24 Feb - South Africa vs West Indies

[angryangy]

The whole point of someone like Pollard is that 'x factor' and that means it won't always come off. The top order gave him absolutely no platform to make a score and he came up against the best bowler in the world bowling a beauty, so I think you're being a bit harsh on him.

Indeed, to put all the focus on Pollard is to give the rest of them no credit for being terrible.

 

[Sureshot]

Stupid tactics from West Indies, wasted the powerplay and a chance to score 260/270, which would have made a game of it. The two Bravo's played very well, Shiv looked cautious and a bit docile. Credit to Tahir, and amazing to think South Africa of all sides are playing 3 spinners.

 

[used2bcool]

That collapse was horrible but it happens to every team I think. West Indies looked in control for long periods in their innings, only to lose wickets against the run of play (both Bravos). Imran Tahir looked a serviceable spinner, but I think his bigger tests will come against more consistent batting lineups.

I don't know about Pollard, he seems to perform only for T20 franchises. His international record in any format is pathetic. Maybe it has to do with facing world class bowling consistently, which is something you don't get playing at club/domestic level. I would say that he's going the way of Afridi, but Afridi's a case of potential never being realized, whereas I'm not so sure Pollard has potential at all.

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By the way, do you guys think there's any chance West Indies can defend this? Maybe a couple of early wickets for Roach?

 

[AbhishekS]

By the way, do you guys think there's any chance West Indies can defend this? Maybe a couple of early wickets for Roach?

I would certainly like to see that happen but the chances are pretty slim.

 

[Sureshot]

Looks like a very nasty injury to Dwayne Bravo, could be out of the World Cup.

 

[Gaurav_7]

Yeah, that just adds to West Indies' worries. He is the man you would look for if WI are to do well this tournament.

That was the longest shout for a catch I've ever heard.

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

Great knock by AB Devillers really looks a solid candidate for most runs in the tournament

 

[ZexyZahid]

This is pretty tragic. I am reading that the police weren't allowing food in the stadium. This doesn't make sense. The cricket players are top athletes, so they need energy to bat and field.

Also de Villiers really would want the rain go away.

 

[Sureshot]

Yup, apparently they didn't let Boycott take his sandwiches in. Pathetic, but then hardly surprising, India cannot host big tournaments, we saw it in Commonwealth Games, we're seeing it here.

Great knock from AB. South Africa look like a well organised team.

Edit: After seeing his message this morning, apparently Boycott was allowed to take his sarnies in. But there were some catering trucks that were turned away.

 

[icyman]

It's Delhi. It only happens in Delhi

 

[Haarithan]

AB de Villier's century today means thats his third consecutive 100 against the Windies and also the third consecutive one in India ! Truly fascinating cricketer and easily the world's best player of the inside-out shot over extra cover . Only Morgan seems to be a touch nearer to him regarding that shot .

 

[Dare]

WOW disappointing all around. To see that the only player that put up any kind of fight was the least experienced. I also cant believe that they went in with one specialist quick bowler and just one specialist spinner. You got to have 2 of either one.
What can I say about Pollard, what I have been saying all along. The guy is hopeless at international level. Hasn't done anything worth mentioning. They went in batting all the way down to #9 and still only managed to put up 222.
Sucks that Dwayne Bravo got injured. He was just showing form and was probably the most crucial part of the team.
They have to bring in a specialist fast bowler for him (Rampaul or Russell) and bring in Nikita Miller for Pollard. Russell can bat if need be and since Pollard cant do anything they can afford to give someone else a shot.

 

[pcfan123]

Smith showed excellent captaincy today and adapted brilliantly to the SC. Tahir just might be that missing link that SA have needed for a while.

Really impressed with his decision to bowl 30 overs of spin, takes a hell of a lot of courage, especially for a captain who has hardly ever relied on spin to win him matches.

Great stuff

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can someone fill me in on the Bravo injury. What happened, what part of the body etc

 

[shravi]

I do not think I can get through another match of West Indies if Devon Thomas is keeper. Most annoying keeper ever. Doesn't shut up and says the same thing over and over again.

 

[Dare]

can someone fill me in on the Bravo injury. What happened, what part of the body etc

He was bowling and tried to field the ball to his right during his follow-through and injured his knee.

Thats the 3rd guys out of the starting XI that is injured.

I do not think I can get through another match of West Indies if Devon Thomas is keeper. Most annoying keeper ever. Doesn't shut up and says the same thing over and over again.

ahahah you should have heard him during the Caribbean T20.