A Walk through and A Collapse

The match for New Zealand against Ireland was a good practice match for their schedule against a test playing nation. They batted first and could not post a score past 200. It definitely seemed like they were focused to work their way past the target in mind. They fell short by 5 runs. Scott Styris, Redwood, Guptill all had a party in the middle. They were finding boundaries at their whims and fancies. Guptill dispatched couple of sixes way into the crowd and he was enjoying each of his hits beyond the boundary ropes.

Brendon Macullum again missed a golden chance to come good with the bat. But he was simply out of the world with his fielding skills. England ground conditions are so congenial for fielders like Macullum, one should come to the match especially to watch these people dive around and fly in the air to turn some half chances their way. Macullum took a blinder at covers and his two run outs were treat to watch for any cricket lover. The match was never interesting apart from the aspects mentioned above.

Other match of the day was interesting one, where it involved South Africans crushing England to death. England started off pretty badly losing three wickets for cheap runs. Fielding effort of RSA was top class. The catch by Van der merwe to dismiss English key batsmen, Kevin Pietersen was a stupendous effort indeed. Collingwood and Owais Shah put in a decent partnership to steady the ship. But both of them got out in quick succession to leave their team in disarray. They posted 111, which was no way enough to give a fight against South Africans.

Jaques Kallis was clinical with his experienced knock. He remained 59 not out and saw his team through in the low run chase. Gibbs gave a good support. England did pick few of RSA wickets during the end, but never was it close enough to provide a scare to their chase.

England has to play sensibly to create a chance for them in this cup. I actually do not see them in the semi finals simply because of the way they choke under pressure. Though Collingwood and Pietersen try their best to wipe off the criticism, they don’t have the bowlers to do the magic. They are missing Flintoff, who is a world class all rounder no doubt. I get a feeling that England board made him take rest for Ashes Series which is coming up against Aussies in next month. England always prefers their players to give importance to Test game rather than limited over match. T-20 will definitely not be a miss in that case.

South Africans, on the other hand have got their mix perfectly and they are clearly taking it match by match to eye the trophy. At this Juncture, this tournament is poised nicely. RSA are through to Semi finals. Sri Lanka has done themselves good by maintaining a winning streak.

Let’s see, what twists and turns we have in this world cup.

Thanks,

Prashy.