Group C - Kenya, New Zealand, Sri Lanka

[ZexyZahid]

New Zealand have already lost two wickets and they only scored 25 runs in the first five overs.

 

[angryangy]

Previously, it seemed like Mubarak just didn't fit in at the top level, but off his innings against Kenya maybe he has to work on defence and middleground scoring. It seems like Mubarak can fit in nicely at no. 7 in the ODI team, with Arnold and Atapattu now gone. Sri Lanka's strong top order will provide many chances for him to play big shots at the death, albeit against reasonable bowlers he will have to settle for scoring at only 150...

NZ have been struggling against Sri Lanka's pace as expected, but can they capitalise beyond Vaas and Malinga? I feel McCullum opening is giving him too much credit, especially when someone like Fulton seems to have enough class to be more attacking and last longer. I have to admit I'd like to see Oram given a chance up the order; he is one player that is devastating when given time to get his eye in and his feet moving.

They're in freefall now. Way too many mistakes.

 

[ZexyZahid]

I don't understand why Maharoof isn't playing. He had a decent performance in the warm-up matches and is a good player for in this form of cricket.

New Zealand are building a fifty partnership and are now above 150 runs.

New Zealand managed to reach 164-7. It isn't a bad score. But New Zealand have to contain Jayasuriya then.

 

[aussie_ben91]

New Zealand will win.

Shane Bond will be to way much for Jayasuriya & Tharanga.

 

[ZexyZahid]

Well, so far Jayasuriya has hit two fours in three balls against Bond.

 

[manee]

Although the speed gun did not show for the last four balls of his over, Bond is looking like he is bowling very quick. This either means lots of runs or lots of wickets but I am sure that Bond's spell with be a crowd favourite with both sets of fans...

 

[ZexyZahid]

It would have been better if Gillespie bowled against the openers instead of Martin. He did well in the previous match.

Tharanga and Jayasuriya just have hit Bond for 15 runs in the over. If Bond can't restrict runs, I don't know who can.

 

[Abhas]

lol.. gillespie taken for 2 consecutive sixes by jaya

 

[ZexyZahid]

Bond dropped the easiest catch of all. :laugh Jayasuriya was already walking off. And Gillespie got a nice welcome of 18 runs of his first over.

Tharanga is finally out.

 

[Cricketman]

Lets go Sirils!
I predict a thumping win for them, seeing bond's performance so far..
Maybe we can finally see an asian v asian final?

 

[angryangy]

New Zealand will win.

Shane Bond will be to way much for Jayasuriya & Tharanga.

That was an interesting prediction.

 

[harishankar]

You should bowl the spinners up front in a T20 game when the fast bowlers are getting hammered. Bowling change of pace definitely upsets the rhythm of the batsmen as we have seen all through the competition.

If you bowl at one pace, you get clattered no matter what line and length you bowl. Change of pace is what deceives the batsmen and gives bowlers a chance to get wickets on these flat pitches.

 

[ZexyZahid]

Yeah, Bond was the most expensive bowler of New Zealand. And Sri Lanka slowed down in the end, but still they won it with comfort.

New Zealand 164/7 (20/20 ov)
Sri Lanka 168/3 (18.5/20 ov)

Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)

 

[harishankar]

Sri Lanka look good, but they still haven't been tested with real competition while other teams have had some tougher games.

Even though, at the end of the day, it's all a toss-up between all the sides. Anybody can win the tournament.

 

[Cricketman]

Yeah, Jaya was awesome.
he too has gone over to the "RBK" club now. I thought he would never change from his Kookuburra! :\