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CWC 2019 – Bangladesh v West Indies: 5 key talking points

Charbel Coorey
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0

Bangladesh v West Indies: 5 key talking points. BAN vs WI: 5 key talking points from their 2019 Cricket World Cup clash.

Complete and utter torment in Taunton.

How the tables have turned. The last World Cup meeting between Bangladesh and West Indies resulted in stones being thrown at the West Indies bus. An expectant and hopeful home crowd, like the bus windows, were left shattered by Bangladesh’s 58-all out capitulation under the leadership of Shakib Al Hasan.

Fast forward eight years later, Shakib produced one of the all-time great World Cup performances to flatten West Indies. Along with Liton Das, Bangladesh made West Indies’ 321 look like child’s play, cantering to the total with 51 balls to spare.

The Tigers, with seven wins in their last nine games against West Indies, rightly looked at this game as a significant opportunity in the quest for a Semi Finals birth. They are now in the mix, with a crunch game against Australia to come on Thursday.

For now, here are five talking points from Bangladesh’s first ever win over West Indies in World Cups.

1. Supreme Shakib

Mark Nicholas, despite his magnificent commentary, raises eyebrows every time he mentions Shakib Al Hasan as an ‘understated’ cricketer. Shakib, top of the all-rounder rankings in all formats consistently over the past decade, showed why, picking up two wickets and then taking complete control of the game batting at number three.

To bat at three was Shakib’s request. He wanted to own games even more than he had for over a decade. Shakib is Bangladesh’s best ever cricketer, and he needs to constantly be in the action. Since his shift to number three in the Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in January 2018, Shakib has only gone from strength-to-strength. He averages 59.68 in 19 ODIs at three, with this year alone producing 524 runs to date at a staggering average of 131.

Here, he made the Windies’ bowlers look third rate. The short ball, Bangladesh’s achilles heel at times over the years, was West Indies’ Plan A, B and C, with Chris Gayle as Plan D. Shakib obliged, cutting, pulling and then driving mercilessly as Jason Holder grew more and more helpless with each passing delivery. It was a masterclass from the world’s best all-rounder.

2. West Indies get it horribly wrong

It is incredible to think that a number of teams are still unsure of their best combinations in a World Cup. West Indies is one of those sides, unwilling to play a specialist spinner.

West Indies made a massive blunder here, playing Andre Russell as their fifth specialist bowler. The man can barely walk, offering up only three effective overs early in the innings, after which he looked physically incapable of doing anything more. Couple that with the lack of variety and Plan B in the attack, Bangladesh were cantering to the total, slowed down only by a freak piece of Sheldon Cottrell fielding and a legside strangle.

Bangladesh knew the short balls were coming. West Indies sent down 112 short-of-a-length deliveries, in which Bangladesh smashed 177 runs for the loss of just two wickets. Darren Bravo didn’t need to play. Ashley Nurse did. Jason Holder needed to try cut out Shakib’s cut shot. Maybe a gully? Backward point? Didn’t happen. There was too little adaptability and change of plans according to the situation.

This selection blunder also had an impact elsewhere. Both Bangladesh’s fielding and running between the wickets were streets ahead of the Windies, taking advantage of a number of slow movers inside the 30-yard circle, keeping the scoreboard ticking with incredible ease and regularity. Crucially, there were missed opportunities too, particularly Shakib’s top edge on 58 that fell in no man’s land.

3. Can Liton Das reach his potential?

Talented Bangladesh batsman. Beautiful on the eye. All the shots in the book…. with an average of 21.63 in 28 ODIs.

We’ve seen this before.

Mohammad Ashraful, arguably the most unfulfilled talent in the last two decades, had all the traits and numbers Liton Das has. Sure, Ashraful played a lot more games, but Liton was heading in the same direction, hence why he was left out of Bangladesh’s first XI in this World Cup.

However, this was an innings of high class. Walking in at the loss of two quick wickets on World Cup debut, Liton kept the scoreboard moving right away to move Bangladesh out of a position of stress. As he grew more confident, he raced to 50 before Jason Holder could even think about what to do next, then followed by an amazing highlight reel headlined by three superb sixes in a row off Shannon Gabriel.

If Liton can continue producing this kind of form, Bangladesh have yet another dimension to their play that can hold them in good stead in the race to the Semi Finals.

4. Shai Hope dividing opinion

Shai Hope has a superb record against Bangladesh. His rise in the ODI format has been a key reason why West Indies have grown more competitive in recent months. However, his 121-ball 96 is cause for discussion. Was he too cautious?

West Indies needed to rebuild after Chris Gayle’s early dismissal. Shai Hope, who plays the anchor role that West Indies need, did that well with Evin Lewis. He also anchored things nicely for Shimron Hetmyer and Jason Holder to go ballistic.

However, when he was required to hit big at the end, he couldn’t. Just 62 runs came in the final eight overs, prompting Holder to state after the game that they were 40-50 short. In a game like this, a strike rate of under 80 can prove crucial, and this is where Hope can improve.

He has the talent and ability. It’s about building on what he has now to elevate his game even further.

Bangladesh v West Indies: 5 key talking points – Shai Hope’s great record against Bangladesh continued, but could he have scored quicker at the death?

5. Where to now for Andre Russell?

Little impact with the bat and knees the size of mini-basketballs.

Andre Russell, a player who could have elevated West Indies to greater heights at CWC 2019, has struggled. His batting has not adapted to the longer format, and his bowling has been hampered by injury problems. Russell could barely walk by the time his sixth over was complete. Like perhaps most of his teammates at that point, he didn’t want to be on the field.

So, what do the Windies do? Is it worth carrying an injured player for potential, especially with such a crucial role as fifth bowler? Darren Ganga rightly claimed it was “incomprehensible” that an injured Russell was picked, and with their campaign officially on life support, the Windies have decisions to make – either play him as a batsman only or not at all.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Be sure to check out my “key talking points” after each CWC 2019 game! The latest:

India vs Pakistan: India too good for hapless Pakistan

Afghanistan vs South Africa: RANT – Disgraceful Afghanistan team management

Australia vs Sri Lanka: Finch and Starc superb for Australia

CWC 2019 Match 24: England v Afghanistan Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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0

CWC 2019 Match 24: England v Afghanistan Preview Dream11. ENG vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Will the incredible events in Taunton be sandwiched by two damp squibs in Manchester?

Old Trafford hosts its second game in three days following India’s comprehensive win over Pakistan. Hosts England are back in action after two straight wins, getting their campaign back on track after a loss to Pakistan two weeks ago. The hope for a competitive, close game in CWC 2019 is unlikely to be fulfilled, with form and paper suggesting the hosts should have little trouble today against an Afghanistan side that has caused plenty of self-inflicted harm. Can the Afghans put together a big performance today – the kind that was expected of them before the tournament, after a string of disappointing defeats?

Key to an England win

Afghanistan have gone past 200 only once so far in CWC 2019. The last two games in particular has seen middle order collapses after promising powerplays against the likes of Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada. So, the England change bowlers could have just as an important role as the in-form Jofra Archer in further hurting Afghanistan’s batting prospects in this tournament. Executing well with the ball was at the centre of England’s big win over West Indies, and they will want more of the same against a struggling batting lineup.

Also, the tournament favourites have a chance to flex their muscle with the bat. England are still not short of power even with Jason Roy out with a hamstring injury; the aim inflicting more doubt in the minds of Afghanistan’s bowlers and fielders who are also producing moments to forget. The top order, including Joe Root, has been dominant in their last two wins – can they make it three straight great starts?

Key to an Afghanistan win

What a sight this would be.

To stand a chance, Afghanistan’s batsmen have to hold the fort better than they have previously. If they get the chance to bat first on a used pitch, batting the full 50 overs will be crucial to get a total the spinners can bowl at.

Hazratullah Zazai, despite his ODI troubles, has helped build decent starts with Noor Ali Zadran. Afghanistan will hope for the same again, but can their misfiring middle order step up? It is incredible to think that Afghanistan dropped in-form Najibullah Zadran last game, but those selected need to play as straight as possible and rotate the strike effectively to give themselves a chance with wickets in hand.

While handling Jofra Archer and co. will be a big ask, so too will be restricting England’s power hitting. The likes of Hamid Hassan and Aftab Alam have had some good moments in CWC 2019, but their inconsistencies are reflective of the team’s fortunes. Can Afghanistan make inroads in the powerplay? Will Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi be given the chance to target England’s hard-hitting middle order with some turn on offer? Will Afghanistan’s awful fielding improve today, saving runs instead of letting them through?

In a game like this, Afghanistan have to get just about everything right while hoping England have an off-day.

Pitch and conditions

“Weather in Manchester” took a huge spike in the Google Search world on the weekend. Here, the forecast looks pretty promising with the sun expected to make an appearance right throughout the day. The pitch will be the same one used for the India-Pakistan game, so the spinners can have a say.

Possible Playing 11

Jason Roy is out for at least two games with a hamstring tear sustained against West Indies. Also, Eoin Morgan had back spasms but trained on match eve, so he could play.

England: 1. Jonny Bairstow, 2. James Vince, 3. Joe Root, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Jos Buttler (wk), 7. Chris Woakes, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Liam Plunkett, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Mark Wood

Afghanistan team management has lost the plot with their decisions over the last few weeks, so who knows who they will pick and drop?

Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Noor Ali Zadran, 3. Rahmat Shah, 4. Hashmatullah Shahidi, 5. Asghar Afghan/Najibullah Zadran, 6. Gulbadin Naib (c), 7. Mohammad Nabi, 8. Ikram Ali Khil (wk), 9. Rashid Khan, 10. Mujeeb ur Rahman/Aftab Alam, 11. Hamid Hassan

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Stats and Facts:

  • England and Afghanistan have played a single ODI against each other to date. England won a rain-affected match by nine wickets in the 2015 World Cup.
  • Legspinners Adil Rashid and Rashid Khan have taken a combined 259 ODI wicket since the last World Cup.
  • Afghanistan have crossed 200 just once in four games so far this tournament.

Match Prediction

Another tough day awaits Afghanistan. While they are capable of having some good moments, sustaining it for long enough seems too much of a challenge.

England have too much quality and experience to let this one slip. England to win.

Also read: Be sure to check out my “key talking points” after each CWC 2019 game! The latest:

India vs Pakistan: India too good for hapless Pakistan

Afghanistan vs South Africa: RANT – Disgraceful Afghanistan team management

Australia vs Sri Lanka: Finch and Starc superb for Australia

Thanks for reading!

CWC 2019 – India v Pakistan: 5 key talking points

Charbel Coorey
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0
CWC 2019 – India v Pakistan: 5 key talking points

India v Pakistan: 5 key talking points. IND vs PAK: 5 key talking points from their 2019 World Cup clash.

Who breathed the bigger sigh of relief? Indian fans or ICC headquarters, (especially its social media team)?

Rain, which the ICC were rightly sweating over before the match, had the final say, but not before the result was well and truly decided. Many India fans were confident about the result before the match began. Their team showed why they had good reason to, dominating an ill-disciplined, loose and lethargic Pakistan side from start-to-finish to record their seventh straight World Cup win against them. A huge margin of 89 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis method was indeed reflective of the game.

Amid the yawns, expensive figures and beautiful strokeplay, below are five key talking points from another one-sided India vs Pakistan match.

1. Ruthless Rohit makes sloppy Pakistan pay

Pakistan won the toss and bowled, just as they did against Australia. Pakistan, apart from Mohammad Amir, bowled poorly up front, just as they did against Australia. Pakistan’s naivety and repeated mistakes is cause for frustration, especially in such a big game that almost decides whether they will have a proper say in the top four race.

Hassan Ali was all over the place once again. Pakistan bowled too short and both sides of the wicket, coupled with awful fielding that had fans turning away in disgust. Manchester United’s Paul Pogba is reportedly seeking a move away from Old Trafford, and on this display, one can joke that it is because he is a Pakistan fan.

Rohit Sharma is too good to miss out. With a strong ally in KL Rahul, a capable opener himself in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit couldn’t believe his luck as he brought the sea of blue to their feet with a collection of delectable cuts and pulls. Pakistan’s poor bowling can be exemplified in the fact that Rohit was very happy to play the dominant role, when he usually likes to give himself a chance to get set. By his 20th ball, he raced to an ominous 25, that quickly turned into 50, then 100 and then very quickly 140. The writing was really on the wall when Virat Kohli came in and effortlessly stroked a 77 to become the quickest ever to 11,000 ODI runs.

It was like a training run.

2. Mohammad Amir then daylight

We can harp on about the gap between India and Pakistan right now. However, what about the gap between Mohammad Amir and his teammates?

Incredibly, Amir wasn’t picked in Pakistan’s original 15-man squad. His class is well known, but it wasn’t translating into wickets, taking just five in 14 matches before the World Cup at a strike rate of 121.2. In this tournament, though, he has been simply outstanding, carrying an ill-disciplined attack on his shoulders and leading the way.

Unfortunately, his bowling counterparts haven’t been very willing to follow. Amir, now level with Mitchell Starc, has 13 wickets in four matches. The next best for Pakistan is Wahab Riaz’s five, with an average of 47.40 and economy rate of 7.48 to go with it.

3. India are looking a very strong unit

India were considered one of the favourites for the Title before the World Cup began. They have shown why in each of their three matches so far.

This match was all about India’s excellence. Pakistan’s players were merely spectators, showcasing the gap between the two sides at the moment. Even without Shikhar Dhawan, India’s top three remains an irresistible force, combining for 306 runs at Old Trafford to flatten Pakistan.

While the failure to reach 350 may have disappointed some (helped by a weird non-review from Virat Kohli), India were always in control. Even with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s hamstring niggle, India were always in control, exemplified in Vijay Shankar’s ability to hit the spot right away and claim the wicket of Imam-ul-Haq.

India is a side that has just about all bases covered. From a strong top three to hard-hitting middle order to capable bowling attack (Mohammed Shami can come in next game), India will be mighty hard to beat. Indeed, teams can believe that if they get the better of at least two of India’s top three on a given day, they can get the better of them.

However, on current form, that is going to take some effort.

4. Pakistan’s middle order struggles

Another day, another Pakistani middle order collapse.

Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam’s platform gave Pakistan fans some hope, especially considering India lost Bhuvneshwar Kumar to hamstring tightness. However, who in the middle order was to continue the job and get Pakistan in with a chance with 10 overs to go?

The answer was no one.

From the moment Babar Azam was bowled by an absolute beauty by Kuldeep Yadav, Pakistan were in free-fall, losing 4/12 to render the rest of the game a NRR exercise. Fakhar Zaman’s tame top edge to fine leg, Mohammad Hafeez clipping a leg side half-volley straight to deep square leg and Shoaib Malik continuing to struggle in England were the main ingredients in an awful dish for Pakistan.

By the time the players came back after another rain delay, Pakistan needed 130 off 30 balls with four wickets in hand. A lot more seats were visible in the crowd, which is the appropriate ending to a match that did not live up to the hype.

5. The state of the India v Pakistan rivalry

Marketing teams get excited. So do broadcasters, advertisers and the like. If this game was to be washed out, the ICC would have not only had to deal with rightly disgruntled fans on social media, but also significant wasted investments from advertisers upwards of AUD$5 million.

However, the build-up and hype to these matches have been more intense than the matches themselves. Since Pakistan’s thrilling one-wicket win over India in the 2014 Asia Cup in Bangladesh, the next six have not kept anyone on the edge of their seat.

India won by 76 runs in the last World Cup. Then by 124 runs in the 2017 Champions Trophy Group Stage. Pakistan fired back with a 180-run drubbing in the Final, which preceded eight and nine wicket wins for India in last year’s Asia Cup, in addition to this 89-run win.

With tensions between the nations not catering for any matches in the ODI Championship League, the health of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is dependent on tournament classics.

At the moment, we are way off.

Also read: Be sure to check out my “key talking points” after each CWC 2019 game! The latest:

Afghanistan vs South Africa: RANT – Disgraceful Afghanistan team management

Australia vs Sri Lanka: Finch and Starc superb for Australia

Thanks for reading!

CWC 2019 Match 23: Bangladesh v West Indies Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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0

CWC 2019 Match 23: Bangladesh v West Indies Preview Dream11. BAN vs WI Dream11 Prediction

Rivalry. It is a hot word in the cricketing world with India and Pakistan taking centre stage on Sunday.

Monday sees a rivalry, too. Sure, it is nowhere near the magnitude of an India-Pakistan battle, but these two sides have had their fair share of battles over the past few years, culminating in a number of tight battles in the ODI format.

Bangladesh have enjoyed success against West Indies in recent times. They enter this meeting against Jason Holder’s men on the back of series wins both home and away in 2018, as well as three wins in the recent Ireland Tri-Series. West Indies, who were mighty disappointing against England, join Bangladesh in must-win territory as both these sides look to keep their Semi Final hopes alive.

Who will step up?

Key to a Bangladesh win

Bangladesh are favourites in the eyes of Tamim Iqbal, who himself has enjoyed success against the Windies. In Bangladesh’s two 2-1 series wins (home and away) last year, Tamim scored a total of 430 runs in six innings at 107.50. After a slow start to his CWC 2019 campaign, Tamim has to lead the way in overcoming the Windies’ short-ball onslaught, and then helping set a platform with the in-form Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmdullah and co. to follow. Can Bangladesh, via Soumya Sarkar also, make a strong start and carry on with the job against a wounded Windies? How well will they play the short ball?

Also, will Bangladesh’s bowlers be ready to tackle a Windies’ batting onslaught after an extended break? The Windies’ batting effort against England suggested that it is going to be an all-or-nothing approach with boundaries, dots and pretty much nothing in-between. So, can the Tigers limit the boundaries? Who can help see the back of Chris Gayle early? Will it be Mehidy Hasan Miraz, given that Gayle can struggle early vs off-spin bowling? Another thorn in the Bangladesh side is Shai Hope, so how well the seamers can bowl to a plan that is backed up by the spinners in limiting the Windies’ power game will be interesting to see.

Key to a West Indies win

Can the Windies blow Bangladesh away with effective use of the short ball? Bangladesh know what’s coming, but so did Australia and South Africa, who joined Pakistan in losing a number of powerplay wickets. West Indies have taken a total of nine in this period, with their only bad day coming against England last time out. Can the likes of Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas get the Windies off to a flyer, getting the better of Bangladesh’s experienced players? Then, who will back it up?

Also, West Indies need to have a better day out with the bat. They did not properly take into account the big boundaries in Southampton, but the smaller boundaries in Taunton might be to their liking. Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis have the potential to push Bangladesh right onto the back foot like England managed to do in Cardiff. Indeed, Shai Hope, who averages a huge 94.57 in nine ODIs vs Bangladesh, will be tasked with holding things together, along with the impressive Nicholas Pooran, as teammates look to go big. Andre Russell might not be fit for this game, but can the Windies get the really big score their batting lineup is capable of?

Pitch and conditions

Overcast conditions are expected in Taunton on Monday. Rain should hopefully stay away, with a good batting wicket expected.

Possible Playing 11

Liton Das could be preferred to Mohammad Mithun for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Soumya Sarkar, 3. Shakib Al Hasan, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Liton Das/Mohammad Mithun, 6. Mahmudullah, 7. Mossadek Hossain, 8. Mohammad Shaifuddin, 9. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 10. Mashrafe Mortaza (c), 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Andre Russell is struggling with multiple injuries. His knee and left-wrist gave way just a few days ago against England, which surely puts him in big doubt for this game. If he is out, Darren Bravo could come in and bat up the order. Also, West Indies could look to a full pace attack again to target Bangladesh.

West Indies: 1. Chris Gayle, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Shai Hope, 4. Nicholas Pooran, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Jason Holder, 7. Andre Russell/Darren Bravo, 8. Carlos Brathwaite, 9. Shannon Gabriel, 10. Oshane Thomas, 11. Sheldon Cottrell

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

CWC 2019 Match 23: Bangladesh v West Indies Preview Dream11. BAN vs WI Dream11 Prediction. Dream11 for BAN vs WI Possible Playing 11 Match Prediction, Cricket World Cup 2019
CWC 2019 Match 23: Bangladesh v West Indies Preview Dream11

Option 2:

CWC 2019 Match 23: Bangladesh v West Indies Preview Dream11. BAN vs WI Dream11 Prediction. Dream11 for BAN vs WI Possible Playing 11 Match Prediction, Cricket World Cup 2019
CWC 2019 Match 23: Bangladesh v West Indies Preview Dream11

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head in World Cups: Matches 4, Bangladesh 0, West Indies 3, NR 1.
  • Bangladesh have won seven of their last nine ODIs against West Indies.
  • Shai Hope’s last six scores against Bangladesh: 43, 146*, 108*, 109, 87, 74.
  • Shakib Al Hasan is fifth in the CWC 2019 top run-scorers list with 260.
  • Both teams sit on three points after four matches, which makes this a must-win.

Match Prediction

Really difficult match to predict.

Much depends on how well Bangladesh handle the short ball from the Windies, as well as how well the Windies can power-hit with the bat.

I predict a tight Bangladesh win given the number of experienced players in their team, as well as their good record of late vs West Indies.

Also read: Be sure to check out my “key talking points” after each CWC 2019 game! The latest:

Afghanistan vs South Africa: RANT – Disgraceful Afghanistan team management

Australia vs Sri Lanka: Finch and Starc superb for Australia

Thanks for reading!

CWC 2019 – Afghanistan v South Africa: 5 key talking points

Charbel Coorey
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0

CWC 2019 – Afghanistan v South Africa: 5 key talking points. AFG vs SL: 5 key talking points from their 2019 World Cup match.

Any cricket action is of premium value at this World Cup. So, the action needs to be enthralling to give fans a sense of enjoyment in what has been a rain-ravaged tournament to date.

Unfortunately, this clash didn’t deliver.

South Africa finally picked up their first win of the tournament, thrashing Afghanistan by nine wickets. There was so much optimism around Afghanistan heading into the tournament, but they have been mighty disappointing, with this the latest of a string of poor displays.

1. Afghanistan’s self-inflicted pain

Can someone tell me what the hell is going on with Afghanistan’s team management? Yesterday’s team selection was the latest mishap in a string of very questionable decisions, which screams of internal politics getting in the way of the side’s best interests.

Actually, questionable is a kind of way of putting it. Let’s call it pathetic.

The inclusion of Asghar Afghan for ‘experience’, in the words of Gulbadin Naib, was understandable. However, that they dropped their best performing batsman – Najibullah Zadran – to cater for Asghar suggests something is just not right within the Afghanistan think tank.

This is in addition to a change of captaincy just before the World Cup. Then, the Mohammad Shahzad controversy, where he claimed he wasn’t injured and worse, finding out about being dropped from the squad via an ICC Press Release.

Afghanistan, despite an incredible rise in the last decade, weren’t expected to get to the Semi Finals. But what they were expected to do was compete, and even avoid finishing last ahead of strugglers Sri Lanka. Instead, Afghanistan have hurt their chances through self-infliction, which suggests unrest within the squad. Can someone find any logical reason why it was Najibullah, who has two half centuries in three innings, who was left out?

If this sort of rubbish continues, Afghanistan will only regress from here onwards.

2. Where to for South Africa from here?

South Africa finally got a win on the board. They were given a helping hand by Afghanistan, but they did what they had to do, also giving their NRR a boost.

Next up is a huge game against New Zealand. The Proteas and the Black Caps were arguably the two teams best equipped to make the final Semi Finals spot with main contenders England, Australia and India. Should South Africa win that game on Wednesday, they will sit just two points behind the Black Caps, albeit with an extra game played.

South Africa need to believe their hopes of a Semi Finals appearance aren’t over yet.

3. Hashim Amla spends some time at the crease

Sure, the target was low and opposition helpless, but Hashim Amla’s time at the crease was valuable for he and South Africa.

It was scratchy at times, but a 44* could be the confidence booster he needs ahead of some big games. It is certainly far-fetched to say he is back in form given the match situation, but it remains to be seen how this knock has helped Hashim Amla’s quest for a really significant innings.

4. Imran Tahir: not in the syllabus

Seamers have had it better in Cardiff in the past four years. Pace bowlers average 30.9 at Sophia Gardens since 2015, compared to 42.2 for spinners. So, attention was on Kagiso Rabada, Beuran Hendricks and the two pace bowling all-rounders in terms of what damage they can cause to Afghanistan’s brittle batting lineup.

However, it was Imran Tahir who caused the most damage. His 4/29 in seven overs lit up Cardiff thanks to his celebrations, providing the greatest bit of excitement on a sombre day. He wasn’t in the syllabus for Afghanistan, and it showed, with a number of soft dismissals including Asghar Afghan’s awful chip straight back to him.

5. Afghanistan’s experienced batsmen not stepping up

Rahmat Shah, rightly praised after his effort against Australia, has not stepped up since. Hashmatullah Shahidi is another who was expected to hold things together, but has not been the case. Add Mohammad Nabi to the list.

With Hazratullah Zazai looking only a T20 player (he is yet to play 50 balls in an ODI innings in 12 attempts), Afghanistan need their experienced men to show a little more. For the second game running, they enjoyed a pretty good powerplay, only to be dismantled in the middle overs with a little platform set.

It doesn’t get easier with England next, but Afghanistan’s batsmen need to do their best to give their fans reason to smile.

Thanks for reading!

CWC 2019 – Australia v Sri Lanka: 5 key talking points

Charbel Coorey
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0

Australia v Sri Lanka: 5 key talking points. AUS vs SL: 5 key talking points from their 2019 World Cup clash.

Australia, led by Aaron Finch and Mitchell Starc, won their fourth game of CWC 2019 to go outright top of the standings (well, equal with rain).

Despite some nervy moments, as has been the case right throughout the campaign so far, Australia’s big guns led them to safety. Sri Lanka had their moments, particularly in the opening 15 overs of their run chase, where the win probability was almost 50-50. However, familiar failings came to the fore as Sri Lanka suffered another defeat in ODI Cricket.

Below are five key talking points from Australia’s 87-run win.

1. Aaron Finch’s magnificent recovery

Aaron Finch, the Australian skipper, now has the most runs out of any player in ODIs in 2019. His 153 against Sri Lanka was his second such score this year, after a equally brutal 153* against Pakistan at Sharjah.

However, it was far from smooth sailing in the early stages of 2019. Often victim of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay overs, Finch scored just 63 runs in his first five innings. The weakness against the ball coming into his stumps was clear for all to see, often getting his front pad too far across to the offside. Australia were concerned. Should the captain make way for the returning David Warner?

However, hard work on this aspect of his game as paid off. Since his duck against India in Hyderabad, Finch has scored 951 runs in 14 innings at 73.15. The skipper has been central to Australia’s strong starts at this CWC 2019 (except for the West Indies where he was out early), overcoming beautiful inswing against Mohammad Amir and a concerted effort by the Sri Lankans to hit his front pad.

With every beautiful straight drive yesterday, Finch chipped away at removing such a big weakness from his game.

2. Sri Lanka’s sorry story

It is disappointing to see a side, with two World Cup Final appearances in a row just eight years ago, fall into the abyss the way Sri Lanka have. Sri Lanka have won just 13 of their past 55 completed ODIs, and there has been a common theme in nearly all those matches.

Ahead of this match, Sri Lanka complained of the green pitches and their subjective view of under-par facilities. However, that is the least of their worries. Complete performances have been incredibly rare for over two years, often relying on individual brilliance or small pockets of dominance to get over the line. It was the case against Afghanistan earlier in CWC 2019, but when you come up against the more established teams, you have to be on your game for a lot longer than Sri Lanka were yesterday.

Their bowling was loose for most of the innings, only saving total humilation with an excellent final five overs that went for just 32. Isuru Udana led the way, but Nuwan Pradeep, who was supposed to be a boost, was poor throughout. A total of 334 was a good result given 370+ was on the cards, and despite a magnificent start from Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera, Sri Lanka’s middle order were once again unable to continue the good work.

Hope was high, as it almost always is. However, output wasn’t, which is unfortunately a common theme for Sri Lanka.

3. A missed opportunity

Following on from the previous point, Sri Lanka missed a significant opportunity.

The rapid start against Australia’s seamers – the kind no side has enjoyed so far in CWC 2019, sent some shock waves in the Australia camp. Aaron Finch had to juggle his resources earlier than he would have liked, with Jason Behrendhorff introduced in the fifth over.

By the 15th, Sri Lanka had raced to 112/0. The win probability read 54% Australia 46% Sri Lanka. This had the potential to be a nailbiter. However, there was always the nagging thought that if Sri Lanka lose Kusal Perera, they would struggle to maintain momentum.

That is what happened, and it was all their doing. A key period in the game was Glenn Maxwell going for just 46 off his 10 overs. Australia, for the second game running, took a risk by employing Maxwell as the fifth bowling option. He went the distance against Pakistan, and while he bowled well here, Sri Lanka really needed to attack him more.

Kane Richardson, despite his figures, wasn’t particularly flash with the ball in place of a specialist spinner. Jason Behrendhorff didn’t have the best of World Cup debuts. By the 34th over, Maxwell’s overs were complete and Aaron Finch could then focus on bowling more of the brilliant Starc and Cummins, with Richardson and Behrendhorff to support.

Indeed, this was a case of strategic-naivety from the Sri Lankans.

4. The curious case of David Warner

David Warner, at one point during his innings, sat at the top of the CWC 2019 run-scoring charts until overtaken by Aaron Finch. However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, striking his 281 runs at just 76.98 runs per 100 balls.

More is expected from one of Australia’s power players. His time at The Oval this tournament has been a struggle, following up his 84-ball 54 against India with a 48-ball 26 against an ill-disciplined Sri Lankan bowling and fielding unit. That he is in the runs and spending time in the middle is good news for Australia, but Kumar Sangakkara rightly pointed out that he can go another level consistently – the kind we saw against Pakistan.

5. Australia’s team balance and finishing conundrum

Yes, the team balance conversation. The same as the Pakistan game.

Australia once again picked Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith in the same XI. Once again, only two would have sufficed, especially considering Shaun Marsh came in ahead of Alex Carey in the final five overs and struggled, scoring three runs in nine balls.

Australia scored just 32 runs in the final five overs. While they got away with it here (and against Pakistan too), they may not against the likes of England and India. Finishing is crucial in this World Cup, and you need to do it very well if you want to win it. So, either Marcus Stoinis or Mitchell Marsh has to come back into the side and make an immediate impact.

At the moment, Australia are winning. However, they can go another level.

Timing their run, perhaps?

We shall see.

Thanks for reading!

Funny Cricket Tweets CWC 2019 Week 2

Charbel Coorey
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Funny Cricket Tweets CWC 2019 Week 2

Funny Cricket Tweets CWC 2019 Week 2. Some of the funniest cricket tweets you’ll see during the second week of CWC 2019.

The second week of CWC 2019 had to be one of the more frustrating ones for cricket fans.

We all found ourselves glued to the Accuweather app more than World Cup action, with cricket fans all over the globe turning into weather experts within the space of a couple of weeks. Precipitation, radars and hourly forecasts? We’ve got you covered.

Amid the frustration, there were some great laughs. Below are 15 funny tweets from the past week!

1. Interested?

It’s a real shame for any cricket fan to double-book on one of the most anticipated days of one’s life.

Oh well, looks like Yasmin will be meeting someone new! Brilliant from @MazBONAFIDE.

2. Don’t boo them!

There can be no edition of “funny tweets” this week without the Pakistan fan who became a meme in the Australia-Pakistan game.

Asif Ali dropped a sitter at third man, and this man was just sick of everything. In one of the funniest tweets you’ll see, Australia had to stop Pakistan fans from booing at their own team. Hilarious from @ikpsgill1.

3. “Get through to stumps”

It also seems an age since the Australia vs India match. In that game, David Warner played a total of 48 dots in 84 balls as Australia looked to chase down the small matter of 353 runs against India.

@dodge_lachlan thought what we all were… Warner was playing for stumps and waiting till the next morning to have a crack. Funny stuff.

4. Leave him alone…

In that same game, Virat Kohli was rightly praised for telling his fans to applaud Steve Smith instead of booing him.

@sagarcasm knows how to tweet fire, and this was no exception. One of the most famous memes from “Real Husbands of Hollywood” made for perfect use, particularly when you look at Kevin Hart’s face. Still laughing now!

5. “Hurry up”

Bangladesh had a tough day in the field against England a week ago. The ball was flying to all parts, except to Mushfiqur Rahim, who spent the day looking like this. Perfect meme content. Perfection from @ZahidAliLaqani!

6. Here’s your medal

One of the funny moments of the past week was Jason Roy knocking down the umpire as he was about to celebrate his century against Bangladesh.

A few days earlier, the Windies were victim of some poor decisions against Australia. Even though the umpire was different, Chris Gayle loved what he saw. Superb stuff from @RoshanKrRai!

7. A break from the World Cup for a sec

One of the other big talking points, especially in the UK, is good ol’ Brexit.

If Brexit could be described in cricket terms, this from @tobymarriott shows it. A hilarious clip that had the appropriate caption to go with it!

8. 2019 Man of the Tournament announced early

Usually, we would have to wait till the end of the World Cup to find out who would be announced man of the tournament.

However, the impact the rain has had cannot be topped. Four wins, with three total washouts, is an incredible achievement in the first two weeks. Let’s have the ceremony! Funny stuff from @Madan_Chikna.

9. “The impact he’s had…”

https://twitter.com/Swarnabh/status/1138377814502100992

Not only did Virat Kohli win the hearts of many with his gesture in the India and Australia game, but brands also benefited.

That single touch transferred Kohli’s love for brands with Steve Smith, with Vodafone the real big beneficiaries of this! This is creativity at its finest from @Swarnabh.

10. No.

https://twitter.com/PUNchayatix4/status/1138361733691502592

Another day on Twitter, another tweet from someone claiming they are all we need.

Not according to @PUNchayatix4. Shikhar Dhawan’s thumb injury created a feeling of some disappointment among India fans, who knew exactly what they needed. Unfortunately for @xojulieee5, it certainly wasn’t her.

11. I admit. I laughed.

I’m allowed to laugh at this. As an Australian, this can be taken either way, but I couldn’t help but laugh.

@iimcomic, a stand up comedian, did a good job of creating laughs over Twitter. This can be frowned upon by fans, but it’s important to see the funny side of things, and this was one of them.

12. Why do we need cover?

Rishabh Pant was in the news as possible cover in the squad for Shikhar Dhawan.

Covers? What for? Every match has plenty of them. This is a reply for the ages from @xksdk83 in a rain-sodden second week.

13. Truly groundbreaking

CWC 2019 has been truly groundbreaking.

It has changed the term “rain interrupts play” to “play interrupts rain.” In a week of frustration, where many of us were bored, @BoredCricket came up with a beauty.

14. The most beautiful love story

Everyone knows about one of the most beautiful love stories in cricket.

However, when Adam Zampa was left out as soon as Marcus Stoinis was ruled out with injury, this just about confirmed this partnership as the greatest love in world cricket. Step aside Virat Kohli and Anuskha Sharma, we have another power couple. Brilliant from @CricCrazyJohns.

15. HOST THE WORLD CUP IN ICELAND

Give a medal to the Iceland Cricket Twitter admin.

Shots have been fired towards England right throughout a rain-sodden second week, claiming that they have blue skies perfect for cricket. Even better, there is a pitch under the covers and bails actually fall off!

Absolutely brilliant from @IcelandCricket.

So, there are 15 great tweets from the second week of CWC 2019.

Have any that should be included for the next edition? Send them via Twitter @cric_blog.

Thanks for reading!

Funny Cricket Tweets CWC 2019 Week 2. Some of the funniest cricket tweets you’ll see during the second week of CWC 2019.

Funny Cricket Puns & Sayings: 50 that can confuse any non-cricket fan

Charbel Coorey
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0
Funny Cricket Puns & Sayings: 50 that can confuse any non-cricket fan

Funny cricket puns: Here is some cricket-related fun. While the sport itself can be so intense and provide for an emotional rollercoaster, there are so many puns we can use to have a little fun, causing total confusion to those who don’t understand cricket. And, of course, you should get some laughs from those who love the great game of cricket as much as we do.

The following are completely appropriate cricket terms we use all the time that can be misconstrued as inappropriate or weird. These are funny cricket puns we can chuckle at every once in a while (perhaps not at family gatherings), sharing a laugh with our fellow followers.

Here are 50 that can bowl you over (or completely confuse any non-cricket fan)!

Want more cricket puns and jokes? Here are 20 others that others will laugh at or give you a confused look

50 funny cricket puns that can bowl anyone over

1. Who didn’t take advantage of his opportunities? Greg Blewett.

2. What’s the difference between a bad batter and Cinderella? Cinderella knew when to leave the ball.

3. A friend of mine retired from being an umpire. He doesn’t even lift a finger now.

4. The secret to having a good outing? Successfully avoid the bouncer.

5. Which birds can’t play cricket? Ducks.

6. What’s the difference between a Formula 1 car and Chris Martin batting? Nothing. Blink and you’ll miss them both.

7. What’s a cricket-loving farmer’s favourite spot? Cow corner.

8. Which cricketers never sweat even when it’s hot? The team that has the most fans.

9. What do funeral directors and England and Australia cricketers have in common? They don’t want to lose the Ashes.

Sounds cheeky but isn’t

10. Steve Smith likes to bat in the shower.

Funny Cricket Puns. Funny Cricket Sayings. Cricket Blog. CricBlog.

11. Why did you go in with no protection?

12. Should we bring in a third man?

13. Bit of moisture under the covers this morning.

14. They can’t have a drink. They have no openers.

15. He’s pulling really well.

16. That is too short to Root.

Funny Cricket Inuendos: Pretty much

17. Sorry for the full-toss to the face.

18. He’s hitting the spot really well today.

19. Stroked well through the covers.

20. Always play close to the body.

21. Had a really good batting session.

22. Length does matter.

23. Should we have a short or long third man?

24. A short but effective cameo.

25. Use saliva to get one side of the ball shiny.

26. Always bats better than his average suggests.

27. Keep the cover on your bat for protection.

28. Beautiful tickle down long leg.

29. Going down fine leg.

30. He’s spraying it way too much.

31. Smashed through the covers.

32. We’ll have a bat first.

33. Conditions primed for swinging.

34. Looks a very dry surface here.

35. Plenty of moisture in the surface, with some grass.

36. Faced a couple of balls today.

37. Middle stump uprooted.

38. We’ll bat tonight.

39. Always aim for the crack.

40. It’s wet. Bring the covers and new sheets on.

41. de Kock is looking outstanding today.

42. Saw the full-toss on video replay.

43. Enough with the full-tosses, mate.

44. Now time for the third session.

45. Be aggressive against the bouncer.

47. Playing in the ‘V’.

48. Make sure you oil your bat really well.

49. A very strong right-arm.

50. That was a meaty blow.

Thanks for reading! Have any yourself that should be added here?

Want more cricket puns and jokes? Here are 20 others that others will laugh at or give you a confused look

CWC 2019 Match 19: England v West Indies Preview Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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0

CWC 2019 Match 19: England v West Indies Preview Dream11. ENG vs WI Preview Dream11 Prediction

Cricket writers, bloggers and fans all around the world have had a change in hobby. From avidly watching the great game to predicting and analysing weather forecasts, those passionate for cricket have been left disappointed as this World Cup has plunged into the depths of a complete farce.However, conditions look a little more promising for Friday’s big clash in Southampton. England meet West Indies in the battle of the powerful lineups – the main meal to what was a magnificent entree in the Caribbean earlier in 2019. Some of the fastest bowlers in the tournament, including Jofra Archer, against his country of birth, meet the biggest-hitting batsmen in a match that has the potential to heat up a tournament that has been a cold, damp squib so far.

With India and New Zealand both remaining unbeaten due to rain, this game becomes more important to keep in touch with the top four. Who will step up in the big match?

Key to an England win

The tournament hosts have had plenty of talking points in each of their three games. They have played three full games to date – an incredible achievement in itself in this tournament – scoring 300+ in each. As world record holders of seven consecutive 300+ scores, how England fare in the powerplay overs, particularly vs. the short ball, could be crucial to the result. West Indies have taken nine wickets in 24 powerplay overs so far in CWC 2019, so the onus will be on Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy to set a strong platform as they did in their last game against Bangladesh. Indeed, whether the likes of Joe Root outplay Shai Hope and Jos Buttler against Andre Russell will also determine who walks away with the two points.

Also, can England’s seam brigade outplay the Windies’? Jofra Archer was full of adrenalin in his World Cup debut against South Africa, and so too against Bangladesh, bowling the ball for six off the top of off-stump. One feels he will be up for this one against his country of origin, and will be even more important given that fellow fast-man Mark Wood is in doubt with an ankle injury. So, Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett need to deliver in support of Archer in their quest to get the better of a dangerous batting lineup. Importantly, how well can Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali – both of whom went the distance in West Indies earlier this year – keep the hard-hitting Windies in check?

Key to a West Indies win

When West Indies knocked England over twice in the Caribbean earlier this year, it was off the back of strong powerplays. Their win in the second ODI was on the back of reducing England to 2/10 in the third over. Their huge win in the fifth saw England reduced to 2/18 inside four overs. The Windies have been on fire in the powerplay in CWC 2019, hurting the Pakistan, Australia and South African top orders en route to a huge win vs Pakistan, a missed opportunity against Australia and a good start against South Africa.

Indeed, the Windies, with all their flair and excitement so far, don’t deserve to end this game with one win and two losses from four games. So, who can play the big knocks required to get the Windies over the line? Chris Gayle hit 39 sixes in four matches in a man of the series display against England this year. Can he repeat such dominance, backed by the likes of Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope? Hope in particular needs to play the role Shakib Al Hasan did for Bangladesh against England, holding things together to enable the Windies’ hard-hitting middle order to go big. England have conceded 348 and 280 in their past two games, so West Indies have the chance to pounce.

Pitch and conditions

The Southampton track had something in it for the bowlers in the seven overs we saw in the West Indies-South Africa game. The forecast looks pretty promising from 10am onwards, with periods of sun a possibility.

Possible Playing 11

Mark Wood is in doubt with an ankle problem. So, Moeen Ali, who missed the game against Bangladesh for the birth of his daughter, could return. Also, Jos Buttler had a hip complaint against Bangladesh, which forced Bairstow to take the gloves. However, Buttler should be fit for this one.

England: 1. Jonny Bairstow, 2. Jason Roy, 3. Joe Root, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Jos Buttler (wk), 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Liam Plunkett, 11. Adil Rashid

Andre Russell missed the game against South Africa to manage a knee problem. Evin Lewis also missed out with injury. Both are a chance of lining up today. If so, Darren Bravo and one of Carlos Brathwaite or Kemar Roach will miss out.

West Indies: 1. Chris Gayle, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Shai Hope (wk), 4. Nicholas Pooran, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Andre Russell, 7. Jason Holder (c), 8. Carlos Brathwaite/Kemar Roach, 9. Ashley Nurse, 10. Sheldon Cottrell, 11. Oshane Thomas

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

CWC 2019 Match 19: England v West Indies Preview Dream11. ENG vs WI Preview Dream11 Prediction. Dream11 for ENG vs WI Possible Playing 11 Match Prediction. Cricket World Cup 2019
CWC 2019 Match 19: England v West Indies Preview Dream11

Option 2:

CWC 2019 Match 19: England v West Indies Preview Dream11. ENG vs WI Preview Dream11 Prediction. Dream11 for ENG vs WI Possible Playing 11 Match Prediction. Cricket World Cup 2019
CWC 2019 Match 19: England v West Indies Preview Dream11

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head in World Cups: Matches 6, England 5, West Indies 1.
  • England have won the last five World Cup matches between the sides. The latest was in 2011, where England won by 18 runs to qualify for the knockout stages following a late Windies collapse.
  • England and West Indies battled it out for a 2-2 draw in a thrilling ODI series earlier this year.
  • England were bundled out for 113 in their most recent ODI against West Indies.
  • Jason Holder has dismissed Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler twice each in ODIs.

Match Prediction

This is a really difficult match to predict.

England, despite their strong batting lineup, are prone to accidents. West Indies is a team that can cause significant problems to the England lineup, as showed earlier in the year.

England need to be ready for a short-ball barrage. They might just have too much depth for West Indies in a potentially high-scoring match, but anything is possible in this one.

Thanks for reading!

CWC 2019 – Australia v Pakistan: 5 key talking points

Charbel Coorey
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0
CWC 2019 – Australia v Pakistan: 5 key talking points

Australia v Pakistan: key talking points. AUS vs PAK: key talking points from their CWC 2019 match.

Australia collapsed, Mohammad Hafeez hit an Aaron Finch full toss straight to deep midwicket and Pakistan’s lower order showed up their middle. Pakistan were possibly an extra second away, courtesy of a crucial review, to winning the game. However, the biggest shock was that we saw a full day of cricket in what has been a frustrating, rainy CWC 2019 to date.

Australia picked up a crucial win in a tight top four race, overcoming an inconsistent Pakistan by 41 runs. A sea of green in the crowd, much like sea of blue on Sunday, was well against Australia as Pakistan fans believed time and time again that they could pick up a vital victory.

It wasn’t to be the case, making more errors than an under-par Australia to fall behind the pack after defeat here and a cruel no result against Sri Lanka.

This game – a thriller – had five key talking points.

1. Pakistan’s first two hours cost them dearly

Pakistan won the toss and bowled first. However, that was the only thing they did right in the first two hours of play. Almost as though they weren’t expecting to get out on the field due to rain, Pakistan left their minds in the changing room, giving Australia a number of gifts in the early stages.

Mohammad Amir was brilliant. He hit the right lengths, swinging and moving the ball both ways to cause Australia problems. However, bowling partnerships, one of the biggest clichès in cricket, was centre of conversation as Aaron Finch and David Warner gobbled up Pakistan’s offering with ease. If batsmen are lone figures with wickets falling, Mohammad Amir was one in the field as no one else was willing to bowl with the same discipline. Hassan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Wahab Riaz bowled short and erratically to let Australia off the hook in bowler-friendly conditions.

Couple that with awful fielding, including dropped catches and midfields. An even worse review. Glum faces hoping for a favour. Australia obliged with their own charity, but Pakistan were their own worst enemy. They bounced back, but it proved to be too late.

2. Questions about Australia’s team balance

Shaun Marsh replaced the injured Marcus Stoinis. So, Australia believed having all three of Marsh, Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja in the same team would help either set the innings up, finish the innings strongly or arrest a collapse.

None happened. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

Australia took a punt and sent in Glenn Maxwell at four. A tactic that should have been employed vs India. However, some of our worst fears turned reality, with Maxwell batting just 10 balls and then Shaun Marsh and Usman Khawaja both new at the crease with 12 overs to go. What followed was carnage, with Australia losing 7/65 in the death overs to lose all momentum. 350+ was a must from the position they were in. They fell 43 short.

Despite the win, Australia have questions to answer. This game proved that Smith, Khawaja and Marsh can’t play in the same team. While they are all fine ODI players, they are too similar. Should Khawaja not be in the team unless he is opening? Can Australia send Aaron Finch to cone in at five to ensure power throughout the innings? Can Glenn Maxwell perform to his potential as so much depends on him?

As a result, Australia took a risk by employing Glenn Maxwell as the fifth bowler. Much still rests on Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins to deliver – the crucial two of the frontline four yesterday. Pat Cummins was outstanding, Mitchell Starc clutch in the final moments again and Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile did their jobs for the most part.

However, if Australia are to go far in this tournament, their team balance has to be spot on. They can’t find themselves in a situation where two accumulators are starting their innings with the death overs approaching. Neither can Glenn Maxwell be the fifth bowler. So, expect Mitchell Marsh to come straight in when ready. Can he deliver the goods right away? It’s not like he has a choice – Australia need him to.

3. David Warner shows the value of converting starts

David Warner’s innings against India hurt Australia badly. He had to bounce back with a more fluent innings against Pakistan, and that he did, scoring a century to set a great platform for Australia.

His ability to convert a start – albeit helped by some awful Pakistani bowling and fielding – was a key difference in this game. Four of Pakistan’s top five made starts, and three gave their wickets away when they were in the ascendancy. Babar Azam mesmerised us all with beautiful straight and cover drives. A big score beckoned. Instead, he was out hooking one straight to fine leg for 30. Imam-ul-Haq gloved a legside bouncer after crossing 50, ending a threatening partnership with Hafeez. Then, worst of the lot, Mohammad Hafeez hit a friendly full toss from Aaron Finch straight to deep midwicket. Hafeez caused feelings of heartbreak and disgust in one moment of madness that put Pakistan right behind the eight-ball.

Despite the efforts of Sarafraz Ahmed, Hassan Ali and Wahab Riaz, Pakistan fell short in what is a big blow to their Semi Final hopes. The lack of conversions, like their poor bowling early on, was a key factor in the defeat.

4. Mohammad Amir and Pat Cummins were outstanding

When the captain goes around to each player tapping them on the back for their efforts, both Mohammad Amir and Pat Cummins would have received hugs.

Both were outstanding for their respective sides, delivering wickets at crucial stages to get their team back in the contest. Amir was the catalyst of Australia’s collapse after an opening spell that was unlucky not to yield wickets. Cummins dismissed the dangerous Fakhar Zaman early and then picked up two further wickets in a crucial middle-overs burst that put Australia on top. The key difference was the slightly better support for Pat Cummins – particularly Mitchell Starc, who was clutch in the final overs as he was vs West Indies – which proved pivotal to the result.

Combined, Amir and Cummins bowled 20 overs, taking eight wickets for just 63 runs in a fine display of seam bowling in conditions that provided assistance. Brilliant.

5. Pakistan have it all to do now

We all know that Pakistan can be brilliant one day and awful the next. However, how about a mixture of both within the same game?

Their no-result in a winnable game against Sri Lanka was a blow. However, they had every chance to knock off an Australia side well below their best. The inconsistency on display within the same game was incredible to see, dishing out either awful bowling and fielding or the opposite. With the bat, they either played gorgeous shots or gave their wicket away inexplicably. There was no in-between. The gap between Pakistan’s best and worst is still too large, which makes their quest for a top four place difficult enough. Now, they sit on just three points with five games to play – a situation begging for their best for extended periods.

Do they have it in them? Was their team selection correct? Does Shoaib Malik, who continues to be poor in England, stay in the team ahead of Imad Wasim? Do Pakistan give another chance to Asif Ali, who dropped two crucial catches and failed with the bat? What about Hassan over Shadab Khan?

Both sides have questions to answer. It is the team who answers them best that will have a say in this tournament.

Thanks for reading!

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