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