2nd semi final: New Zealand vs Pakistan

[Fatal Shot]

A reserve say really should have been made. Joint champions would kind of suck.

 

[Ari]

Styris has been flown over as backup for Elliott. It just doesn't end.

 

[Howsie]

Oh my. So how many guys have to be injured before we get a 2 for 1 deal?

 

[Chewie]

wow. this is getting rather stupid. I read in the paper that they had high hopes about Elliot playing though?

 

[Fatal Shot]

NZ is more prone to injuries, than Amy Winehouse is to exposing herself.

 

[Amitpal_003]

Pakistan will go in to the match as hot favourites boasting a strong bowling with the likes of Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif and good spinners in Afridi and Ajmal, also a well balanced batting lineup. I think New Zealand do have a good chance to win and I am not ruling them out, they are almost capable of anything on their day and have proven to be a good ODI team.

 

[nz0003]

Even though we made 315 odd batting first last time we played on this pitch, I would still rather bowl first. Early wickets are the best way to build pressure.

 

[Howsie]

Even though we made 315 odd batting first last time we played on this pitch, I would still rather bowl first. Early wickets are the best way to build pressure.

I would much rather us chase against Pakistan also. Especially with the batting line-up the way it is at the moment.

 

[ZexyZahid]

Here is the Cricinfo preview. It's the first time I am seeing it with incorporated video interviews of the captains.

Pakistan favourites against injury-ridden New Zealand
The Preview by Sidharth Monga
October 2, 2009
Pakistan favourites against injury-ridden New Zealand | Cricket News | ICC Champions Trophy, 2009 | Cricinfo.com

 

[TheGreemSim]

With Styris's lack of match practice he'll be useless as my grandma with a shotgun. Also isn't Aaron Redmond supposed to be a specialist in the longer form of the game

 

[ZexyZahid]

Cricinfo came with a statistics article. Here is something bad for Pakistan:

'In fact, their Champions Trophy record against Pakistan should cheer Daniel Vettori and Co: the two teams have met twice, and New Zealand have won both games.'

New Zealand up against bogey opponent

Stats preview to the Champions Trophy semi-final between New Zealand and Pakistan in Johannesburg
S Rajesh
October 2, 2009
New Zealand up against bogey opponent | Cricket Features | ICC Champions Trophy, 2009 | Cricinfo.com

 

[umair jalil]

I hope we have a good game

 

[aussie1st]

I heard on the news somewhere that the Blackcaps would be at fullstrength so wouldn't be too worried about Elliott.

 

[irottev]

Full strength without Tuffey, Oram, Ryder....sure!

 

[Ari]

Oram

WHAT? Not having Oram around is a blessing. Notice that we started winning as soon as he got injured.