World Cup Press Box | Morocco, South Africa collide in virtual knockout with rain looming in the background

[World Cricket Conference]

India versus Bermuda headed towards a washout in Vaiea
Should rain play spoilsport, Bermuda's knockouts chances will diminish greatly​

A tropical thunderstorm is expected to hit Niue in early parts of December © Associated Press, November 30, 2003​

ROUND 7 PREVIEW​

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 25, Guernsey vs Niue, Dunedin

In arguably the most significant game of the round, Guernsey face off against Niue with plenty riding on the outcome of this match. A loss here for Niue will put them on the fastrack to elimination, which is certainly the result Denmark, Qatar and Vanuatu will be hoping for, for their own qualification chances. Guernsey on the other hand, will secure their quarter-finals berth with a win, essentially making the remainder of group A's matches a dogfight between the other four teams.

Guernsey's bowlers have been exceptional for a change, while their batters have well and truly lived up to their calibre with commanding performances in both their games. Guernsey have looked like the most complete team in this tournament so far, and will definitely be entering this match as the heavy favorites,

Niue on the other hand, shook off defeat from the World Cup opener with an intense win in their last match against Denmark in a rain-affected game in Wellington. Aika Enoka and Faleuka Tagelagi have bowled wonderfully for them, even in the game they lost, but their batting has left a lot to be desired by. With a potential elimination on the horizon for Niue, they need to fire on all cylinders and deliver kind of an upset win against group-toppers Guernsey in this crucial match.

Players to watch out for: Kylian Michiels, Tom Nightingale, Harry Wroetoshaw, Aika Enoka, Faleuka Tagelagi, Jayson Okesene

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 26, England vs Norway, Hamilton

With Richard Head leading a routing of the Russians in England's previous game, a win here could really solidify their quarter-final hopes barring a massive win for China against a New Zealand. Norway have so far disappointed in this World Cup, with not one player in their side having a tournament to remember. At least in the 'winless' United States' case, Lamar Dean has had a wonderful tournament individually, whereas every Norwegian player has looked completely out of their depths so far.

But perhaps, an opportunity presents itself with Norway going up against an English side that relies too heavily on William George Charles, and recently, Richard Head. In conditions that suit Norway's bowlers more than England, getting these two men cheaply could be their golden ticket to a very unlikely upset.

Players to watch out for: Richard Head, William George Charles, Kasper Andersen, Sebastian Mathisen, Magnus Larsen

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 27, Bermuda vs India, Vaiea

Bermuda take on group-toppers India with rain predicted to play spoilsport. If the match does get washed out as it is predicted to do, Bermuda's chances of qualifying for the knockout stage will take a massive hit, while India, so far unbeaten, will hardly be fazed. India are the only side aside from Guernsey that have gelled together and formed an indomitable unit that has not had to rely on individual brilliance as much, which is the polar opposite of Bermuda, who are more or less a one-man team.

And while that one man is the Main Man, Wendell Corden-Cox, it is expected that in bowler-friendly conditions, Mayas Kumble and Co. will have every tool at their disposal to subdue him. Wendell Corden-Cox needs to deliver his best performance yet, even topping his 179 versus Wales, if Bermuda are to beat India.

Players to watch out for: Wendell Corden-Cox, Mayas Kumble, Pramod Krishnakumar, Zeeshan Khan, Milkha Singh

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 28, Pakistan vs South Africa, Hamilton

Pakistan take on South Africa in an attempt to win Group D and qualify out of the group as winners, which will force the match between South Africa and Morocco to become a virtual knockout. However, despite Pakistan's admirable World Cup run, South Africa enter this game as the heavy-favorites, as many believe that Pakistan are yet to face a real challenge and they will do so in the face of the Proteas. Victory for Pakistan will iron out the qualifications scenario of this group significantly, while a win here for South Africa will ease out knockouts chances for the Proteas themselves, and at the expense of their long-term AFCON rivals Morocco no less.

Players to watch out for: Kabir Khan Durrani, Saim Rizvi, Sheraz Hashmi, Petrus Struwig, Dale Smit, Pierre Struwig

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

[World Cricket Conference]

India and Pakistan become the first two teams to book their knockouts spot
Norway become the second team to bow out of the World Cup following United States' elimination in round six​

Riaz Rawani (right) delivered career-best figures of 5/27 to star in Pakistan's upset win © Associated Press, December 4, 2003​

ROUNDUP OF ROUND 7

India and Pakistan became the first two teams to officially confirm their quarter-final berths following a washout in Vaiea, and a major upset in Hamilton.​

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 25, Guernsey vs Niue, Dunedin

Niue scaled Guernsey's mammoth 358/6 in the most crucial win of their campaign so far. Being given a behemoth target to chase, many would've believed that Niue were all but gone, but a sensational fight shown by Niue's batters helped them achieve the impossible. Guernsey batted first after winning the toss, and posted 358/6 on the back of typical batting from the likes of Kylian Michiels, Henry White, Harry Wroetoshaw and Finlay Wilson. Tom Nightingale being dismissed for a 3-ball duck may have been the only blemish in Guernsey's batting card, which was topped by Henry White's 92 and Harry Wroetoshaw's 88. Talaititama Holo had his best game yet, claiming 3 wickets albeit being a little on the expensive side of things, which is sure to be expected against Guernsey on a ground like Dunedin.

Niue in their response, very inspired and took the challenge head on to scale Guernsey's 358 with 5 wickets and 39 deliveries to spare. Dalton Nemani's 92 mimicked Henry White's from the first innings, and Misikea Feleti matched Harry Wroetoshaw's 88 with an 87 of his own. Aided by a quickfire fifty from Haitrosene Vemoa, these knocks were more than sufficient to see Niue home in a rather comfortable win. Ryan Edwards had an outing to forget, conceding 103 runs in his 10.0 overs.

Guernsey, despite posting the biggest total of the World Cup so far, ended up on the losing side for the first time all tournament. Quite a deflating defeat, even for a side of Guernsey's calibre, and a win which could no doubt inspire the Niueans to go the full distance in this World Cup. Sensational stuff from the co-hosts.

Result: Niue won by 5 wickets (with 39 deliveries remaining)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 26, England vs Norway, Hamilton

A second World Cup 5-wicket haul from Zachary Wilson inspired England to their third win of the group stage, as Norway bowed out of the tournament with their third straight loss. With rain washing away 30.0 overs from the game, a shortened contest was likely going to benefit Norway, but that was until Zachary Wilson turned up with his best figures in the World Cup and bagged a second 5-wicket haul, Kabir Khan Durrani as the tournament's leading wicket-taker in the process.

Being asked to bat first, Norway crawled their way to 130/9 with Wilson's 5-fer breaking their back during the middle-overs. A show of resistance from Odin Solberg at number eight made sure Norway wouldn't be all out, but perhaps him being too conservative in his approach left a good 20-25 runs on the table towards the end.

England chased this modest target with ease, as a level-headed 46 from Peter Mills and a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am fifty from William George Charles got them across with 8 wickets and 25 balls to spare. With this win, England moved to number one in Group B with their fate now lying in the hands of China and New Zealand.

Result: England won by 8 wickets (with 25 deliveries remaining)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 27, Bermuda vs India, Vaiea

India versus Bermuda being abandoned due to rain ensured quarter-finals qualification for India, making them the first team to qualify out of Group C. Whether they qualify as group winners or runners-up remains to be seen, as three more matches are left to be played in the group. Bermuda on the other hand, maybe thanking high heavens for getting away from this game with points. Having a game played may have been detrimental to Bermuda's quarter-final chances given the gulf in quality between the two sides, whereas now, their route to the knockouts is fairly simple - beat Canada and qualify as the second team alongside India.

Result: Match abandoned without a ball bowled

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 28, Pakistan vs South Africa, Hamilton

Pakistan capped off their stellar run in the group stage of the World Cup with a sensational win over hot-favorites South Africa, escaping Group D as unbeaten winners. Pakistan invited South Africa to bat first after winning the toss, a decision which would be quite fruitful as the Proteas would get blown over for a paltry 158 within their shortened 42-over innings. Riaz Rawani claimed a 5-wicket haul, his first in ODI cricket and one which came at the perfect time for Pakistan. His career-best figures, coupled with supporting roles from Sheraz Hashmi and Umair Tahir, blew South Africa away for a subpar total, even by standards of this treacherous pitch.

Pakistan were dealt an early blow but they recovered well and quickly, but Morne Kleynhans struck to remove Pakistan's captain and star batter Talha Hayat soon after. With Pakistan's scoreline reading 29/2, South Africa had an opportunity to make a comeback in this game, but the unflinching nerves of Shabbir Khan Durrani and his ensuing composure ensured this match didn't go down the long line of squandered opportunities for Pakistan cricket. His unbeaten 47 from 73 deliveries saw Pakistan home with 5 wickets and 67 deliveries to spare, winning not only this game, but Group D as well. This win ensures Pakistan will play in the fourth quarter-final at this very ground, as well as ensuring that the upcoming match between South Africa and Morocco becomes an instant knockout for both teams.

Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets (with 67 deliveries remaining)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Qatar face off against Denmark in 'must-win' match in Christchurch
A loss in this game will officially knock Qatar out of the knockouts race​

Basheer Rashed during a post-match press conference © Associated Press, November 28, 2003​

ROUND 8 PREVIEW​

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 29, Canada vs Wales, Hakupu

With the tropical thunderstorm predicted to hit Niue now finally here, this game is as good as washed out. But in the most unlikely of scenarios, should the game be somehow played, a loss here for Canada will officially knock them out of the tournament. It is unlikely that even the coin toss occurs, so for each team to get away with a point each from this game will mean that Canada will rise up back to second-place in the group, just ahead of Bermuda, and Wales will officially be knocked out of the knockouts race. For Wales to stand a chance of qualification, it is imperative that this game is played and that they emerge victorious from that game.

If the game is played, Canada losing will automatically spell the end of their World Cup, whereas a win will only add hype to their match against Bermuda in Liku.

Players to watch out for: Martin Terry, Amish Bakshi, Badr Baig, Tom Donald, Dai Carlson, Liam Beef

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 30, Israel vs Morocco, Dunedin

In another must-win match, Morocco must overcome the Israeli challenge to keep their virtual knockout against South Africa true. A loss here will bring Israel back into the qualifications scenario, essentially resurrecting their World Cup from the dead. Now, given how one-sided their two defeats have been so far, it is still unlikely that they will be able to truly challenge either Morocco or South Africa for that second spot from Group D, but Morocco must still keep their route as straightforward as possible, and make sure they defeat Israel to keep their virtual knockout against South Africa plain and simple.

Players to watch out for: Hervé Hocquard, Zouhair Rami, Youssouf Berrada, Asher Golan, Amah Eliot, Noam Aviv

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 31, Denmark vs Qatar, Christchurch

Christchurch hosts yet another high-profile game as Qatar take on Denmark with elimination imminent should they fall short. Basheer Rashed played a legacy-defining knock against Niue in the World Cup opener, but unfortunately for Qatar, that one match has so far been the only highlight of their tournament. Their lowest lowlight on the other hand, was suffering a 130-run defeat at the hands of an out-of-form Vanuatuan side, bring them back into the qualifications race with that one match.

Denmark have played only two games so far. In their first match, they defeated Vanuatu by 36 runs, and in their second match, they lost to Niue by an equally narrow 29 runs. A win here may be just as imperative for Denmark as it is for Qatar, but at least a loss here won't knock them out of the World Cup. It will take their fate away from their own hands and place it on the outcomes of the remainder of this group's matches, but at least they will still have the chance to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Players to watch out for: Aksel Johansson, Chris Mattsson, Martin Lundgren, Chris Fredriksson, Basheer Rashed, Muhsin Al-Tayani

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 32, New Zealand vs Russia, Napier

New Zealand play Russia in Napier in a game which can really solidify their knockouts chances. Having played and won two out of two games, New Zealand are still only really one loss away from mucking up their standing. Their match against China in the final round will be of the utmost importance, but for them to ensure that game doesn't lose that importance, they need to make sure they win this game, and ideally, they do so quite handsomely to strengthen their chances.

Russia definitely do not enter this game as the favorites, but being so new to the international arena, being present at the World Cup may be a badge of honor in itself. An upset win here may give them infamy, but it would be unwise, maybe even foolish to expect them to best one of the top nations in the world of cricket.

Players to watch out for: Michel Gottlieb, Emile Leannon, Martin Franecki, Clinton Hintz, Yusif Pavlov, Sergei Andreevich

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Paul Boesen and Oliver Johansson bail Denmark out against Qatar
Their 127-run partnership for the 6th-wicket rescued Denmark from 94/5 while chasing 226​

Denmark's bench watches on intensely as the final overs play out in Christchurch © Associated Press, December 7, 2003​

ROUNDUP OF ROUND 8

Denmark made a wonderful comeback to keep their World Cup alive, knocking Qatar out of the knockouts race instead.​

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 29, Canada vs Wales, Hakupu

A tragic washout between Canada and Wales spelled the end of Wales' World Cup, who could only manage one win in their three completed games. This washout also sends Canada back to second-place, displacing Bermuda and making their encounter with them in the ninth round a virtual knockout. Whoever wins that game, goes through alongside India, who are likely going to win the group unless Bermuda win with a landside against Canada. Aside from Canada and Bermuda, Saudi Arabia have managed to somehow still stay in the race, but their qualification chances rely on the match between Bermuda and Canada being abandoned. Which, it likely will be, but so will Saudi Arabia's match in the tenth round. With more washouts predicted in the final two rounds, Canada are the likeliest to qualify alongside India from Group C.

Result: Match abandoned without a ball bowled

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 30, Israel vs Morocco, Dunedin

Being put in a must-win situation, Morocco's batsmen completely shit the bed. They won the toss and chose to bat first on a batting haven, only to be blown over by Israel for a substandard 233. One would think they would've learned to not do that after their botch-job against Pakistan, after Morocco's bowlers practically served them the win on a golden platter. Nevertheless, Israel's lack of form did eventually come back to bite them, as Sufyan Ben Barka's 4-wicket haul, alongside El Mahi Khatibi and Abdelkarim Toulali's supporting roles with the ball, bailed Morocco out by dismissing Israel for 181 on Dunedin's flat deck.

Morocco held on tightly to this win to keep their match against South Africa true to its 'virtual knockout' billing, as a loss here would've severely complicated things for all parties involved. Israel on the other hand, needed a win to stay in the knockouts race, which they failed to get, and so, were knocked out from the World Cup.

Result: Morocco won by 52 runs

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 31, Denmark vs Qatar, Christchurch

Christchurch witnessed another high-profile encounter in this World Cup, as Denmark took on Qatar, who were on the brink of elimination heading into this match. Having won the toss and choosing to bat first, Qatar were given a solid start by their top-order batsmen. Al-Amin Ahmed and Basheer Rashed were particularly good, with the former finishing the innings on 78, the highest score of Qatar's batting card. Basheer Rashed however, couldn't convert his start and was dismissed at a crucial point in this game. Once Denmark dismissed these two batsmen, their bowling brought them back with disciplined bowling resulting in regular breakthroughs. They found wickets and dried up runs to bowl Qatar out for 225 despite the flying start their top-order batters, Al-Amin Ahmed and Basheer Rashed provided them with.

Denmark in their innings, were dealt a blow early on but recovered well with Niels Hjort and Aksel Johansson adding fifty runs for the second-wicket. Once that partnership was broken however, Qatar ran through Denmark's middle-order to reduce them to 94/5, putting not only a win, but a very handsome win on the cards. However, a remarkable turnaround saw Paul Boesen, who was dropped by Denmark in the previous game, add a match-winning 127-run partnership for the sixth-wicket alongside Oliver Johansson, Denmark's most valuable ODI player in recent times, to give Denmark a thumping come-from-behind win against Qatar.

In a match crucial to both teams, but perhaps more so to Qatar, the Qataris came up a little short despite having their opponents by the ropes in the second innings. On most occasions they would've finished the job, but on this one, a spectacular resistance shown by Denmark's lower-order helped them overcome Qatar's formidable attack. Qatar bow out of the World Cup, the first team eliminated from Group A, as Denmark lives to fight another day in this group of literal death.

Result: Denmark won by 2 wickets (with 45 deliveries remaining)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 32, New Zealand vs Russia, Napier

New Zealand made it three wins in three games following their thumping victory against the Russians in Napier. Michel Gottlieb remained unbeaten on 78* as New Zealand scaled Russia's 235 with ease, getting there with 5 wickets and 15 deliveries to spare. Despite their win being so one-sided, many still criticized New Zealand for not being as clinical as they should've been against a side as inexperienced as Russia's, citing how tough the group has been for the its top-three teams, and with their match against China still yet to come, it could all come down to these fine margins which New Zealand have done the least to improve out of the top-three teams.

Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets (with 15 deliveries remaining)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Morocco, South Africa collide in virtual knockout with rain looming in the background
Rain is likely to play a large part in this super-important contest, although abandonment of the game is highly-unlikely​

Rudi Struwig during South Africa's loss to Pakistan © Associated Press, December 4, 2003​

ROUND 9 PREVIEW​

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 33, Niue vs Vanuatu, Napier

Niue and Vanuatu go toe-to-toe in Napier with defeat indicating immediate elimination for either side. The loser of this match goes home, plain and simple, and while the flight back home will be a relatively short one, it will most certainly be a disappointing exit for the fans of both these Oceanic countries. Victory for Niue will give them victory in the group, whereas a win for Vanuatu will complicate things for all four teams still alive in this pool. Vanuatu's win, unless it comes with a hefty margin, will place them third in the group, handing over their fate to the outcome of the fourth and final match of the group between Denmark and Guernsey.

Vanuatu, having blown over the Qataris by 130 runs, have every tool in their toolbox to dispose of the Niueans in the same manner, but whether they'll be able to exact revenge against thee CONOC rivals remains to be seen. If Vanuatu are to pull through and do the highly-unlikely, the likes of Apolinaire Saksak and Selwyn Welwel will have to turn up in similar manner as they did against Qatar, whereas Niue, having been on a role since their loss to that very same opposition in the tournament opener, will not be relying so heavily on any one individual to get them across. With such high stakes, this contest is sure to be a barnburner between two rivals from Oceania.

Players to watch out for: Apolinaire Saksak, Selwyn Welwel, Jayson Okesen, Dalton Nemani, Haitrosene Vemoa, Talaititama Holo

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 34, Norway vs Russia, Wellington

A bottom of the barrel bashe between Group B's EUROCON nations is a bit of a moot point at this juncture, with both teams having been knocked out already. However, even with not much at stake, both teams will be eager to regain lost pride and end their tournament with a consolation victory, and preferably a resounding one.

Players to watch out for: Erik Eriksen, Magnus Larsen, Sebastian Mathisen, Yusif Pavlov, Roman Romanova, Sergei Andreevich

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 35, Canada vs Bermuda, Liku

Canada and Bermuda lockhorns with a third straight washout predicted in Group C, an outcome the Saudi Arabians will be hedging their bets on. A washout here will mean that Canada will retain the second position in the group, and Bermuda's elimination will be imminent. However, the washout will not guarantee Canada qualification until the final game of the group is played, where, if Saudi Arabia beat India, they will overtake Canada and qualify as the second team from the group.

A washout, as predicted, will certainly take things out of Canada's hands, but it will also add some spice to the last dash of this group, opening a route for Saudi Arabia which will remain closed if a game, full or shortened, does get played here. As unlikely as it may be, winners of any potential games here will qualify alongside India.

Players to watch out for: Martin Terry, Badr Baig, Shawnte McCullock, Wendell Corden-Cox, Dayton Dowling

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Match 36, Morocco vs South Africa, Hamilton

A knockout - Morocco and South Africa face off against each other with the fate of this group hanging in balance, as both teams look to book a quarter-finals berth. Another game match rain will likely influence, however, it is highly unlikely that an abandonment will occur, and at worst, a few overs will be lost from each innings.

Morocco, having beaten Israel and USA, look like a solid side with their bowlers shouldering most of the burden. Morocco did really well with the bat against the United States, but their performances against Pakistan and Israel, even in victory, have raised several eyebrows and left a lot to be desired. While South Africa's bowling hasn't exactly fired in the manner many would have expected it to, Morocco's batsmen's lack of form may aid the woefully out-of-form Proteas attack back into form.

South Africa, similar to Morocco, did extremely well against USA and Israel, but fell flat against Pakistan's bowling and were bowled out for a measly 158, which they chopped down with relative comfort. In this high-voltage encounter, the batting of both these sides looks as unstable as it ever has, and with a quarter-final at stake, batsmen have to pull their weight and provide something of value for their bowlers to be able to drag their side across the line, and into the World Cup knockouts.

Players to watch out for: Abdelkarim Toulali, El Mahi Khatibi, Pierre-Marie Rapace, Rudi Struwig, Pierre Struwig, Dale Smit

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -