ICC Cricket World Cup - Part 2

First topic message reminder :

Table

New Zealand	5	9	1.591
England	5	8	1.862
Australia	5	8	0.812
India	4	7	1.029
Bangladesh	5	5	-0.27
Sri Lanka	5	4	-1.778
West Indies	5	3	0.272
South Africa	5	3	-0.193
Pakistan	5	3	-1.933
Afghanistan	5	0	-2.089

Pool Fixtures

Thu, May 30 
10:30 England vs South Africa  (The Oval)

Fri, May 31 
10:30 West Indies vs Pakistan (Trent Bridge)

Sat, Jun 1 
10:30 New Zealand vs Sri Lanka (Cardiff)
13:30 Afghanistan vs Australia (Bristol)

Sun, Jun 2 
10:30 South Africa vs Bangladesh (The Oval)

Mon, Jun 3 
10:30 England vs Pakistan (Trent Bridge)

Tue, Jun 4 
10:30 Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka (Cardiff)

Wed, Jun 5 
10:30 South Africa vs India (Southampton)
13:30 Bangladesh vs New Zealand (The Oval)

Thu, Jun 6 
10:30 Australia vs West Indies (Trent Bridge)

Fri, Jun 7 
10:30 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (Bristol)

Sat, Jun 8 
10:30 England vs Bangladesh (Cardiff)
13:30 Afghanistan vs New Zealand (Taunton)

Sun, Jun 9 
10:30 Australia vs India (The Oval)

Mon, Jun 10 
10:30 South Africa vs West Indies (Southampton)

Tue, Jun 11 
10:30 Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (Bristol)

Wed, Jun 12 
10:30 Australia vs Pakistan (Taunton)

Thu, Jun 13 
10:30 India vs New Zealand (Trent Bridge)

Fri, Jun 14 
10:30 England vs West Indies (Southampton)

Sat, Jun 15 
10:30 Australia vs Sri Lanka (The Oval)
13:30 Afghanistan vs South Africa (Cardiff)

Sun, Jun 16 
10:30 India vs Pakistan (Old Trafford)

Mon, Jun 17 
10:30 Bangladesh vs West Indies (Taunton)

Tue, Jun 18 
10:30 England vs Afghanistan (Old Trafford)

Wed, Jun 19 
10:30 New Zealand vs South Africa (Edgbaston)

Thu, Jun 20 
10:30 Australia vs Bangladesh (Trent Bridge)

Fri, Jun 21 
10:30 England vs Sri Lanka (Headingley)

Sat, Jun 22 
10:30 Afghanistan vs India (Southampton)
13:30 New Zealand vs West Indies (Old Trafford)

Sun, Jun 23 
10:30 Pakistan vs South Africa (Lord’s)

Mon, Jun 24 
10:30 Afghanistan vs Bangladesh (Southampton)

Tue, Jun 25 
10:30 England vs Australia (Lord’s)

Wed, Jun 26 
10:30 New Zealand vs Pakistan (Edgbaston)

Thu, Jun 27 
10:30 India vs West Indies (Old Trafford)

Fri, Jun 28 
10:30 South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Edgbaston)

Sat, Jun 29 
10:30 Afghanistan vs Pakistan (Headingley)
13:30 Australia vs New Zealand (Lord’s)

Sun, Jun 30 
10:30 England vs India (Edgbaston)

Mon, Jul 1 
10:30 Sri Lanka vs West Indies (Riverside Ground)

Tue, Jul 2 
10:30 Bangladesh vs India (Edgbaston)

Wed, Jul 3 
10:30 England vs New Zealand (Riverside Ground)

Thu, Jul 4 
10:30 Afghanistan vs West Indies (Headingley)

Fri, Jul 5 
10:30 Bangladesh vs Pakistan (Lord’s)

Sat, Jul 6 
10:30 India vs Sri Lanka (Headingley)
13:30 Australia vs South Africa (Old Trafford)




Knock Out Fixtures


To Follow

Depends what you call the top tier though KPF, in other world cups 6 or 8 teams would've progressed and perhaps been considered in that. Im kinda struggling to see what your definition is, it doesnt really feel consistent. 
In terms of SA it really shouldn't be such a shock that they arent on that elite group of 4, they really havent done anything of note in some time, and have been losing and not replacing their best players. They were only ranked in the world top 4 because Aus had slid so badly without Warner and Smith.  I must admit id expected them to still be better than they are now simply because its SA and they've traditionally been a top team, but i should've payed more attention to my own pre tournament hatchet job on them. Even Steyns injury was pretty predictable. 

Pakistan and West Indies have performed better in the world cup (as have Aus) than they were doing 6 months plus ago. Amir was performing so badly he wasnt even going to be in the squad at all. 

Sri Lanka's slide is nothing new, they've declining for years and awful for an extended period. 

All in I dont see it as "emerging" but patently obvious that Sri Lanka, the west indies, SA and Pakistan are some way off the pace. This is by far Englands strongest ever ODI squad, and arguably Indias too. So again dont be surprised that Pakistan South Africa cant beat them

Maybe the strongest most balanced England squad ever, Loose Goose... but I think you're stretching it saying it's arguably India's too with Dhawan now gone. Bit of a chink there. I haven't seen much of Shankar but with his limited international experience on the Big Stage surely he's no Kapil Dev or Yuvraj.

Pal Joey wrote:Maybe the strongest most balanced England squad ever, Loose Goose... but I think you're stretching it saying it's arguably India's too with Dhawan now gone. Bit of a chink there. I haven't seen much of Shankar but with his limited international experience on the Big Stage surely he's no Kapil Dev or Yuvraj.

Well theyve called Pant up to appease MSP.
Like I said its debatable, and depoends if youre contextualising on the basis that at one time ODI sides were the test team in pajamas vs the specialist units they are now. When chaps likes Jadeja cant get in the side and Ashwin not in the squad they must be doing something right. The general point being anyway that they are legitimately strong right now, and certainly part of a consistent top 2 over the last couple of years. 
Seriously though for England they have never had an ODI side perform anything like this one has, not just in terms of the way theyve won games but the sheer number of series they have won and how far ahead of the majority of the top 10 they are. 


As for the Aus side today what do you think of them? I feel its the best balance theyve found yet. The tails still an issue but I dont feel they have a choice on that.

Yes India will surely miss Dhawan...they have some brilliant batsmen but a bit of a tail so can ill afford to lose a reliable top order bat like him. Just means one less likely top scorer in the top six...

Bangladesh just gave Warner a life...really should have been caught at point.

Not a good idea...

Agree with Goose Australia looks better balanced today. Though I would have Lyon over Zampa...it appears "Gary" is here for drink carrying duties only...

Warners plodding again and had a number of near misses now. Finch was close to edging one just now as well. Scorecard looks a lot better than the play for Aus.

Gooseberry wrote:
As for the Aus side today what do you think of them? I feel its the best balance theyve found yet. The tails still an issue but I dont feel they have a choice on that.

Looking OK... it could be worse. Mark Waugh was banging on about using Lyon against the left-handers and Marsh in for Khawaja.
Agree they should give Lyon* a run but I'm hoping Usman can try and get into the swing of things today. He seemed relaxed pre-match.

* As Alfie also suggests above.

alfie wrote:Agree with Goose Australia looks better balanced today. Though I would have Lyon over Zampa...it appears "Gary" is here for drink carrying duties only...

From an England fans point of view...wouldn't be too disappointed if Lyon came into the Ashes not having had a proper match bowl for a while...but I do like Zampa in the ODIs, so can see why they've picked him ahead

It's all about the Melbourne Greek Summer Salad Combination, Olly.

Feta (Zampa) and Olives (Stoinis)

Aus look to be cruising now after that dodgy spell. Big score in the offing unless Bangaldesh can pull some wickets quickly. Warner just hit one to Lincoln. 

Apparently this is the 480 pitch mind so Bangladesh should fancy their chances if they have to swing for the fences.

alfie wrote:Yes India will surely miss Dhawan...they have some brilliant batsmen but a bit of a tail so can ill afford to lose a reliable top order bat like him.  Just means one less likely top scorer in the top six...

 

England have a similar situation with Vince for Roy and Hales.  They are still a mile ahead of most teams.

Apparently Stuart Broad is doing nets outside the ground with Nottinghamshire. Bit of a blow to the ego.

Looking at Lyons record the reason hes not playing is probably because hes not taken more than one wicket in an ODI since 2016 (136 overs bolwed in 14 games). Zampa has taken 2 or more in half his games this year. Its understandable that Aus want the wicket taking leggie over him when they are reliant on at least 10 overs from the salads and NCN isnt exactly a strike bowler.

Went away for a bit and I see now Australia have been cracking on after that slightly untidy start...hundred up for none in seventeen so you'd fancy 300 at least ...which might be a bit much for Bangladesh. Way to go yet to call it of course - things can change with a wicket or two - but I know which dressing room is feeling relaxed at the moment...
That early drop of Warner was a big moment.

On the spinner issue : it is true Zampa has a superior ODI record ; but he just isn't bowling well at the moment and given Lyon's class (albeit better suited to Tests) I just feel he'd be a better choice , even if he'd probably play more of a "holding" role than a wicket taking mission in this format. The fast bowlers are the wicket takers anyway.
I guess it isn't clear cut ; but if Zampa doesn't do well today...

Would you believe it? Soumya comes on to bowl some 75mph dibbly-dobblers, and Finch, who's once again looked in fine form, runs one straight down the throat of short third man. Finch's cry of "Oh no!" as soon as he hit it clearly audible from the stump mic, and Bangladesh have an improbable, and much needed, breakthrough.

Real chance for Khawaja here, on what looks like a cracking wicket to bat on.

Finch out. Dont forget Bangladesh surprised a few chasing down what seemed a big total with ease a few days ago. This is the batsmans pitch. So whilst Aus will still almost certainly post over 350 that doesnt put Bangladesh out of the game.

And there's the wicket...Finch not keeping that cut down and 121/1.

Ball bounced a bit more than he expected. Have been a couple that have jumped , so Starc & co might enjoy themselves later.

Khawaja on trial now in his preferred number three spot...

Yeah the Lyon / Zampa  Khawaja / Marsh debate doesnt really come down to the balance and make up of the team more about form in the competition.

Yes Alfie, if that's the case then surely they'd have to have another look at Lyon again then.

Forgive my poor memory... but I heard he went for 32 runs in an over not too long ago. When was that? Against Pakistan in the UAE in the recent series? I thought he bowled very well in that series for the most part.

Or maybe it was in one of the first 2 ODI matches in India?

Pal Joey wrote:Yes Alfie, if that's the case then surely they'd have to have another look at Lyon again then.

Forgive my poor memory... but I heard he went for 32 runs in an over not too long ago. When was that? Against Pakistan in the UAE in the recent series? I thought he bowled very well in that series for the most part.

Or maybe it was in one of the first 2 ODI matches in India?

It was a T20 warm up game against England .. also in the domestic Aus List A competition in 2017

Khawaja and Warner just slowed up here against the spin - not hugely, but they'll want to make sure they keep the pressure on, as noted pitch looks good, outfield is fast and Trent Bridge is short boundaries.

27 gone...149/1

A good ten overs for Bangladesh since drinks ; but they need to take wickets or they'll be chasing well over 300... They might even if they do grab a couple of wickets. Australia will be comfortable with their progress.

One too many for Souyma here - albeit if you'd given Mashrafe 5 overs for 29 runs and the wicket of Finch from him, I'm sure he'd have taken it

I think Bangladesh will be pretty happy theyve kept the rate down so far, but really need another wicket quickly. Aus need that acceleration to stat soon, 350 may not be enough here and based on Banglaeshs last bat they can get much more than that on a good day. Maxwell can do a Morgan and Warner might come back ot of his shell. And of course theres Smith.

Hundred for Wee Davey

He's not really looked quite in top form in this competition but still churns out the runs...

Australia looking good for 350 barring a collapse.

alfie wrote:Hundred for Wee Davey  

He's not really looked quite in top form in this competition but still churns out the runs...

Australia looking good for 350 barring a collapse.

Still need nearly 10 an over off 15 for that, which is quite doable but really they couldve been pushing for 400 with a bit more zip. Bangladesh are capable of giving it a good go if they are around that 350 mark.

alfie wrote:Hundred for Wee Davey  

He's not really looked quite in top form in this competition but still churns out the runs...

Australia looking good for 350 barring a collapse.

Whilst Lyon sitting on the sidelines might good news for the Ashes, Davey racking up hundreds isn't!

Aussies look set here for a big one - they've threatened it all tournament, is today the day?

Apparently this is almost exactly the same score that India had at this point when they played Aus. They ended on 352/5

Missed the team news earlier, any reason given for why Rubel is playing ahead of Saifuddin? Rubel has to be one of the worst bowlers in international cricket, and I've been quietly impressed by Saifuddin

Saif has a mild back strain apparently. Not 100%

20th anniversary of the 1999 Final today when Pakistan was annihilated at Lord's.

Pal Joey wrote:Saif has a mild back strain apparently. Not 100%

Fair - does lengthen Bangladesh's tail a bit too

Aussies could do with Khawaja getting out here and getting Maxwell/Stoinis/Carey in...

I don't share Goose's faith in Bangladesh chasing 350.  Think Australia would have to bowl rather poorly to allow that - though I've no doubt they'll give it a red hot go : nothing to lose !
With ten to go Aus need ten per over to reach that , and with nine wickets in hand you'd fancy them to do so easily.
In fact if they really cut loose we might see some carnage...

Was thinking that half an hour ago, Olly.
But to be fair he's starting to slightly accelerate now. I agree though... I want to see Maxwell go ballistic. Hope he's in next.

They scored over 320 in 42 overs on a tougher pitch. Admitedly that was against a "mixed" windies attack but Aus are relying on part timers and a leggie whos taken a bit of kicking so far. They have shown they can cope with pace. 
Im not saying they are favourites if the chase is 350 but it would be silly to write them off. 
This is a very tame pitch and a very short boundary

Rte its going they are gonna be chasing 400 though!

32 off the last two overs ...who needs Maxwell ? This will be nearer 400 than 350...

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Aussies could do with Khawaja getting out here and getting Maxwell/Stoinis/Carey in...

And he promptly takes the Fizz for 19 in an over...I'll keep schtum now

Warner definitely starting to light it up, but surely with only 1 down this push started 5 overs too late? Could still get to 370 or so, which should be too hard for Bangladesh to chase, but it just doesn't have the same feel as the carnage that England or India can cause in the last 15.

Awful bowling by Bangladesh. Sad

I have a feeling Australia are not getting ahead of themselves this tournament. Slow steady building in the matches thus far... accelerating to the business end. Seems to be the plan. No shame losing to India at all. They probably believe they can get closer or even win next time (if they meet again).

No need for 500s... or massive scores for the record books (with respect to this match). Just make sure they get the job done. Saving the best for more important matches towards the end. Not saying they'll win (I'm thinking 3rd or 4th most likely) but it certainly wouldn't surprise me if they went a few steps further. They've done it all before... they know what's required.

This is some wonderful batting by these two, though some pretty rank bowling from Bangladesh. 380-400 looks on.

Wicket! much needed.

Nice knock from Warner. Now let's see if it's boom or bust for Maxwell. I reckon he'll wait about 3 balls before trying to clear the ropes.

Or maybe not. Soumya does it again, a slower bouncer that would probably have been called a wide if Warner had left it or missed it. Instead he tries to ramp it up over short third man, but there's not enough pace on the ball, so he ends up scooping it straight to the man instead.

Maxwell time.

321 with 5 overs left - if Maxwell comes off they still get to 400...

17 off 5 for maxwell...crumbs

i

32 off 9 now ...blimey

Oh well, that was great while it lasted.

Run out by kwhaja ...what a goose. Boycott will be laughing

Khawaja has absolutely shafted him there - he was halfway down the wicket and then stopped!