaking and should they get to bat first and put on even 225ish runs...they are 60-40 favorites with their bowling..the best pace attack in the tournament.... to defend this total....however if they second Aus is 70-30 favorite to win.

--I believe WI will knock out NZ.....and quite thoroughly...a strong hunch....making a mockery of the format

-- Lanka is the converse of Pakistan....best top 6 batters and should they chase even 325...they are 50-50 to knock out SA.
So SA needs to get all their batting engines firing on all cylinder...and put a 350+ to feel safe ...
ideally they should get Lanka to bat first....the problem is chasing SA are also subject to the dreaded C factor when chasing.

--Ind should overhaul BD inspite of all our weaknesses......they got a lucky break and should be thankful to Eng.

s.f line-up
Ind-Pak
WI-SL

Mods...maybetime for a new thread for the knock-outs

Your strong hunch was right KP fan. Just got the teams the wrong way round. Much like the semi finalists. But I admire your courage to call that semi-final line-up.

by msp83 Sat 21 Mar 2015, 12:35 pm

Another fine performance from New Zealand, but another poor game of cricket on a club ground with substandard boundaries. If you have to play on those grounds, then at least the pitches have to have a bit of life, otherwise its a serious disservice to the game. Good on Guptill that he made full use of the circumstances.
New Zealand was the deserving side to go through and I am glad they did. Usually they reach the semis by pulling above their weight, but this time they have been a top side who should have gone through. The big question though, is whether they can stop ending up as the 'semi finalists' and take that next step?

by Taylorman Sat 21 Mar 2015, 1:20 pm

msp83 wrote:Another fine performance from New Zealand, but another poor game of cricket on a club ground with substandard boundaries. If you have to play on those grounds, then at least the pitches have to have a bit of life, otherwise its a serious disservice to the game. Good on Guptill that he made full use of the circumstances.
New Zealand was the deserving side to go through and I am glad they did. Usually they reach the semis by pulling above their weight, but this time they have been a top side who should have gone through. The big question though, is whether they can stop ending up as the 'semi finalists' and take that next step?

NZ and South Africa are in the same boat in that respect, SA just having won their first ever knock out match. Eden park is the best advantage we have and the match is poised for a good one with both sides having good results with ball and bat. Key players need to stand up again for this one. Guptills innings and return to form couldn't have been timed better.

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 21 Mar 2015, 1:26 pm

You're not going to like Eden Park then msp83. If Wellington has the Cake Tin then Auckland has the Cake Slice.

Still it provided a low-scoring thriller which arguably has been the best World Cup game so far against Australia.

Neither SA or NZ has ever made the final so one of them is entering unchartered territory.

McCullum actually won a toss today. I hope he wins again because SA chasing is not the same as SA imposing. Particularly if they're chasing a big total. Can't believe Bangladesh is the only side NZ hasn't bowled out before the 50 overs thus far in the tournament.

by kingraf Sat 21 Mar 2015, 2:51 pm

The cool thing is we've definitely got a first time finalist this year. Be ecstatic to beat your boys Kia, but to be honest, having won a KO match, I'm not sure I even care about what happens next. Was a huge monkey on our backs

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 21 Mar 2015, 3:15 pm

Know that feeling mate!

by msp83 Sat 21 Mar 2015, 6:30 pm

Again, if SA are batting first, their chances of a first WC final doubles. But if they are chasing, then New Zealand would have their chance doubled.......
Raf, looks like that is going to be the next monkey on SA's back!.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat 21 Mar 2015, 7:23 pm

msp83 wrote:Another fine performance from New Zealand, but another poor game of cricket on a club ground with substandard boundaries. If you have to play on those grounds, then at least the pitches have to have a bit of life, otherwise its a serious disservice to the game. Good on Guptill that he made full use of the circumstances.
New Zealand was the deserving side to go through and I am glad they did. Usually they reach the semis by pulling above their weight, but this time they have been a top side who should have gone through. The big question though, is whether they can stop ending up as the 'semi finalists' and take that next step?

"Club Ground" - lolz

Club bowling and fielding more like - shocking from the WIndies.

by **Pal Joey** Sat 21 Mar 2015, 7:50 pm

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:You're not going to like Eden Park then msp83. If Wellington has the Cake Tin then Auckland has the Cake Slice.

More of a half-sucked lozenge shape I'd say, kia.
It works well for rugby though doesn't it?
Good luck for Tuesday... and you too raf!

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 21 Mar 2015, 8:20 pm

Haha rugby defeats at Eden Park have probably shaped that analogy in your mind LD. Hug

Good luck for your semi final. It'll mean more beating you guys in the final. Very Happy

by **Pal Joey** Sat 21 Mar 2015, 8:27 pm

Most definitely!
Thanks for the well wishes.
If that should happen then it would be very well deserved.
Also a chance for the cricket-rugby "Double Crown" too! Wouldn't that be good?
(but let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet.... there's still work to be done.)

by Guest Sat 21 Mar 2015, 8:33 pm

msp83, correct me if I'm wrong, but I recall England only managed 123 at the 'same' ground that has such sub-standard boundaries. Eden Park with its even more substandard boundaries threw up one of the lowest scoring thrillers of the tournament.

by **Pal Joey** Sat 21 Mar 2015, 8:39 pm

I think he's just jealous of your beautiful country, ebop.
Fancy having a go at your boundaries. They are what they are... same for both sides.

by Hammersmith harrier Sat 21 Mar 2015, 8:40 pm

Without doubt the worst world cup of all time, one day cricket has become a joke in my opinion, far too batter friendly, it needs to be a contest.

by **Pal Joey** Sat 21 Mar 2015, 8:55 pm

The only thing worse, I suppose, has been England's performances.

You obviously missed a few of the closer games.
The 4 semi finalists are simply too far ahead of the rest. It's no joke for them.

Maybe the SA-NZ semi will be a tight, low-medium scoring thriller?
Also think they'll leave some grass on the SCG wicket. This rain will also make it interesting.

That just leaves the Final at the MCG... which should have the makings of one of the best WC finals ever given the teams which may be involved.

by Guest Sat 21 Mar 2015, 8:59 pm

Just jealous of our boundaries, hehe. Yeah good luck LD, but the mention of an Oz WC double just gave me the willies though!! Cricket, I think you guys are well on track to take it out so one from two would be great thanks Smile

by Hammersmith harrier Sat 21 Mar 2015, 9:04 pm

The Loaded Dog wrote:The only thing worse, I suppose, has been England's performances.

You obviously missed a few of the closer games.
The 4 semi finalists are simply too far ahead of the rest. It's no joke for them.

Maybe the SA-NZ semi will be a tight, low-medium scoring thriller?
Also think they'll leave some grass on the SCG wicket. This rain will also make it interesting.

That just leaves the Final at the MCG... which should have the makings of one of the best WC finals ever given the teams which may be involved.

The closer games where scores in excess of 300 were still scored?

Defend it all you want but one day cricket has become solely about who can hit the ball further and yes England have been awful.

by **Pal Joey** Sat 21 Mar 2015, 9:31 pm

Hammersmith harrier wrote:
The Loaded Dog wrote:The only thing worse, I suppose, has been England's performances.

You obviously missed a few of the closer games.
The 4 semi finalists are simply too far ahead of the rest. It's no joke for them.

Maybe the SA-NZ semi will be a tight, low-medium scoring thriller?
Also think they'll leave some grass on the SCG wicket. This rain will also make it interesting.

That just leaves the Final at the MCG... which should have the makings of one of the best WC finals ever given the teams which may be involved.

The closer games where scores in excess of 300 were still scored?

Defend it all you want but one day cricket has become solely about who can hit the ball further and yes England have been awful.

No, I was think more of the 123, 133, 151 matches in particular.

On a side note, I heard Graeme Swan say something like "I wouldn't ever let my son(s)? take up bowling" during the Kiwi onslaught yesterday.
Perhaps he was trying to be funny - but I sensed he meant what he said.

I didn't think it was the right thing to say, nor does that comment do any good for the game. Surely he should be encouraging bowlers, not putting them down or laughing them off?

Then again, from one who is perhaps the greatest quitter in the sport, I guess he feels he is somehow entitled to spread his unique form of gospel.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat 21 Mar 2015, 10:28 pm

There's just too big of a gap between the top four teams, and the rest. It's not been too bad a tournament, but like all ICC tournaments it goes on faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr too long

by **ShahenshahG** Sun 22 Mar 2015, 12:31 am

The Loaded Dog wrote:
Hammersmith harrier wrote:
The Loaded Dog wrote:The only thing worse, I suppose, has been England's performances.

You obviously missed a few of the closer games.
The 4 semi finalists are simply too far ahead of the rest. It's no joke for them.

Maybe the SA-NZ semi will be a tight, low-medium scoring thriller?
Also think they'll leave some grass on the SCG wicket. This rain will also make it interesting.

That just leaves the Final at the MCG... which should have the makings of one of the best WC finals ever given the teams which may be involved.

The closer games where scores in excess of 300 were still scored?

Defend it all you want but one day cricket has become solely about who can hit the ball further and yes England have been awful.

No, I was think more of the 123, 133, 151 matches in particular.

On a side note, I heard Graeme Swan say something like "I wouldn't ever let my son(s)? take up bowling" during the Kiwi onslaught yesterday.
Perhaps he was trying to be funny - but I sensed he meant what he said.

I didn't think it was the right thing to say, nor does that comment do any good for the game. Surely he should be encouraging bowlers, not putting them down or laughing them off?

Then again, from one who is perhaps the greatest quitter in the sport, I guess he feels he is somehow entitled to spread his unique form of gospel.

MONGREL! Bit snippier than usual laughing

by kingraf Sun 22 Mar 2015, 2:07 am

To be completely honest... I agree with Swann. No point in encouraging kids to be bowlers for the sake of it. If the game isn't going to be conducive to you being a good bowler... don't learn it. You're really losing out financially by not being a reasonable bowler who can bat.

by **Pal Joey** Sun 22 Mar 2015, 3:58 am

kingraf wrote:To be completely honest... I agree with Swann. No point in encouraging kids to be bowlers for the sake of it. If the game isn't going to be conducive to you being a good bowler... don't learn it. You're really losing out financially by not being a reasonable bowler who can bat.

It was a pretty irresponsible and cowardly thing to say. That doesn't really surprise me at all!
What about the great bowlers who can dismiss great batsmen and don't get smashed out of the game like he did?

What's he doing here anyway? He doesn't have anything worth listening to.
Unless he's intending to do a short set at a comedy festival. I'll give him a miss.

by KP_fan Sun 22 Mar 2015, 10:02 pm

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:
KP_fan wrote:--Well in the end all the expected teams made it to knockouts with the exception of Eng....not left out through some political walk overs or rain rules but rather a true reflection on Eng's standings in limited over cricket.,

--There was a lot of emotional reasons people would have liked to see Ire...and I also applaud their lion hearted effort...but in the end they just didn't have the bowling to make it to the next level.
By cricketing logic I'd much rather see Pak take on Aus and knock them out.

Pak is peaking and should they get to bat first and put on even 225ish runs...they are 60-40 favorites with their bowling..the best pace attack in the tournament.... to defend this total....however if they second Aus is 70-30 favorite to win.

--I believe WI will knock out NZ.....and quite thoroughly...a strong hunch....making a mockery of the format

-- Lanka is the converse of Pakistan....best top 6 batters and should they chase even 325...they are 50-50 to knock out SA.
So SA needs to get all their batting engines firing on all cylinder...and put a 350+ to feel safe ...
ideally they should get Lanka to bat first....the problem is chasing SA are also subject to the dreaded C factor when chasing.

--Ind should overhaul BD inspite of all our weaknesses......they got a lucky break and should be thankful to Eng.

s.f line-up
Ind-Pak
WI-SL

Mods...maybetime for a new thread for the knock-outs

Your strong hunch was right KP fan. Just got the teams the wrong way round. Much like the semi finalists. But I admire your courage to call that semi-final line-up.

yeah maan...barring the spell from Wahab Riaz.....quite anit-climatic damp squib quarter finals.
Lets see if semis bring any more excitment

by KP_fan Sun 22 Mar 2015, 10:15 pm

--Just not enough competitive this format....

--Ind has beaten just one good team ( SA) and are in semis...
and SA have beaten just one good team ( SL) and are in semis...

--instead of QF...I would have much preferred a super-8...means the qualifying teams played 4 games against the teams coming from the other group and carrying points from their first round

--or even a super six....means WI and BD would have dropped out.....they didn't bring any real competitive value any way

by kingraf Mon 23 Mar 2015, 6:46 am

Rather strange way of thinking Kpf. During the quarters you said Windies beating NZ would make a mockery of the format. Now that there are no upsets... it's made a mockery of the format
Laugh

by mystiroakey Mon 23 Mar 2015, 9:30 am

the best 4 got through- damm england beating india twice in the warm ups clouded most of our judgements..

by **Pal Joey** Tue 24 Mar 2015, 9:02 pm

Thread continues here, folks...

https://www.606v2.com/t58295p100-2015-world-cup-finals

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