ICC Cricket World Cup - May/July 2019

[Alexei.]

4 off 6 now. Would've wanted Amir to finish it :|

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

That win should give Afghanistan so much confidence. I really hope baring India they can sneak in few victories.

 

[Ahmad94]

Pathetic from Pakistan - failing to score 300 after the Babar Azam and Malik partnership.

Where has the bowling gone?

Credit where credit is due - Afghanistan has really shown they are a force to be reckoned with. I seriously hope they beat some serious sides in the group stages.

 

[Alexei.]

An anchor on TV : When you have exams, you prepare for it on the last day (night). The same case is here, this is the mentality of most Pakistanis

 

[abhi_jacko]

This wicket was also perfect for AFG

They will be really challenged on flag tracks where their batters might have to score in excess of 300 against good bowling attacks

Nevertheless, a force to reckon with. And could surprise us big time

 

[CerealKiller]

 

[Master Khan]

Well done to Afghanistan, This win should really give Afghanistan some hope for the World Cup. I don't know what happen to Pakistan to be honest, their bowling have been poor so far in England.

 

[Bevab]

Sri Lanka’s replacement for Dananjaya who is arguably their best LO spinner (at least pre-ban) has just gone for 30 runs in only 2 overs versus SA. And he is supposed to be a specialist bowler.

Also, wonder why Udana and Avishka didn’t bat, but the likes of Vandersay and Lakmal batted instead. This team continues to puzzle me. Glad to see Amla play well though, if he could regain something approaching his old form, he would be the perfect partner for Quinny.

 

[Bevab]

Also, seems Wahab was quite good with reverse swing in the death overs? Can anyone who watched the game shed light on this?

 

[Ahmad94]

Also, seems Wahab was quite good with reverse swing in the death overs? Can anyone who watched the game shed light on this?

He was pretty good. In the 48th over, he took the 2 wickets both using reverse swing and gave away only 2 runs - which bought the equation to 14 needed off 12.

Hit some nice yorkers near the end, however, I don't know whether that was due to Afghanistan tail not being that apt at dealing with this kind of bowling. Let's not forget that he got hit out of the stadium and all around the park before that stage.

Plus, his speed wasn't anything to write home about - looking at mid to late 80's and often a little wayward.

 

[Neo 7]

South Africa has produced the worst jersey . That's hurting . At front its all plain light green . And at the top of it , a navy blue cap . What ?!?!

 

[NILAYSHAH60]

Also, seems Wahab was quite good with reverse swing in the death overs?

Effect of ball tampering

TBH that was some great bowling and nice to see the ball getting a bit of reverse. I was missing this kind of bowling from last 6 years. Wahab actually bowled similar kind of deliveries in 2011 WC Semi-Final v/s India

 

[LiveLoveABD]

Pakistan will always have their bowling rise in crunch moments. I know the last 2-3 months have been poor but I genuinely believe they have one of the best bowling attacks. I'm just a bit worried for them on the spinners side. I worry that they miss a wrist spinner who gives it a 'rip.' Shadab is good, but I still don't feel he can run through a side.

The place where Pakistan 'lack' is power batting. I just don't understand how Hafeez keeps getting the nod. I would play the following team-

Imam, Fakhar, Babar, Sarfaraz (yes batting at 4), Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab, Imad, Amir, Riaz, Hasan Ali.

If quick runs are needed, I would play Imad ahead of Shadab. I also think they can float with Shadab in the sense, throw him in at 5/6 and hold Malik, Ali and Imad or at least two of them back if they need someone to rotate for 15-20 overs.

 

[Bigby Wolf]

True that! The ever Mercurial Pakistan cricket team.

 

[Bevab]

Pakistan will always have their bowling rise in crunch moments. I know the last 2-3 months have been poor but I genuinely believe they have one of the best bowling attacks. I'm just a bit worried for them on the spinners side. I worry that they miss a wrist spinner who gives it a 'rip.' Shadab is good, but I still don't feel he can run through a side.

The place where Pakistan 'lack' is power batting. I just don't understand how Hafeez keeps getting the nod. I would play the following team-

Imam, Fakhar, Babar, Sarfaraz (yes batting at 4), Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab, Imad, Amir, Riaz, Hasan Ali.

If quick runs are needed, I would play Imad ahead of Shadab. I also think they can float with Shadab in the sense, throw him in at 5/6 and hold Malik, Ali and Imad or at least two of them back if they need someone to rotate for 15-20 overs.

Hafeez is quite good versus spin, and has been in pretty good form in comparison to Malik who has been very poor. Hafeez can also bat aggressively if needed, his only weakness is versus genuine rapid pace.