The Press Box

[World Cricket Conference]

Paul Boesen and Oliver Johansson bail Denmark out against Qatar
Their 127-run partnership for the 6th-wicket rescued Denmark from 94/5 while chasing 226​

Denmark's bench watches on intensely as the final overs play out in Christchurch © Associated Press, December 7, 2003​

ROUNDUP OF ROUND 8

Denmark made a wonderful comeback to keep their World Cup alive, knocking Qatar out of the knockouts race instead.​

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Match 29, Canada vs Wales, Hakupu

A tragic washout between Canada and Wales spelled the end of Wales' World Cup, who could only manage one win in their three completed games. This washout also sends Canada back to second-place, displacing Bermuda and making their encounter with them in the ninth round a virtual knockout. Whoever wins that game, goes through alongside India, who are likely going to win the group unless Bermuda win with a landside against Canada. Aside from Canada and Bermuda, Saudi Arabia have managed to somehow still stay in the race, but their qualification chances rely on the match between Bermuda and Canada being abandoned. Which, it likely will be, but so will Saudi Arabia's match in the tenth round. With more washouts predicted in the final two rounds, Canada are the likeliest to qualify alongside India from Group C.

Result: Match abandoned without a ball bowled

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Match 30, Israel vs Morocco, Dunedin

Being put in a must-win situation, Morocco's batsmen completely shit the bed. They won the toss and chose to bat first on a batting haven, only to be blown over by Israel for a substandard 233. One would think they would've learned to not do that after their botch-job against Pakistan, after Morocco's bowlers practically served them the win on a golden platter. Nevertheless, Israel's lack of form did eventually come back to bite them, as Sufyan Ben Barka's 4-wicket haul, alongside El Mahi Khatibi and Abdelkarim Toulali's supporting roles with the ball, bailed Morocco out by dismissing Israel for 181 on Dunedin's flat deck.

Morocco held on tightly to this win to keep their match against South Africa true to its 'virtual knockout' billing, as a loss here would've severely complicated things for all parties involved. Israel on the other hand, needed a win to stay in the knockouts race, which they failed to get, and so, were knocked out from the World Cup.

Result: Morocco won by 52 runs

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Match 31, Denmark vs Qatar, Christchurch

Christchurch witnessed another high-profile encounter in this World Cup, as Denmark took on Qatar, who were on the brink of elimination heading into this match. Having won the toss and choosing to bat first, Qatar were given a solid start by their top-order batsmen. Al-Amin Ahmed and Basheer Rashed were particularly good, with the former finishing the innings on 78, the highest score of Qatar's batting card. Basheer Rashed however, couldn't convert his start and was dismissed at a crucial point in this game. Once Denmark dismissed these two batsmen, their bowling brought them back with disciplined bowling resulting in regular breakthroughs. They found wickets and dried up runs to bowl Qatar out for 225 despite the flying start their top-order batters, Al-Amin Ahmed and Basheer Rashed provided them with.

Denmark in their innings, were dealt a blow early on but recovered well with Niels Hjort and Aksel Johansson adding fifty runs for the second-wicket. Once that partnership was broken however, Qatar ran through Denmark's middle-order to reduce them to 94/5, putting not only a win, but a very handsome win on the cards. However, a remarkable turnaround saw Paul Boesen, who was dropped by Denmark in the previous game, add a match-winning 127-run partnership for the sixth-wicket alongside Oliver Johansson, Denmark's most valuable ODI player in recent times, to give Denmark a thumping come-from-behind win against Qatar.

In a match crucial to both teams, but perhaps more so to Qatar, the Qataris came up a little short despite having their opponents by the ropes in the second innings. On most occasions they would've finished the job, but on this one, a spectacular resistance shown by Denmark's lower-order helped them overcome Qatar's formidable attack. Qatar bow out of the World Cup, the first team eliminated from Group A, as Denmark lives to fight another day in this group of literal death.

Result: Denmark won by 2 wickets (with 45 deliveries remaining)

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Match 32, New Zealand vs Russia, Napier

New Zealand made it three wins in three games following their thumping victory against the Russians in Napier. Michel Gottlieb remained unbeaten on 78* as New Zealand scaled Russia's 235 with ease, getting there with 5 wickets and 15 deliveries to spare. Despite their win being so one-sided, many still criticized New Zealand for not being as clinical as they should've been against a side as inexperienced as Russia's, citing how tough the group has been for the its top-three teams, and with their match against China still yet to come, it could all come down to these fine margins which New Zealand have done the least to improve out of the top-three teams.

Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets (with 15 deliveries remaining)

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[World Cricket Conference]

Morocco, South Africa collide in virtual knockout with rain looming in the background
Rain is likely to play a large part in this super-important contest, although abandonment of the game is highly-unlikely​

Rudi Struwig during South Africa's loss to Pakistan © Associated Press, December 4, 2003​

ROUND 9 PREVIEW​

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Match 33, Niue vs Vanuatu, Napier

Niue and Vanuatu go toe-to-toe in Napier with defeat indicating immediate elimination for either side. The loser of this match goes home, plain and simple, and while the flight back home will be a relatively short one, it will most certainly be a disappointing exit for the fans of both these Oceanic countries. Victory for Niue will give them victory in the group, whereas a win for Vanuatu will complicate things for all four teams still alive in this pool. Vanuatu's win, unless it comes with a hefty margin, will place them third in the group, handing over their fate to the outcome of the fourth and final match of the group between Denmark and Guernsey.

Vanuatu, having blown over the Qataris by 130 runs, have every tool in their toolbox to dispose of the Niueans in the same manner, but whether they'll be able to exact revenge against thee CONOC rivals remains to be seen. If Vanuatu are to pull through and do the highly-unlikely, the likes of Apolinaire Saksak and Selwyn Welwel will have to turn up in similar manner as they did against Qatar, whereas Niue, having been on a role since their loss to that very same opposition in the tournament opener, will not be relying so heavily on any one individual to get them across. With such high stakes, this contest is sure to be a barnburner between two rivals from Oceania.

Players to watch out for: Apolinaire Saksak, Selwyn Welwel, Jayson Okesen, Dalton Nemani, Haitrosene Vemoa, Talaititama Holo

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Match 34, Norway vs Russia, Wellington

A bottom of the barrel bashe between Group B's EUROCON nations is a bit of a moot point at this juncture, with both teams having been knocked out already. However, even with not much at stake, both teams will be eager to regain lost pride and end their tournament with a consolation victory, and preferably a resounding one.

Players to watch out for: Erik Eriksen, Magnus Larsen, Sebastian Mathisen, Yusif Pavlov, Roman Romanova, Sergei Andreevich

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Match 35, Canada vs Bermuda, Liku

Canada and Bermuda lockhorns with a third straight washout predicted in Group C, an outcome the Saudi Arabians will be hedging their bets on. A washout here will mean that Canada will retain the second position in the group, and Bermuda's elimination will be imminent. However, the washout will not guarantee Canada qualification until the final game of the group is played, where, if Saudi Arabia beat India, they will overtake Canada and qualify as the second team from the group.

A washout, as predicted, will certainly take things out of Canada's hands, but it will also add some spice to the last dash of this group, opening a route for Saudi Arabia which will remain closed if a game, full or shortened, does get played here. As unlikely as it may be, winners of any potential games here will qualify alongside India.

Players to watch out for: Martin Terry, Badr Baig, Shawnte McCullock, Wendell Corden-Cox, Dayton Dowling

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Match 36, Morocco vs South Africa, Hamilton

A knockout - Morocco and South Africa face off against each other with the fate of this group hanging in balance, as both teams look to book a quarter-finals berth. Another game match rain will likely influence, however, it is highly unlikely that an abandonment will occur, and at worst, a few overs will be lost from each innings.

Morocco, having beaten Israel and USA, look like a solid side with their bowlers shouldering most of the burden. Morocco did really well with the bat against the United States, but their performances against Pakistan and Israel, even in victory, have raised several eyebrows and left a lot to be desired. While South Africa's bowling hasn't exactly fired in the manner many would have expected it to, Morocco's batsmen's lack of form may aid the woefully out-of-form Proteas attack back into form.

South Africa, similar to Morocco, did extremely well against USA and Israel, but fell flat against Pakistan's bowling and were bowled out for a measly 158, which they chopped down with relative comfort. In this high-voltage encounter, the batting of both these sides looks as unstable as it ever has, and with a quarter-final at stake, batsmen have to pull their weight and provide something of value for their bowlers to be able to drag their side across the line, and into the World Cup knockouts.

Players to watch out for: Abdelkarim Toulali, El Mahi Khatibi, Pierre-Marie Rapace, Rudi Struwig, Pierre Struwig, Dale Smit

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[World Cricket Conference]

Niue, South Africa confirm quarter-final berths to bookend round nine
Heartbreaking losses for Vanuatu and Morocco signalled the end of their World Cup campaigns​

Abderrahim Zniber was overcome with emotions following his country's match against South Africa © Associated Press, December 11, 2003​

ROUNDUP OF ROUND 9

Heartbreaking loss for Vanuatu saw them surrender a sureshot quarter-final berth, whereas Morocco's batsmen failed to turn up for the big game, yet again.​

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Match 33, Niue vs Vanuatu, Napier

In one of the best matches of the tournament, Niue stole victory from the jaws of defeat against Vanuatu, forcing them to crash out in the most heartbreaking defeat in their nation's history. Having won the toss and opted to bat first, Niue struggled against a super-charged Vanuatuan attack. Jarryd Vira was on-song, delivering his best performance with the white Kookaburra all tournament. He was supported very well by timely dismissals from Mark Mansale, Simon Bule and Selwyn Welwel. Apolinaire Saksak also picked-up a couple of wickets, cleaning up the tail a bit, despite Faleuka Tagelagi's resistance making sure the Niueans wouldn't get bowled out.

As invaluable as every batsmen's contributions were in Niue's innings, the best they could manage was 200/9 at the end of their full 50.0 overs. Somehow, this total proved just enough as an ungodly collapse from Vanuatu allowed Niue to steal victory from a position of certain defeat, winning the game and the group in the process. Vanuatu were rattled early in their chase, but a stoic 4th-wicket stand between Apolinaire Saksak and Mark Mansale put Vanuatu in the driver's seat. Both batsmen completed their respective fifties, as Vanuatu cruised along to 176/4, firmly en route to a comfortable win and a certified quarter-final berth. However, what ensued next could only be described as a collapse of quite literally biblical proportions, as Vanuatu lost their last 6 wickets for a mere 22 runs to be bowled out for 198 in pursuit of 200, losing a game served up on a golden platter to them by a mere two runs. Seeing Vanuatu crash and burn in real time was an unreal experience. They had it in the bag, until they didn't. Niue pulled off a heist of a win against their CONOC rivals to win this group, causing Vanuatu to suffer their greatest cricketing nightmare.

Result: Niue won by 2 runs

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Match 34, Norway vs Russia, Wellington

A dead-rubber between the bottom-two sides of Group B was more-or-less a glorified T20 contest with rain washing away half of the game's allotted time. Once the game was actually able to begin, the pitch and outfield had deteriorated so much, that it was quite literally a hazardous environment for both teams to play cricket in. Nevertheless, the officials saw it fit to see the game through, as Norway were asked to bat first in a shortened innings of 25.0 overs, the entirety of which, was played out by their top-order. Oliver Svendsen and Håkon Kaldefoss dead-batted for the majority of the innings, with Oskar Nøstbakken only chipping in the last 19 deliveries of the innings. As expected, dead-batting the entire innings led Norway to a measly total of 96 despite only losing one wicket, which somehow proved sufficient for the win.

As the game progressed, the playing conditions worsened, leaving Russia to bat on a landmine wicket, which inevitably resulted in them being bundled for their second-lowest ODI score in history. Russia were bowled out for 82, with their three-pronged new ball attack chipping away with all ten wickets. Notably, Evan Dahl delivered a match-winning spell in the middle overs of Russia's innings, where his one-two-three punch helped him become the first player to claim a Cricket World Cup hat trick.

Norway went away from this contest with a consolation victory, overpowering their new rivals Russia by 14 runs in a match dictated entirely by each team's bowlers. The morning after the game, the World Cricket Conference officially announced that the Basin Reserve would receive a demerit point for not being able to prepare a safer pitch despite having ample time to do so. Officials who sanctioned the match to go ahead on such a hazardous pitch were also fined 100% of their match fees by WCC.

Result: Norway won by 14 runs

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Match 35, Canada vs Bermuda, Liku

A third-straight washout in Group C, and a second one involving Bermuda spelled the end of their World Cup campaign. In a must-win match for Bermuda, rain emerged victorious and washed away their only chance of qualification. Canada, while remaining in second place in the group, still await the outcome of the final match of this group. Saudi Arabia and India play each other in Hikutavake, where, as unlikely as it may be, a win for the Saudis could propel them into the quarter-finals of the Cricket World Cup. For Canada to qualify, that game must result in either, India emerging victorious, it ending as a tie, or in the best-case scenario, rain playing spoilsport yet again. Luckily for Canada, their best-case scenarios seems like the likeliest as the tropical thunderstorm, despite weakening considerably, still ravages the island of Niue. Canada qualifying for the quarter-finals at the expense of Saudi Arabia seems like the most probable outcome, save for literal divine intervention in Hikutavake.

Result: Match abandoned without a ball bowled

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Match 36, Morocco vs South Africa, Hamilton

Morocco squared up against their long-term AFCON rivals South Africa in a virtual knockout between the two sides. Once again, rain made its presence felt by reducing the game to 41.0 overs-a-side after an early morning downpour. Morocco won the toss and invited South Africa to face the music, with their bowling determined to make life hell for the Proteas. And for the most part, they managed exactly that. El Mahi Khatibi and Pierre-Marie Rapace were particular standouts in a clinical bowling performance, which was somewhat marred by Mark Janssen's boisterous knock taking the Moroccan attack head on, on his way to a fast-paced fifty. Mark Janssen struck 6 fours and 3 sixes on his way to 56 not out, which he got to in only 46 deliveries, going at a strike rate of 120.00+ against Morocco's esteemed bowling attack.

Janssen's knock propelled South Africa to 194/7, a very formidable total considering the playing conditions and the quality of the South African attack, as well as the dire lack of form of Morocco's batsmen. And sure enough, their 194 was 52 runs too many for Morocco, who folded for 142 in the 30th over, losing to South Africa at the grandest stage of them all. Zouhair Rami's 57 from 62 deliveries may have made Morocco believe that they had it in them to do the impossible, but the follow-up to his innings gave Morocco a reality check, that they really are not up to the standards of the world's best eight cricket teams, to stand a chance at playing a quarter-final.

So harsh, was this defeat that Abderrahim Zniber, 'the Father of Moroccan cricket', announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket. It is believed that Zniber had come to terms regarding this decision when he was removed as Test captain early in the year, and was only dragging his career on so he could lead Morocco in their debut World Cup. With Morocco's exit coming in the first round of the tournament, so did his decision at the end of their final game, which was this Thursday.

Result: South Africa won by 52 runs

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[World Cricket Conference]

Final round of group stage matches to determine last four knockout teams
With only one round left in the group stage, four of the eight quarter-final spots remain up for grabs​

Kiwi skipper Michel Gottlieb speaks to the media ahead of New Zealand's final group match © Associated Press, December 11, 2003​

ROUND 10 PREVIEW​

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Match 37, Denmark vs Guernsey, Christchurch

Denmark and Guernsey, the co-winners of the 2003 EUROCON Euro Cup collide in the final match of Group A, with a World Cup quarter-final up for grabs. These two teams have been a thorn in each other's flesh, being eternal foes in both, European and international competitions. However, this particular game might just be the most important between the two sides, as a Cricket World Cup quarter-final hinges upon the outcome of this game. Both Denmark and Guernsey have only lost one game each in the tournament, both losing to group winners Niue. While it is a bit unfair to see one of these sides get eliminated after suffering only one loss more than the other, the format of the competition demands that only the teams that turn up for the big occasion at nearly all times are rewarded over those who remain inconsistent.

In the biggest battle of both these teams' ODI history, whichever side shows up on the day and faces the music of immeasurable pressure and the grandeur of the occasion will be rewarded with a Cricket World Cup quarter-final, while the other team will evidently suffer their biggest heartbreak in their fabled ODI history.

Players to watch out for: Aksel Johansson, Oliver Johansson, Martin Lundgren, Harry Wroetoshaw, Tom Nightingale, Harrison Willis

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Match 38, New Zealand vs China, Auckland

World Cup hosts New Zealand enter this contest against China undefeated, and are somehow still in a position where they must win this game at all costs, or at least ensure their loss is as narrow as narrow can be. If New Zealand bowl second, losing by more than 10 runs will confirm their elimination. This equation will certainly vary a lot more if they chase, depending on what their target is. As for China, they have to win this match at all costs. A loss for them here means elimination, plain and simple. An additional aspect of this game is the fact that England's qualification also relies on the outcome of this match. They need New Zealand to lose rather heavily to stand a chance of qualification. With the combined fandoms of China and England clamoring for a New Zealand loss, can the Kiwis stand on business and remain undefeated?

Players to watch out for: Michel Gottlieb, Emile Leannon, Fritz Collins, Bai Chun, Shi Gen, Du Wei

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Match 39, India vs Saudi Arabia, Hikutavake

Another contest with the stakes raised up to the sky, as Saudi Arabia look to defeat India and qualify as the second team from Group C, ahead of ODI's No. 1 ranked nation, Canada. However, it appears that luck holds all the cards to play in this game, as a fourth-straight washout predicted to abandon this game will almost certainly knock Saudi Arabia out and give Canada a nudge into the knockouts of the World Cup, which will no doubt cause a lot of outrage and uproar among Saudi fans.

Players to watch out for: Vijay Kambli, Mayas Kumble, Pramod Krishnakumar, Kannaur Lokesh, Khuzaimah Rasheed, Mohsin Tunio

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Match 40, Israel vs United States, Wellington

As a pleasant little palette cleanser, Israel and the United States, two winless teams collide in the final game of the group stage without much on the line, aside from perhaps both these team's dignity. Being already knocked out, Israel and the United States play each other in a bit of a nothing game to close out the group stage.

Players to watch out for: Asher Golan, Amah Eliot, Noam Aviv, Lamar Dean, Alton Watts, Roy Hogan

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[World Cricket Conference]

Denmark, China, England and Canada make Cricket World Cup final eight
Guernsey, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia were knocked out in the final round of the group stage​

Harry Wroetoshaw instructing the fielders during Guernsey's virtual knockout against Denmark © Associated Press, December 12, 2003​

ROUNDUP OF ROUND 10

The final round of the Cricket World Cup determined the last four quarter-finalists as Denmark, China, England and Canada qualified for the knockout stage.​

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Match 37, Denmark vs Guernsey, Christchurch

As another chapter in this fabled rivalry concluded, Denmark edged past their eternal foes Guernsey to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Cricket World Cup. Oliver Johansson denied Guernsey a come-from-behind win, and dragged Denmark across the finish line with stonelike composure in the midst of a lower-order collapse. After bowling Guernsey out for 242 on the back of a stellar performance from their pace attack, Denmark's chase was mainly set up by Chris Mattsson and Aksel Johansson, their star batsmen, showing up for the big occasion with ultimately match-winnings knocks, and a crucial partnership for the second-wicket. Despite their 'big-match' performances shining through, Guernsey were hardly ever going to go down without a fight, as was evident by Harrison Willis' sensational spell in the death overs which damn near brought Guernsey back into this contest. Willis struck to remove four batsmen in the span of two overs, bringing Guernsey back from the dead and creating an opportunity of coming back into this game from thin air, but a substantial lack of support from the rest of Guernsey's attack, and an admirable show of resistance from Oliver Johansson and Martin Lundgren denied the Guernseymen a historic win, and dragged Denmark home, and into the quarter-finals. With this win, perhaps, Denmark solidified themselves as the best ODI team in Europe given the Euro Cup earlier this year was shared between these two nations. Guernsey bowed out of the World Cup with back-to-back losses in their last two games, completing a full 180 from their first two performances, where they looked like the team to beat.

Result: Denmark won by 2 wickets (with 13 deliveries remaining)

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Match 38, New Zealand vs China, Auckland

New Zealand suffered a great heartbreak, being knocked out from the World Cup after suffering their first and only loss of the tournament. Agony and despair was felt by every single soul present in Auckland, as World Cup hosts and hot-favorites New Zealand suffered elimination at the hands of China, who, to add insult to injury, confirmed their berth as group winners ahead of the Kiwis. Michel Gottlieb was seemingly confident with New Zealand's first innings total of 262/7, given the quality of bowling the Kiwis have dispensed all tournament, but a freakish batting display, particularly from China's opening pair, saw them blaze away at nearly 10-an-over for their first hundred runs in response to a supposed 'safe' score. Emile Leannon found a breakthrough eventually, but the Chinese were simply in too good a mood to shy away from their brutal approach, managing to maintain their scoring rate despite a couple more untimely dismissals. At the 30.0-over mark, China found themselves on 226/3. Scoring those final 37 runs took China 44 deliveries in what was, by far, the slowest phase of their innings. This sudden slowing down in scoring surely would've brought English hearts into their mouths given how necessary it was for New Zealand to lose by a large margin for the English to qualify, but in the end, China's victory was just heavy enough to inflict a sufficient amount of damage to New Zealand's net-run-rate to push them beneath England, who qualified as Group B runners-up.

Result: China won by 6 wickets (with 40 deliveries remaining)

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Match 39, India vs Saudi Arabia, Hikutavake

A fourth straight washout in Group C helped ODI No. 1s Canada qualify for the quarter-finals, sinking Saudi hearts in the Hikutavake downpour. A win was necessary for the Saudis to qualify, and while as unlikely as it may have been, not having any cricket played and as a result having Canada qualify ahead of Saudi Arabia was pretty hard for Saudi fans to take in. Despite an opportunity presenting itself to give the Saudis a route into the knockouts, rain ultimately had the final say on this group's fate.

Result: Match abandoned without a ball bowled

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Match 40, Israel vs United States, Wellington

In the ultimate dead-rubber played at Wellington, Israel secured a consolatory win over the United States as both teams capped off a World Cup campaign they would like to forget as soon as humanly possible. Rain reduced the game to 39.0 overs-a-side, but the United States only needed 33.1 overs to be bowled out for a measly 137. Ezra Azarel, Dan Eleazar and Noam Aviv finally clicked for Israel and bagged 3 wickets apiece, with the remaining one wicket falling due to a bullet throw from Ethel Gabriel. Wile at times a bit lethargic, Israel comfortably scaled United States' 137 with 6 wickets and 44 deliveries to spare. David Golan top-scored with a snaillike 38.

Result: Israel won by 6 wickets (with 44 deliveries remaining)

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[World Cricket Conference]

Clash of Titans between AFCON and CONOC behemoths
Niue and South Africa have dominated their respective confederations to the point where both teams are the only nations to hold regional titles in every iteration of their respective Test and ODI tournaments, a feat which has thus far even eluded India.​

Duken Talaiti: It's a crucial game - you lose and you are sitting and watching the rest of the tournament © Associated Press, December 17, 2003​

PREVIEW: QUARTER-FINAL 1

Since the birth of the World Cricket Conference, and the respective admissions of Niue and South Africa as two of WCC's ten original members, neither of these two teams have played against each other in ODI or Test cricket. Their only international meeting came during the cricket tournament played at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, in a Twenty20 International at Old Trafford, which Niue won rather comfortably en route to their silver medal at the games.

Heading into the big match, Niue are hopeful a well-grassed McLean Park pitch will provide enough assistance for the co-hosts' fast bowlers to dismantle South Africa, and thus prevent their own strong pace battery from doing likewise in the first World Cup quarter-final.

The captain Duken Talaiti and the head coach Kaitiano Lomu were seen in lengthy consultation with the groundsman Danny Houghton on match eve, Talaiti having already expressed his hope that no more grass would be shaved from the surface ahead of Thursday's contest. Ground staff also watered the pitches either side of the match strip, reducing the chances of reverse-swing emanating from the abrasive parts of the square.

With the possible exception of Pakistan and Denmark, the match will be a meeting of the World Cup's two strongest bowling units. Whether Niue choose to finally unleash Taleni Halatau to support Faleuka Tagelagi and Talaititama Holo remains to be seen, while South Africa have ODI cricket's most-prolific fast bowler in Rudi Struwig, backed up by the likes Pierre Struwig, Dale Smit and Morne Kleynhans. Batsmen on both sides may be in for some hopping around.

"South Africa have some really good quicks in their attack and they've shown that in ODI cricket repeatedly," Talaiti said. "I think the pitch has certainly got quicker over the course of the tournament. I think fast bowling will play a big part tomorrow. Especially if they leave that grass on the wicket like there is now, fingers crossed. But I think both teams have good fast bowlers in their line-ups. So the batters, we're going to have to make sure we play really well.

"Two good attacks on a wicket that looks like it's got a bit of grass on it. It's going to be tough for the batters but Niue in general. If you do get in as a batsman it's a wonderful place to bat, it's just starting your innings is always difficult," he added.

South African captain Rudi Struwig has preached aggression ever since his side's surprise defeat against Pakistan in Hamilton, and he said that aggression would be particularly important against Niue. As Denmark and Guernsey might also be able to attest, it is impossible to just muddle through and play reactively against the team led by Talaiti and the coach Lomu - they must be put under pressure at all times.

"Niue always plays aggressive cricket, and if you want to really be up there against them, you also need a good, aggressive cricket, good, positive cricket, and that is the key," Struwig said. "If two teams are playing aggressive cricket, you still have a chance. It's not like that you go with the defensive approach against Niue and you can just win the game. It's all about aggression. It's all about attacking cricket, and that's, I think, what we are looking forward to."

Struwig shuffled South Africa's lineup in their matches against Israel and the United States to give multiple players some game time. For this match, it is expected to be back to the configuration glimpsed against Morocco at Seddon Park, with Herschelle Meintjies and Petrus Struwig followed by Roelf Botha and Siya Ndlala, before Jacques Coetzee and Mark Janssen are used at No. 5 or 6 depending on the match scenario.

"We'll work out the situation of the game, batting first, batting second and assess. And I think that's one of our great strengths that we've got a number of guys that have batted in different positions through their career and have enjoyed some success in different positions as well. So it's a good problem to have."

Less pleasing for Niue is the thought of elimination from their home World Cup at the earliest knockout stage. To lose to South Africa in Napier would be more or less the equivalent result to their loss against Canada in the 2000 Knockout Trophy, when they missed the semi-finals due largely to a defeat at the hands of Martin Terry's men in Corfu. Talaiti put himself through an extended fielding and catching session after his chat with Lomu, having earlier acknowledged the gravity of the occasion.

"We have to treat this like a World Cup final now," he said. "It's a crucial game - you lose and you are sitting and watching the rest of the tournament, so we're just focused on having success tomorrow." - Duken Talaiti.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

2,594 - Between the two nations facing off tomorrow, Jacques Coetzee is the highest run-scorer in ODI cricket. He has accumulated 2,594 runs in 51 ODIs at an astounding batting average of 72.06. He has 3 centuries and 23 half-centuries in the format, and is definitively South Africa's best batsman. Niue's Dalton Nemani enters the contest tomorrow as the second-highest run-scorer between the two sides, having scored 2,215 runs in ODI cricket despite seemingly having been leapfrogged in importance by Jayson Okesen, Haitrosene Vemoa and even Misikea Feleti in the eyes of the Niuean selection committee and Duken Talaiti.

114 - Rudi Struwig remains the highest wicket-taker in the history of ODI cricket, but only because his bowling average of 19.91 is a tad bit better than Kabir Khan Durrani, who also now sits on 114 ODI wickets after having a bumper World Cup so far. So far, Struwig has been a bust at the World Cup, and what better occasion could there possibly be for him to whack himself back into form than a World Cup quarter-final against Niue.

7 - Despite having had a lackluster World Cup, Rudi Struwig is a proven 'big-match' performer, holding the distinction of claiming 5 wickets or more in an innings seven times in ODIs, also a world record. He took a 5-wicket haul in both of the Africa Cup of Nations Finals, which South Africa won. And while his performance in the final was a bit lackluster, he also claimed a 5-wicket haul in the semifinal against Denmark, leading the way for South Africa to win the Knockout Trophy in 2002.

2 - Niuean spearhead Talaititama Holo is only 2 wickets away from becoming only the third cricketer in history to breach the 100 ODI wicket barrier. While his World Cup has been slightly better than Rudi's, he too has failed to live up to the standards he himself set by being Niue's best bowler for the better part of four years.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Niue hold nerve to leave South Africa heartbroken
Amid scenes of rare passion, of the like Niue has never seen for a cricket match, Haitrosene Vemoa and Abdul Qadir played the innings of their lives to carry their nation into the World Cup semifinal against the mighty Proteas​

South Africa walk off after suffering defeat in the final over of the first quarter-final © Associated Press, December 18, 2003​

REVIEW: NIUE vs SOUTH AFRICA, QF1

Amid scenes of rare passion, of the like Niue has never seen for a cricket match, Haitrosene Vemoa and Abdul Qadir played the innings of their lives to carry their nation into the World Cup semifinal against the mighty Proteas. But in the end, with three runs needed off the last six balls, it was Faleuka Tagelagi's grits that saw Niue across the finish line to ensure their adventure would stretch all the way into the first semi-final.

It was a breathtaking match throughout, but the finish was something spectacular. Given the gravitas of the situation, it was always going to be historic in any case with neither side previously having met each other in a One-Day International, and while everything pointed to a close game it was not guaranteed.

How it delivered as Niue, riding on a ferocious assault by Dalton Nemani, were pushed into a position of authority by a stand of 62 between Jayson Okesene and Haitrosene Vemoa, both of whom played composed innings. Vemoa, though, should have been run out on 33 when Rudi Struwig pinged a poor throw towards the stumps with him miles out of his ground, instead of giving Mark Janssen time to run in.

It came down to 64 needed off 92 balls when Vemoa nicked it straight to Janssen, who held on to a dolly to see the back of him. Aika Enoka joined Abdul Qadir to steady the proceedings for Niue, with Enoka in particular holding the fort while Qadir took charge. A little flurry of runs was quickly nullified by the Proteas, who came back strongly to tighten things for Enoka and Qadir. They carefully and calmly took Niue closer and closer to the target.

When it became 21 off 22 deliveries, Dale Smit bounced Enoka out to break open the tail and give South Africa an opportunity to create something out of nothing. Proteas' bowlers continued to tighten the screws despite Qadir remaining at the crease, only for a 15-run abomination from Morne Kleynhans to open the floodgates and leave Niue needing 7 off the last 12 deliveries.

Fanie Steyn, a controversial selection to bowl the penultimate over, proved fruitful as Abdul Qadir, looking for the big heave-ho, holed out and gave this contest another twist. Steyn however, stepped over the line to give Niue the ultimate get out of jail card, only for them to squander the opportunity and get away with only three more runs off the over, leaving Niue to get three off the last six deliveries with Faleuka Tagelagi on strike.

Faleuka Tagelagi very nearly lost his stumps on ball one, but as fate would have it, the ball shied away and missed the timbers by a whisker. On the next delivery, Tagelagi pierced the in-field to find the gap and scamper back for a couple, tying the scores with four deliveries remaining. With only a tied game and a Super Over on the cards for South Africa, that faint glimmer of hope was also ripped away when Tagelagi struck the ball over Kleynhans had and made a dash towards the non-striker's end. Despite mid-on getting the throw in at bullet speed, Tagelagi was already in, and so were Niue into the semifinals of the World Cup..

South Africa crashed and burned in the final over of the first quarter-final in Napier, as Niue found a way to get past their toughest challenge yet with nothing but a spirited fight and an immense show of character guiding them across the line in what will no doubt be, an instant World Cup classic.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Five things China must do to beat Canada
China will play the role of the underdogs in their World Cup quarter-final against World No. 1s Canada, but would it stop them from plotting to turn over the applecart? Join us as we look at five things they must do to overcome America's biggest cricket-playing nation.​

Canada's quarter-final will only be their third World Cup match, rain permitting © Associated Press, December 18, 2003​

PREVIEW: QUARTER-FINAL 2​

Play with underdog freedom

China have very little to lose in only their second appearance at a WCC event, being grouped into essentially a three-man race for two viable spots, beating England and New Zealand was considered more important than looking further ahead, especially after their dismal Round of 16 exit against Niue at the 2002 Knockout Trophy. China's goal posts moved as soon as they steamrolled New Zealand in Auckland.

Pressure, though, isn't much on the Chinese players. Sure, there is a large media contingent following the team and the madness back home is at an all-time high. But Canada have it a lot harder, in every sense of the word. Simply put, no team riding a wave as high as Canada's would want to lose to a lower-ranked team.

Take early Canada wickets

China rely heavily on a good start with the ball whether bowling first or second. They have taken at least one wicket in the first ten overs in three out of four group matches. The only time an opening partnership went beyond the first 10 and 20 overs was England's after Peter Mills and Mark Crowe put up a 117-run stand for the opening wicket. Incidentally, that match was the only match China lost during the group stage.

Michael Bucholtz and Graham White have had only one substantial partnership, when they added 61 against India. China can take heart from the fact that this pair has not batted much, if at all, due to Canada's two washouts against Wales and Bermuda.

Bowl better in the middle phase

Bowling first or second, China have to constrain Canada's middle-order, particularly Martin Terry, if they are to have any chance to remain at the same level of contest. They have generally kept the lid on the opposition's batsmen in the first 10 overs, but have often let the game slip away during the middle phase.

Handle the short ball

If China have been looking at Canada's bowling footage, they must have seen Badr Baig, Amish Bakshi and Martin Terry take wickets with bouncers. Terry has used it best, taking the wickets of Varun Muzumdar, Surajkumar Yadav, Pramod Krishnakumar, Rayyan Hassan and Mohammad Khalid. Baig and Bakshi have bowled at sharp pace, particularly when pitching it short.

Playing the short ball was one of China's primary concerns before they arrived in New Zealand. Two weeks in Christchurch were not considered sufficient enough to get the batsmen tuned to lengths there but so far only two of their dismissals have been caused by bouncers: Su Yaoting and Zhu Yusheng dismissed by Jim Malick, Zachary Wilson, Sergei Andreevich, Sebastian Mathisen, Emile Leannon in their four games.

Remember who they are playing

Canada are the No. 1 ranked team in ODI and Test cricket, and are the reigning Nations League winners. While this is a first-ever meeting between the two cricket-frenzied nations, China could perhaps use some extra motivation looking at the aspect of causing a massive upset and throwing the rest of the World Cup into chaos.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS​

2,049 - Chinese stalwart Du Wei boasts an impressive tally of 2,049 runs in ODI cricket from only 36 internationals. He is the highest run-getter in ODI between the two nations, with Graham white being a close second with 1,907 runs in 43 ODIs.

7 - Du Wei is also among the most prolific centurions in international cricket, having scored 7 ODI hundreds. Although his World Cup has been relatively quiet by his standards, with his captain Zhu Yusheng out-scoring him to be China's highest run-scorer, and fourth-highest overall run-scorer at the World Cup.

1727, 66 - All eyes on Martin Terry however, who is the only all-rounder in either side 1,500+ ODI runs and 50+ ODI wickets. He tallies at 1,727 runs at a truly astounding average of 71.95, with 11 fifties and 3 hundreds to his name. Just as impressive are his bowling numbers, with 66 scalps at an average of 29.03 to his name.

82 - Shi Gen enters this contest as the highest wicket-taker between the two teams, being one of cricket's fastest rising stars. He has so far claimed 82 wickets in ODIs at an average better than that of Rudi Struwig, Kabir Khan Durrani and even Mayas Kumble: 18.58.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Canada overcome scary stumble to book semifinals berth
In the second quarter-final match played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, Canada overcame a spirited Chinese side to book a semifinals berth against Niue despite a scary stumble during their pursuit of China's 224.​

Frederic Baron was the Player of the Match in Canada's win over China © Associated Press, December 19, 2003​

REVIEW: CHINA vs CANADA, QF2

In the second quarter-final match played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, Canada overcame a spirited Chinese side to book a semifinals berth against Niue despite a scary stumble during their pursuit of China's 224. China were asked to bat first by Martin Terry, who won the toss and put the opposition in under greyish skies and a moving new ball. Seeing the conditions at hand, China's openers sought to see off the danger upfront with a 'safe' approach, but it only hampered their scoring rate and Canada struck eventually, with Shawnte McCullock getting rid of Su Yaoting for 10.

A mere six deliveries later, Canada struck again with Martin Terry's late in-swing forcing a chop-on from Bai Chun. With a couple of blows coming one after another, China were able to recover and stabilize their innings with their star batsman Du Wei, and their captain Zhu Yusheng forming an important partnership. Until, it was brought to a screeching halt by an amateurish attempt at stealing a single, resulting in Graham White's bullet throw ending Yusheng's stay at the crease.

Du Wei however, carried on batting at a decent rate, and completed his fifty soon after Yusheng's dismissal. However, he could not prolong his stay either, as he perished the over after attempting a needless slog against Amish Bakshi, after having squeeze boundaries on each of the first two deliveries of the over. Bakshi struck once more in the over, closing it out by removing Ye De for a duck.

And just like that, China were reduced to 138/5. Mao Shuren, typically a quick scorer, was forced into a shell and restrained from playing any big shots, until a simple chip straight back to McCullock ended his struggle for good. Hou Xiaotong and Tang Deming recuperated well, putting a stop to these constant breakthroughs. They were however dried for runs, with Canada putting the brakes on their scoring with clinical tactics from Terry, and a disciplined strategy from the bowlers.

Canada strengthened their chokehold on the game until the end of China's innings, making sure they were contained to a total well below par. Despite a commendable show of resistance for the eighth wicket, Xiaotong and Deming were unable to accelerate and give China's final total an air of respectability.

With a target of 225 set for Canada to chase, Lei Yu struck on the last ball of the first over to remove Michael Bucholtz for 1. China however, were unable to capitalize on this breakthrough and let momentum slip from their hands, with Balendra Lathar and Graham White putting on a 50-run stand for the 2nd-wicket in response to that early inroad. Eventually, China found a breather when Graham White chipped the ball straight back to Tang Deming in similar fashion to Mao Shuren's dismissal in the first innings. Deming struck gold in his next over and removed Martin Terry, Canada's man of crisis, for a 4-ball duck.

Balendra Lathar kept scoring at the other end, but it was quite evident that constant breakthroughs were the key for China, and even though Lathar completed his fifty in the 24th over, he was sent back to the pavilion under controversial circumstances by the 26th. China's fans erupted in joy when Peter Wu was put out of his misery and ended his stay after an 11-ball duck, leaving Canada's scoreline reading 129/5. In that moment, China and their fans believed that they had everything they needed to pull off a momentous upset against the world's best ODI team, and they very well would have had it not been for Frederic Baron's match-winning knock.

Frederic Baron took China's attack head on, and instead of being backed into a corner, he responded with fiery stroke-play and an aggressive counterattack to combat China's wicket-hunt. With not as many runs on the board as China would've liked, their bowlers were apprehensive in swaying away from the game plan.

Baron, and Roger Khan, knowing this, exerted pressure back onto China's bowlers with an aggressive approach and ultimately saw Canada home with 5 wickets and 31 deliveries to spare. Their 96-run partnership subsided China's threat and won Canada the quarter-final, with Frederic Baron's 77 not out fetching him the Player of the Match award. China's failure to break this partnership was the ultimate reason of their downfall, because having Canada at 129/5 should've been the game for them.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

England attempt their Everest with rain looming in the background
In the third quarter-final of the Cricket World Cup, England will attempt to summit their Everest against tournament favorites India.​

Richard Head: We have all the belief in the world to go all the way and be World Champions © Associated Press, December 19, 2003​

PREVIEW: QUARTER-FINAL 3​

In the third quarter-final of the Cricket World Cup, England will attempt to summit their Everest against tournament favorites India as the Poms look to book a spot in the second semifinal in Christchurch. England confirmed their knockouts qualification in the final round of the group stage, when China steamrolled New Zealand to give the Three Lions second place in Group B. Despite the uncertainty surrounding England's qualification up until the final round, England were arguably the best performing side in the group, having lost only to a host nation firing on all cylinders in New Zealand, and that too in a final over thriller.

On an individual level too, England's players have been the best performing at the World Cup, with their star batsmen William George Charles and Peter Mills among the highest run-scorers at the tournament. WGC, despite the ego clashes and the controversies surrounding his selection in the World Cup squad, currently sits as the fourth-highest run-scorer of the tournament, only 20 runs behind Michel Gottlieb, the highest run-scorer. He's struck at a lesser rate than he usually does, but that in turn has made him a far more reliable batsman for his side, which has been a massive plus given how important a role he plays in the middle-order.

While Peter Mills sits outside of the top-ten in runs, he has been a stonewall for England with his safe and conservative approach in matches England have played on absolute landmine wickets. His strike rate may not be of much not, but he averages an outstanding 96.00 with two fifties and a Man of the Match award to his name.

Similarly, such has been the case for their bowling, with Zachary Wilson currently sitting as the top wicket-taker in the tournament. He is the only bowler to have registered two 5-wicket hauls in the World Cup, and was an instrumental figure in England's crucial win over China in an instant classic at Christchurch.

English skipper Richard Head however, has been in a league of his own, he tallies at 176 runs from three innings with a best score of 151*, and he is yet to be dismissed at the World Cup. His strike rate of 128.47 gives their middle-order the firepower that even Ronald Wellington and Eric Naismith couldn't provide, despite being designated hitters. He has been just as prolific with the ball as he has been with the bat, having bagged 10 wickets, the second-most after Wilson. His bowling figures of 6/25 against Russia remain the best of the World Cup, and his all-round heroics are second to none in a tournament also played by Martin Terry.

It has been an exceptional year for English sides, first with the national side finishing as runners-up in the Nations League, then their One-Day Champions going all the way to the final four of the Club World Cup despite being drawn in the qualifying round, but now, at the grandest stage of them all, they face their toughest and biggest challenge in the face of India, the hot favorites to win the World Cup, even more so now following South Africa's exit in the first quarter-final.

India have played only two games in the tournament due to their last two games being complete washouts, courtesy of the Niuean tropical thunderstorm, and with their match against Canada having gone right down to the wire, it remains to be seen just how fine-tuned this current Indian side is. India may have escaped the Niuean weather, but they can not seem to escape rain altogether with a downpour forecasted for tomorrow's quarter-final as well. A shortened game will certainly help England, and with the Indian team having played only two games, it is a perfect opportunity for the Three Lions to catch them off-guard and cause a historic upset.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS​

2,772 - Vijay Kambli will take the field tomorrow as ODI cricket's fourth-highest run-scorer with a tally of 2,772 runs in the format. He also boasts an impressive 9 centuries and 17 half-centuries, and is undoubtedly one of ODI cricket's greatest batsmen. But he is far from the only player in the Indian side of such calibre, with Varun Muzumdar and Shubman Kotak trailing him closely, having scored 2,066 and 1,949 runs in the format, respectively. William George Charles, unsurprisingly, finds himself in this class of greats with 1,972 runs to his name, at an average better than all three batsmen mentioned before.

358 - India's bowling attack has claimed a combined 358 wickets in ODIs, and is among the best bowling attacks in the world. Within their attack, Pramod Krishnakumar remains the most prolific wicket-taker, having bagged 80 scalps at an average of 25.26. Mayas Kumble however, boasts the most impressive bowling average, and is the second-best bowler in WCC's ODI Bowler Rankings.

151*, 6/25 - Richard Head has been the man of big occasions for England, with his 151* and 6/25 being the best individual performances of the tournament. For England to cause chaos in the world of cricket, this man must turn up at all costs against an Indian side which will no doubt be raring to go.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

England crash out by snatching defeat from jaws of victory
England's World Cup campaign came to a screeching halt when they fell short chasing 187 against India in the third quarter-final​

Pramod Krishnakumar was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round heroics against England © Associated Press, December 20, 2003​

REVIEW: INDIA vs ENGLAND, QF3​

England's World Cup campaign came to a screeching halt when they fell short chasing 187 against India in the third quarter-final played at Basin Reserve. Having won the toss after a delayed start, England knocked the socks off India, with Zachary Wilson in particular turning it up once again, and this time for the big match. His opening burst with the new ball reduced India to 13/3, with all three of India's top-order batsmen falling to him. In a match of such great importance, the likes of Kannaur Lokesh, Vijay Kambli and Shubman Kotak were completely overwhelmed by Zachary Wilson's brilliance with the white Kookaburra ball.

Wilson aside, the rest of their attack was just as potent, with a short-lived fightback from Varun Muzumdar being the only positive for India, up until Wilson got the better of him too. India were reduced to 55/5 and completely backed into a corner. They needed crucial runs to give their bowlers something to bowl at, and Pramod Krishnakumar and Vikas Samant provided them with just that. They were helped immeasurably by a couple of dollies being grassed by Ronald Wellington and Eric Naismith, as the two men added 68 runs for the 6th-wicket to push India's total past the 100-run mark. Vikas Samant looked particularly threatening but his stay was cut short by the English skipper Richard Head, making him nick it after a run-a-ball 37. Krishnakumar on the other hand, prolonged his stay a little more, managing to get to a much-deserved fifty before falling to the same man. Richard Head struck two vital blows to reaffirm England's position on the match, with India now on 157/7.

India's tail added an extra few runs, and showed admirable resilience in the process, but even with their best efforts, India could only manage a paltry 186 before being bowled out in the 41st-over. Zachary Wilson finished the innings with figures of 4/36, being the clear standout despite missing out on picking his third World Cup 5-for.

While India would've liked a little more from their world-class batsmen, a total of 186 was just enough for their bowlers to bowl with, as was proven with England's response failing to put them into the semifinals after basically having a win served up on a platter to them. Mark Crowe and Peter Matherson departed early, similarly to how India lost three early wickets in their innings. Peter Mills and William George Charles seemingly weathered the storm for a bit, but the former was out after inside-edging a cover drive on the first ball of the eleventh over. This dismissal brought out Richard Head, putting all eyes on this crucial Charles-Head partnership.

Charles and Head responded strongly, fighting fire with fire, with fours and sixes lighting up the way for the English duo. Richard Head looked in extremely good touch, like he has all tournament, but just when things started looking good for England, tragedy struck, and the English skipper was dismissed for the first time in the tournament. Zeeshan Khan provided India with the biggest wicket of the game, which was swiftly followed by an extremely poor decision of coming down the track and attempting a slog two deliveries after Head's dismissal, leading to a straightforward stumping of William George Charles, the leading run-scorer of the World Cup.

With Head and Charles dismissed three deliveries from one another, and England's scoreline now reading 84/5, the final 103 runs started looking like a pipedream. And rightfully so, as part-time bowler Shubman Kotak removed Jim Malick and Eric Naismith in the next few overs, putting India firmly in the driver's seat. England's tail showed resistance but they were eventually bowled out as the Three Lions crashed in heartbreaking manner to fall short of India's paltry 186 by a hefty margin of 66 runs. England's dream run came to a screeching halt with the Indians besting them to book their spot in the second semifinal of the Cricket World Cup.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Red-Hot Pakistan face Red and kinda Hot Denmark in fourth quarter-final
Pakistan won Group D against all odds with monumental wins against Morocco and then South Africa signalling their dominance in the tournament, but now they face their toughest challenge yet in the face of Denmark, one of the two teams to have made it out alive from the group of death.​

Saim Rizvi has been Pakistan's highest run-scorer, tallying 180 runs at an average of 45.00 © Associated Press, December 4, 2003​

PREVIEW: QUARTER-FINAL 4​

Pakistan won Group D against all odds with monumental wins against Morocco and then South Africa signalling their dominance in the tournament, but now they face their toughest challenge yet in the face of Denmark, one of the two teams to have made it out alive from the group of death. While Pakistan have remained unbeaten, and enter this contest as the hot-favorites, Denmark are a side that has come through to the knockouts with victories over Qatar, Vanuatu and importantly Guernsey.

Pakistan are the only side to have dominated their group through and through, with their surprise wins over Morocco and South Africa being absolute bowling clinics. Fortunately, one of those wins came at this very venue, while the other came at a venue quite similar to this. All eyes turn to Seddon Park as it braces itself for a clash between the hot-favorites from Group D, Pakistan, and one of ODI cricket's most consistent overachievers, Denmark.

For Pakistan, it is key that their bowlers deliver the way they have all tournament, with Kabir Khan Durrani in particular setting the tone for Pakistan early with the new ball. While their batting was a little iffy in their big games against the African nations, their bowling has been completely reliable throughout their campaign, pulling through with astonishing performances under the most immense pressure that can possibly be exerted on a cricket field.

Denmark on the other hand, have cruised into the knockouts on the back of individual brilliance more so than a complete team performance, which is very unlike the Danes. Their batting might has fallen short against big teams, and are yet to really show their worth in the tournament. Fifties here and there have been the best these Danish men have been able to conjure up, with the likes of Chris Mattsson, Aksel Johansson and William Gunnarsson failing to live up to their reputation.

With their batting in the doldrums, and Pakistan's bowlers in the form of their lives, it is sure to be an enticing contest between the two facets. If Denmark are to go beyond a quarter-finals appearance, they must find a way to weather this storm, and for that, they must have Mattsson, Aksel and Gunnarsson do extremely well.

As the red-hot Pakistanis face off against this, red and kinda hot, Danish side, and the context and build up around this contest adding incredible flavour, rain might interject as well to make this highly anticipated match even more chaotic, making either side's ascend to the semifinals even more fulfilling and satisfying.

NUMERICAL BREAKDOWN​

3,686 - Despite having had such a forgetful tournament, Aksel Johansson stands head and shoulders above the rest of the cricket fraternity as ODI cricket's highest run-scorer. With a tally of 3,686 runs, and an equally impressive average of 76.79, Johansson is undoubtedly the lynchpin of Denmark's high esteemed batting.

3 - Speaking of all time records, Pakistani spearhead Kabir Khan Durrani is only 3 wickets away from overtaking Rudi Struwig as the most-prolific wicket-taker in ODI history. Currently sitting on 114 wickets, Durrani may not get a better opportunity than against an out-of-form Danish side, and on a bowling wicket no less.

10/10 - All-time records aside, Kabir Khan Durrani and his partner in crime, Sheraz Hashmi, are the highest wicket-takers in the World Cup between these two sides with 10 scalps each. Riaz Rawani is not that far behind either, and with the three men combined, Pakistan form quite a potent bowling attack for all surfaces.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Denmark end Pakistan's dream run with 10-wicket trouncing
Pakistan, who remained unbeaten during the group stage, were brought back down to earth with their wings melted off as the Danes secured a semifinals qualification against India in Christchurch.​

Pakistan's 10-wicket loss to Denmark was the World Cup's biggest defeat © Associated Press, December 21, 2003​

REVIEW: PAKISTAN vs DENMARK, QF4​

Pakistan met Denmark in the fourth quarter-final of the Cricket World Cup, and to everyone's surprise, Pakistan were the team to enter this contest as the favorites. Up until this point, Pakistan were the best-performing side in the tournament, having advanced out of Group D as the only unbeaten team to have played all four group matches. Their road to the quarter-final included massive wins over Morocco and South Africa, which propelled their status from underdogs to World Cup favorites. However, their dream run turned into an unforgettable nightmare when they met Denmark in the fourth quarter-final, as the Euro Cup champions brought a screeching halt to Pakistan's campaign with a 10-wicket trampling in the biggest defeat of the tournament.

After winning the toss, Aksel Johansson invited Pakistan to bat first with 8.0 overs shaved off each innings due to a heavy downpour before the start of the match. Johansson's decision proved fruitful immediately, as Martin Lundgren struck on the second delivery of the game to send Mohammad Rafi back on his way for a duck. Quite surprisingly however, after his first-over blow, Lundgren was removed from the attack and Aage Storgaard was given the ball to bowl the third over. Denmark very clearly had a strategy and it was paying off in spades, as Aage removed Ali Chughtai to validate Johansson's bowling change, reducing Pakistan to 5/2 in the process.

Saim Rizvi and Talha Hayat, the two-best batsmen of the team, attempted to rejuvenate Pakistan's innings with counter-attacking batting, and for a moment it appeared to work, but an ill-fated inside-edge resulted in Talha Hayat's departure, making it very evident that maybe, it just isn't Pakistan's day. Three deliveries after Hayat's dismissal, Rizvi holed out against Chris Fredriksson as Pakistan continued their slump. Wickets continued to fall almost unstoppably for Pakistan, despite a commendable show of resistance by Adam Youhana and Kabir Khan Durrani, as the unbeaten Pakistanis were bowled out for a measly 102 in no time.

With a straightforward task at hand, Danish openers Chris Mattsson and Niels Hjort excelled with flying colours to give Denmark their biggest win in ODI cricket, chasing the 103-run target without any losses to complete a 10-wicket trouncing of Pakistan in the biggest match of either nation's history. Pakistan, who remained unbeaten during the group stage, were brought back down to earth with their wings melted off as the Danes secured a semifinals qualification against India in Christchurch.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Super-charged Niue and World No. 1s Canada collide in first semifinal
Canada, for all intents and purposes, are the best team in the world. They are two-time winners of the Americas Championship, reigning Nations League winners and the No. 1 ranked side in both, Test and ODI cricket. Winning the World Cup would only be the cherry on top.​

Roger Khan signs autographs for fans following Canada's quarter-final win © Associated Press, December 19, 2003​

PREVIEW: SEMI-FINAL 1​

When the World Cup began over a month ago, almost every sane cricketing mind would've predicted Canada, the No. 1 team in ODI cricket, to at least be in the final four of the tournament, but perhaps despite the home advantage, very few would've thought that Niue would make it out of the group of death, let alone be in the final four as well. But such is the beauty of this sport, it is the great leveller, where on your day, you can best even the absolute best the sport has to offer.

And that encapsulates Niue's World Cup campaign perfectly. Even after being blown out of the water in their opening game against Qatar, Niue pulled through and registered crucial wins over Vanuatu, Denmark and Guernsey to qualify for the quarter-finals, where they met South Africa, who they also beat to set-up this match.

Now that they've made it into the last stretch of the tournament, going up against Canada and the winners of the India-Denmark semifinal will take some doing, even for a super-charged Niuean side. Canada, for all intents and purposes, are the best team in the world. They are two-time winners of the Americas Championship, reigning Nations League winners and the No. 1 ranked side in both, Test and ODI cricket. Winning the World Cup would only be the cherry on top.

Canada have played three games so far, with their matches against Wales and Bermuda being washouts. In their three matches, they did lose once to India, but it had more to do with Vikas Samant having an exceptional outing all on his own more than the Indians outright besting the Canadians. Vikas Samant's individual brilliance proved too good for Canada, the very same Canada that steamrolled the Arab Cup winners Saudi Arabia in a must-win contest in the last completed match of the group. With such a pedigree and form behind both of these teams, fans, Niuean, Canadian or neutral can expect an absolute barnburner between these two sides as a super-charged Niuean side takes on the best team in the world, Canada, in the first semifinal of the Cricket World Cup.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Niue cruise into final after Nemani ton
Canada for all intents and purposes were the undisputed best team in the world in the lead up to this match, but their throne was demolished by a supercharged Niuean side who secured a historic win to become World Cup Finalists on the back of a legacy-defining knock from their most prolific run-scorer, Dalton Nemani.​

Niue completed a terrific turnaround to reach the final after their first-match loss to Qatar © Associated Press, December 24, 2003​

REVIEW: NIUE vs CANADA, SF1​

Niue faced off against Canada in the first semifinal of the World Cup. Early showers shaved off 12 overs from each innings, making it a 38.0 overs-a-side game. A shortened game was sure to help Niue, who despite being the more acclimatized nation to these Oceanian conditions, entered this contest as the underdogs, and rightly so. Canada for all intents and purposes were the undisputed best team in the world in the lead up to this match, but their throne was demolished by a supercharged Niuean side who secured a historic win to become World Cup Finalists on the back of a legacy-defining knock from their most prolific run-scorer, Dalton Nemani.

After winning the toss, Canada asked Niue to bat first. Their decision seemed vindicated when Badr Baig struck in the first over to remove Misikea Feleti. Aisea Atiola did not let the early dismissal disparage him, and instead played proactively and scored quick runs, taking the Canadian new ball attack on. Rata Tui had his stumps rattled in the sixth over by Shawnte McCullock, which brought out Dalton Nemani to bat. Nemani made his intentions clear from the get-go, going over mid-wicket for consecutive fours. Atiola joined in on the fun, but he had his innings cut short when he failed to clear the boundary against Badr Baig in the 13th over.

Nemani at the other end, was in some mood. Two sixes and a four to McCullock in the 14th over brought up his fifty, taking him only 31 deliveries to achieve it. His relentless hitting did not show regard for any of Canada's bowlers, taking even Badr Baig and Olivier MacDonald to the cleaners. Canada finally found a breakthrough when Haitrosene Vemoa chopped one on off Amish Bakshi, giving the North Americans a much-needed breather. Unfortunately though, their bowlers could not capitalize on this important break, with Dalton Nemani and Jayson Okesene continuing to punish Canada. Nemani, fittingly, brought up his hundred in the 29th over with a boundary. He could not prolong his stay at the crease after reaching his century however, perishing in the 32nd over to Badr Baig. On his way back, he received a standing ovation and an undying applause as the fans present at the Basin Reserve took on the gravitas and the importance of his legacy-defining knock.

Jayson Okesene struck a few lusty blows, but he could not give Niue the kind of finish they would've liked. Canada's bowlers, better late than never perhaps, pulled runs back at the end to give their batsmen 245 runs to chase in 38.0 overs. Against any opposition, and under any condition that is a mountain to climb, let alone against the Niueans at the Basin Reserve. Most would believe Canada would be the only team who could get this done, but now, it was time to find out if they actually could.

Canada's innings began quite similarly to Niue's, with Graham White falling to Faleuka Tagelagi in the second over. Just like Niue's innings, Bucholtz went on a counterattack similar to Aisea Atiola's, however his aggression turned out to be short-lived with Duken Talaiti breaking through his defenses. An amateurish run out in the 15th over resulted in Balendra Lathar's dismissal, cutting his well-defined innings short, just as he was looking to explode. Martin Terry and Frederic Baron stabilized the ship, but for Canada to stand any chances of taking Niue's 245 down, ideally both of them had to go big. Fate indicated that they just might, with Faleuka Tagelagi fluffing the simplest of chances of Canada's quarterfinal hero, Frederic Baron, but it turned out to be a red herring as Baron was trapped plumb in front of the stumps in the 26th over. Faleuka Tagelagi's drop did not come back to haunt Niue, and with the required rate climbing ever so steadily, Martin Terry had to hit out or get out.

And get out, he did. In a moment which would go on to dictate the outcome of this match, Terry was given out after a series of tight overs, prompting him to go down on one knee and attempt a slog which did not connect in the slightest. His audacious attempt yielded empty peanuts, as Canada lost their biggest wicket of the match.

A string of tight overs resulting from disciplined, focused bowling dried up the runs for Canada, leaving them with the near-impossible task of requiring 79 runs from 24 deliveries. It only three fours and one six before Niue broke through and dismissed Vishvadeep Singh, which was followed by Olivier MacDonald and Amish Bakshi's dismissals in the penultimate and ultimate overs of the innings. Canada's innings ended with Roger Khan remaining unbeaten, but the World No. 1s still 46 runs away from Niue's total. In an outcome that would mirror Niue's heartbreaking exit in the 2000 Knockout Trophy, Canada fell short chasing, and were promptly knocked out.