World Cup Group B - Pool Matches Discussion Thread

[Aoun13]

A treat to watch this red hot Pakistan. When they are on song any Pakistani fast bowling attack is world class.

 

[grkrama]

Another tight one

 

[SaiSrini]

SA have lost to both India and Pakistan in this tournament. Right now, they certainly don't look the team that were hot favorites when the tournament started. AB is one guy who takes the team on his shoulders, but against good sides, he has too much to do and he fails.

Pakistan are back in the hunt though! Its West Indies who look in danger right now.

 

[lion100lion]

think it would have to be boom boom's day if Pak need to have a chance for victory

Boom Boom hasn not boom-boomed in this World Cup at all.

 

[Aoun13]

Pakistani pace attack is doing pretty well although except Irfan and Wahab all three fast bowlers are 2nd string and probably will not play much in the likes of Aamir,Junaid and Gul. Even against Westindies we were bowling pretty well but were caught napping by Russel in last few overs.

 

[MUFC1987]

Oh, that should have been a six surely.

 

[_Sam_]

Williams shouldn't have left the field.

 

[blockerdave]

WI will beat UAE to go to 6pts and improve their NRR which is already better than Ireland's... Ireland have India & Pakistan to come... Realistically Ireland need one of those 3 games to either be rained off or have a huge upset in. Great shame that the dire format of the competition can see them beat 2 Test sides yet not make the quarters...

 

[ParkedTheBus]

De Kock needs to be given some time-off. Looking out of sorts lately. Probably everybody can move up(with Faf opening), Duminy is too good to be batting at number 7, and his bowling is not good enough for him to be considered an "all-rounder."

 

[blockerdave]

Williams was unlucky, but also Ireland had Wilson caught off a no-ball and the subsequent loss of momentum/other wickets probably cost them 10-15 runs

 

[Satan666]

Good stuff from Pakistan, been saying that this South African team is overrated! Complete demolision job by Pakis, finally they've come to the fore, a Ind/Pak replay may just be on the cards! Wow just the thought!

Hoping Ireland can upset India and go through the quarters!

 

[War]

WI will beat UAE to go to 6pts and improve their NRR which is already better than Ireland's... Ireland have India & Pakistan to come... Realistically Ireland need one of those 3 games to either be rained off or have a huge upset in. Great shame that the dire format of the competition can see them beat 2 Test sides yet not make the quarters...

Format or not and even if Irish loose to PAK & IND, they deserve to reach quarters for ahead of Windies. Windies with all their off-field controversies and selections have self sabotaged themselves, at least PAK had their hand forced with injuries and ICC ban on certain key players which hand them scrambling for the right team balance up to now.

 

[namin96]

I don't understand the obsession with SA being the favorites. They certainly haven't really stepped up against big teams. I don't see them making the final. Their pace attack was trashed by India and Pakistan beat them with their bowling. The SL and Aus game should be interesting.

 

[SaiSrini]

Seeing the way Ireland almost lost to Zimbabwe while defending 330+ easily tells me that they don't look like a side that can challenge either India or Pakistan in their upcoming games. It would still be an 'upset' if Ireland beat either or both of India and Pakistan. Its a shame that Ireland are not given enough opportunities outside of the WC to improve their game because they have the potential of a side that can challenge others if they are given adequate opportunities.

On Group B, it now is 99.5% confirmed that India will top it (that 0.05% is for a massive miracle). India just need one more win to seal the No.1 spot in the Group and they probably have it the easiest, facing Ireland and Zimbabwe (no offence to both teams, which are capable of upsets). Pretty sure SA will take No.2 because I don't expect them to falter against UAE and if they win UAE, they should be No.2 easily due to their much superior net run rate. Its a three way fight between Pakistan, Ireland and West Indies for the last two spots. Gut feeling - Ireland won't make it, which will be sad.

 

[SaiSrini]

South Africa have the most challenging QF ever as they will either face Sri Lanka at the SCG or Australia at Adelaide Oval. With the SCG being helpful for spinners and Sri Lanka enjoying a great record at the SCG, it will be pretty tough for South Africa. And if they face Australia in the quarters (due to Australia being third in their group), then facing Australia in Australia is tough for any team.

I have a feeling that South Africa would rather want to face Australia than Sri Lanka. Facing a subcontinental team on a spin friendly wicket is not what SA want. On the contrary facing Australia at Adelaide Oval with Imran Tahir in your ranks is a much better prospect.