Story ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in the West Indies [ICC06]

[The Mongrel]

Super 8 table following 40 matches and 16 Super 8 games.

The matches in the next round are;
RSA v Pakistan
Australia v WI
Sri Lanka v NZ
India v England

 

[The Mongrel]

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Pakistan v South Africa
Super 8 - Match 17
7 May 2007
Umpires: PD Parker (Aus) and JJ Lloyds (Eng)
National Cricket Stadium, St George's, Grenada

Flashback: South African paceman Andre Nel clean rips Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez during South Africa's 2003 victory in Rawalpindi. The South Africans will hope that the big man can fire up against a strong batting lineup including Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi.​

Line Ups

Pakistan
Taufeeq Umar
Salman Butt
Younis Khan
*Inzamam-ul-Haq
Mohammad Yousuf
Shahid Afridi
?Kamran Akmal
Yasir Arafat
Waqar Ahmed
Kashif Raza
Shabbir Ahmed

Changes: Shabbir Ahmed replaces Danish Kaneria.

South Africa
*GC Smith
HH Gibbs
JH Kallis
AG Puttick
JA Rudolph
?AB de Villiers
SM Pollock
AJ Hall
P Joubert
A Nel
DJ Terbrugge

Changes: No change.

Centrebet: Pakistan $3.20, Tie $51, RSA $1.50

The Verdict: South Africa sit just outside the top four in this battle between the two underachievers of the competition. Pakistan are yet to win a Super 8 game, their only points coming from their group match against the West Indies. The pitch is a true St George's pitch, suited for pace, and this sees Shabbir chosen ahead of Kaneria and Asif. Form points to the South Africans, but who knows with Pakistan. The South African pace battery will have a big say against Pakistan's top order. Prediction: South Africa The Impact Players: Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Pierre Joubert, Andre Nel and David Terbrugge.

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[The Mongrel]

Younis tons up in vein as Gibbs turns it on

Out of his 'schelle: Herschelle Gibbs continues his glorious World Cup with a blistering 132 from 152 deliveries as South Africa chaulked up their second win of the Super 8 stage, and sixth point. Here he pulls Waqar Ahmed for a massive six, following it up with another three boundaries and a single as South Africa posted 9-267. Pakistan batsman Younis Khan was sublime with 112, but it wasn't enough as Pakistan again collapsed in a heap, losing 5-24. Pakistan are effectively now out of the World Cup with just two games to play, as South Africa jump to third on run rate.

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[The Mongrel]

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Australia v West Indies
Super 8 - Match 18
8 May 2007
Umpires: IL Howell (RSA) and MR Benson (Eng)
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Flashback: West Indian big man Joel Garner sends down a delivery against the Australians in 198. 'Big Bird' is rated as one of the greatest one day bowlers in history and caused the Australians all sorts of troubles in his prime. The West Indian bowling attack is now spearheaded by the fiery Dwayne Bravo, a young man rated very highly by the West Indian public.​

Line Ups

Australia
*?AC Gilchrist
PA Jaques
SM Katich
MJ Clarke
MJ Cosgrove
SE Marsh
MEK Hussey
NW Bracken
BR Dorey
DJ Cullen
SW Tait

Changes: Captain Ricky Ponting is rested and his replacement is Simon Katich and Brett Lee is also rested for Daniel Cullen. In form all rounder Shane Watson also takes a break as Michael Clarke returns.

West Indies
CH Gayle
S Ganga
*BC Lara
S Chanderpaul
RR Sarwan
RO Hinds
?CD Baugh
DJJ Bravo
DR Smith
D Mohammed
KCB Jeremy

Changes: No change.

Centrebet: Australia $1.35, Tie $51, WI $3.20

The Verdict: Times have changed since the West Indies were the best side in the world, now relegated to being just a shadow of their former selves. They face the mighty defending world champions, who minus their captain are still an incredibly strong side. The West Indies do, however, have the chance to take advantage of a depleted Australian attack, who have four men competing for to spots to join Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie and Shane Watson. Daniel Cullen, the young South Australian off spinner, may cause the West Indies some troubles, but without a fifth bowler, the Windies may attack the young man in pursuit of some part timers. Prediction: Australia Impact Player: Daniel Cullen

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[The Mongrel]

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New Zealand v Sri Lanka
Super 8 - Match 19
8 May 2007
Umpires: Nadir Shah (Bang) and SJA Taufel (Aus)
National Cricket Stadium, St George's, Grenada

Flashback: Jacob Oram watches on as Mahela Jayawardene dispatches him to the boundary in New Zealand, 2005. Jacob Oram has had a breakout series as an all rounder, and will be keen to bowl to the Sri Lankan top order.​

Line Ups

New Zealand
PG Fulton
*SP Fleming
CD McMillan
JDP Oram
MS Sinclair
NJ Astle
?BB McCullum
DL Vettori
JEC Franklin
TK Canning
SE Bond

Changes: Matthew Sinclair and Jesse Ryder continue to play musical spots as the man who scored 200 on test debut, Sinclair, gets a game this time.

Sri Lanka
?KC Sangakkara
*MS Atapattu
DPMD Jayawardene
ST Jayasuriya
TT Samaraweera
TM Dilshan
MG Vandort
HWHD Boteju
WPUJC Vaas
KMDN Kulasekara
SADU Indrasiri

Changes: Muttiah Muralitharan is rested for Nuwan Kulasekara.

Centrebet: SL $1.45, Tie $51, NZ $2.80

The Verdict: Muttiah Muralitharan is the huge omission for this Sri Lankan side, and an omission which sees the whole of New Zealand breathe a huge sigh of relief. Still, the inform player of the tournament, Singakutti Indrasiri, will have a big say on preceedings after his demolition job of the Pakistanis in Sri Lanka's last outing. Jacob Oram as been looking good with both bat and ball, while Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori are yet to click. If it was any time for Vettori and Bond to perfom, it would be now! Prediction: Sri Lanka Impact Player: Singakutti Indrasiri.

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[The Mongrel]

Lara upstages Gilchrist in showcase of the superstars

Sumblime: Brian Lara raises his bat to an adoring stadium on the back of his matchwinning 22nd ODI century at Kensington Oval, Barbados. In pursuit of 285, Lara posted a glorious 140* from 146 balls against the world's finest, in a knock described as one of the greatest World Cup knocks. Earlier, Aussie openers Adam Gilchrist and Phil Jaques put on 153 as Australia posted a total of 284, but this wasn't enough. Gilchrist smashed a glorious 117 from 92 deliveries, before Dwayne Smith had him playing on. As the middle and lower order crumbled, only Shaun Marsh helped the total over 280, hitting a magnificent 45 from 43 balls. Ryan Hinds was just as damaging, his agressive 73 from 58 proved vital as the Windies coasted home.

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[The Mongrel]

Brilliant Jayasuriya and magical Indrasiri overpower Kiwis

Groundhog Day: Sanath Jayasuriya drives as he joined veterans Adam Gilchrist and Brian Lara in a May 7 scoring feast as he showed glimpses of his younger days with a stellar 97 from 109 deliveries in Sri Lanka's 23 run Super 8 victory over New Zealand in Grenada. Fellow batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who made an equally as gloious 81 from 97 balls, punished the Kiwis while posting a stand of 147. Jayasuriya was devistatingly stumped three short of his ton, reaching for a wide ball from Daniel Vettori, his overbalancing allowing Brendon McCullum to do the rest. Left arm orthadox spinner Singakutti Indrasiri kept up his unbelievable form, snaring 5-29 from his ten overs. Indrasiri sits with an average of just 9.79 for his 24 wickets in his debut World Cup.

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[The Mongrel]

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England v India
Super 8 - Match 20
9 May 2007
Umpires: RE Koertzen (RSA) and DB Hair (Aus)
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Flashback: Indian captain Yuvraj Singh chats to England's premier player, Andrew Flintoff, during a past encounter.​

Line Ups

England
ME Trescothick
AJ Strauss
KP Pietersen
*MP Vaughan
A Flintoff
EC Joyce
?MJ Prior
AF Giles
SP Jones
SJ Harmison
RJ Sidebottom

Changes: Marcus Trescothick, Ed Joyce and Simon Jones come in following England's 3 run loss to Australia, replacing Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and Matthew Hoggard.

India
V Sehwag
DS Jadhav
SR Tendulkar
*Yuvraj Singh
G Gambhir
?MS Dhoni
Joginder Sharma
Harbhajan Singh
A Kumble
Gagandeep Singh
SM Maniar

Changes: Sandeep Maniar replaces Munaf Patel.

Centrebet: India $1.30, Tie $51, England $3.60

The Verdict: India come in on the back of a narrow one wicket victory over the Windies, and make just one change against the lowly England side. England, however, make three changes following a heartbreaking loss to Australia, Marcus Trescothick and 2005 Ashes hero Simon Jones being the key inclusions. England have matchwinners in Pietersen and Flintoff, but their bowling may struggle against the solid Indian middle order. Captain Yuvraj is looking for a big score, and will fancy his chances here. Prediction: India Impact Player: Yuvraj Singh.

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[The Mongrel]

Yuvraj stars but England too good

Onya bike Marcus: Marus Trescothick reacts after being clean bowled by a slider from Anil Kumble. Trescothick made 20, but England still went on to post their fourth point of the Super 8 stage, thanks to an unbeaten 93 from Kevin Pietersen. Earlier, India posted 211 from their 50 overs after a glorious century to captain Yuvraj Singh. Wicketkeeper Matt Prior hit a six off his first ball to post the English victory.]​

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[The Mongrel]

Super 8 Table after six rounds of fixtures.

Super 8 - Matches 41, 42, 43, 44
South Africa v Sri Lanka
Australia v India
New Zealand v Pakistan
England v West Indies​

 

[The Mongrel]

ICC name schedule for World Cup Finals

Semi Final #1
Qualifier 1 v Qualifier 4: 15 May 2007 @ Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica

Umpire: RE (Rudi) Koertzen (RSA)

Umpire: SJA (Simon) Taufel (Aus)

TV Umpire: Asad Rauf (Pak)

4th Umpire: MR Benson (Eng)

Match Referee: BC (Christopher) Broad (Eng)

Semi Final #2
Qualifier 2 v Qualifier 3: 17 May 2007 @ Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Umpire: SA (Stephen) Bucknor (WI)

Umpire: Aleem Dar (Pak)

TV Umpire: BF (Brent) Bowden

4th Umpire: BD (Billy) Doctrove (WI)

Match Referee: RS (Ranjan) Madagulle (Ind)

Final
Semi Final 1 Winner v Semi Final 2 Winner: 20 May 2007 @ Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Umpire: RE (Rudi) Koertzen (RSA)

Umpire: SA (Stephen) Bucknor (WI)

TV Umpire: SJA (Simon) Taufel (Aus)

4th Umpire: Aleem Dar (Pak)

Match Referee: RS (Ranjan) Madagulle (Ind)

NB: Umpires are subject to change when match participants are taken into consideration.​

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[The Mongrel]

vs.

South Africa v Sri Lanka
Super 8 - Match 21
10 May 2007
Umpires: Asad Rauf (Pak) and BD Doctrove (WI)
National Cricket Stadium, St George's, Grenada

Flashback: Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Kumar Sanakkara stumps Jacques Kallis. Kallis will be hoping to post a big score as he effectively carries the South African middle order.​

Line Ups

South Africa
*GC Smith
HH Gibbs
JH Kallis
AG Puttick
JA Rudolph
?AB de Villiers
SM Pollock
AJ Hall
P Joubert
A Nel
DJ Terbrugge

Changes: No change.

Sri Lanka
?KC Sangakkara
*MS Atapattu
DPMD Jayawardene
ST Jayasuriya
TT Samaraweera
TM Dilshan
MG Vandort
HWHD Boteju
WPUJC Vaas
KMDN Kulasekara
SADU Indrasiri

Changes: No change.

Centrebet: RSA $1.75, Tie $51, SL $2.10

The Verdict: Sri Lanka are still missing star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, leaving the inform Singakutti Indrasiri to spearhead the spin attack. Both teams are unchanged after their last fixtures, but this is their most important so far, as it will decide if they play in the semi finals. A Sri Lankan victory could very well see them qualify first, pending on the result of the Australia (1)/India (3) contest. A loss, however, could theoretically knock them out of the tournament to as low as sixth. South Africa must win to remain in the competition, and can finish as high as second pending other results and the margain of today's game. However, it is likely to us that the Saffies will be heading home. Prediction: Sri Lanka Impact Player: Jacques Kallis.

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[The Mongrel]

Vandort completes South African rout

Strength the order of the day: Sri Lankan Michael Vandort plays a glorious cover drive off Andre Nel as he saved Sri Lanka with a fighting 30*, after Sri Lanka were in trouble early at 5-99. Earlier, seamer Jayawardene Boteju destroyed South Africa with Man of the Match figures of 3-25, as South Africa were bundled out for 144. Sri Lanka can now finish first in the Super 8 stage providing Australia lose, while the South Africans have been sent packing.

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[The Mongrel]

vs.

Australia v India
Super 8 - Match 22
11 May 2007
Umpires: RE Koertzen (RSA) and MR Benson (Eng)
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

India and Australia to meet in 2003 final replay

Flashback: Brett Lee enthusiastically appeals for a wicket against Sachin Tendulkar. The Master Blaster will not have to contend with Lee today, rather the inexperienced Australian attack which includes Brett Dorey, Dan Cullen and Shaun Tait.​

Line Ups

Australia
?AC Gilchrist
PA Jaques
*RT Ponting
MJ Clarke
SM Katich
MJ Cosgrove
SE Marsh
JN Gillespie
BR Dorey
DJ Cullen
SW Tait

Changes: Captain Ricky Ponting returns as Mike Hussey is given a deserved rest, and Nathan Bracken makes way for Jason Gillespie.

India
V Sehwag
DS Jadhav
SR Tendulkar
RS Dravid
*Yuvraj Singh
?MS Dhoni
Joginder Sharma
Harbhajan Singh
MM Patel
Gagandeep Singh
SM Maniar

Changes: The Indians finally make the big change as former captain Rahul Dravid replaces Gautam Gambhir for his first game of the tournament, while Munaf Patel comes in at the expense of the experienced Anil Kumble.

Centrebet: Australia $1.80, Tie $41, India $1.80

The Verdict: Australia and India meet in an important contest which will be the main deciding factor in who meets who in the semi finals of the World Cup. The bookies can't decide a favourite, and it is no surprise to see the money on a tie coming in a fair bit. Australia continue to rest Shane Watson and also now Mike Hussey, while Rahul Dravid returns to the side, which will be captained by Yuvraj Singh. Australia will have three options to open, Gilchrist, Jaques and Katich, with Katich quite possibly on his last chance.Prediction: India Impact Player: Rahul Dravid.

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[The Mongrel]

vs.

New Zealand v Pakistan
Super 8 - Match 23
11 May 2007
Umpires: SJA Taufel (Aus) and Asad Rauf (Pak)
National Cricket Stadium, St George's, Grenada

All on the line for New Zealand

Flashback: Kiwi bowler Shane Bond celebrates the wicket of Mohammed Yousuf during a Champions Trophy match. The fast bowler must fire today if he Kiwis are to stand any chance of qualifying for the semi finals.​

Line Ups

New Zealand
PG Fulton
*SP Fleming
CD McMillan
JDP Oram
MS Sinclair
NJ Astle
?BB McCullum
DL Vettori
JEC Franklin
TK Canning
SE Bond

Changes: No change.

Pakistan
Taufeeq Umar
Salman Butt
Younis Khan
*Inzamam-ul-Haq
Mohammad Yousuf
Shahid Afridi
?Kamran Akmal
Yasir Arafat
Waqar Ahmed
Kashif Raza
Shabbir Ahmed

Changes: No change.

Centrebet: NZ $1.50, Tie $51, Pakistan $3.00

The Verdict: With nothing to gain and nothing to lose, Pakistan come in this match just playing for pride against a New Zealand side who must win to have a chance of progressing to the semi finals. Neither side makes a change, with Matt Sinclair keeping his spot ahead of Jesse Ryder for what could be New Zealand's last match of the tournament. The Kiwi bowlers, particularly Shane Bond, must fire against a strong Pakistan batting lineup, while Pakistan will be relying on their quartet of pace bowlers to chip away at the Kiwi top order. Prediction: New Zealand Impact Player: Shane Bond.

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