World Cup Press Box | Group B top-two headline a blockbuster third round

[World Cricket Conference]

‘Super Over’ tie-breaker, 18-player team squads: WCC confirm rules of play for the Cricket World Cup
World Cricket Conference confirms significant rule changes for the upcoming edition of the Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and Niue​

WCC President Müller Schwanstegger was an instrumental figure in implementing these changes © Associated Press, October 25, 2003​

As the World of Cricket comes to a standstill for the inaugural edition of the Cricket World Cup, the World Cricket Conference has confirmed significant rule changes for the upcoming tournament to be held in New Zealand and Niue. These changes promise to bring a new dimension to the tournament, previously unseen in cricket.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the 'Super Over' as a tie-breaker during the knockout stage of the tournament. An innovative twist in which each team will have the opportunity to bat for six deliveries to set a target, and the chasing side will then have an equal chance to chase down the target within their six deliveries. What sets this Super Over apart is that it will end if the side currently batting loses two wickets within the six deliveries, adding an additional air of tension. This appears to be a massive step up from the previously used tie-breaking method of the bowl-out, which completely disregarded the element of batting altogether.

Additionally, squads for the upcoming Cricket World Cup will consist of 18 players, as opposed to the standard 15 seen in previous iterations of international events, particularly the Knockout Trophy. An expansion in squad size allows teams greater flexibility to deal with injuries, fatigue and tactical variations in the Cricket World Cup.

Recognizing the unpredictable nature of the climatic conditions of New Zealand and Niue, where rain can play a prominent role, the World Cricket Conference has also confirmed the introduction of the ‘Duckworth-Lewis-Stern’ method to revise targets in matches affected by rain. This mathematical method, widely regarded for its fairness and accuracy, ensures that rain interruptions do not unduly influence the outcome of matches, thus maintaining the integrity of cricket's World Championship.

These rule changes represent a concerted effort by the World Cricket Conference to adapt and innovate in response to the evolving dynamics of the sport of cricket. By introducing measures such as the Super Over, expanding squad sizes, and implementing advanced methods like Duckworth-Lewis-Stern to counter conditions and situations well beyond the World Cricket Conference's control, the organization aims to elevate the Cricket World Cup as the flagship event of the cricketing world.

The decision to implement these changes comes after extensive consultation with executives, officials, and stakeholders within the cricketing community, reflecting a commitment to fostering a fair and thrilling sporting environment for all involved. With the stage set for an all-exciting tournament in the picturesque settings of New Zealand and Niue, fans around the world can only anticipate witnessing these groundbreaking changes in action, as the world's best collide for cricket's ultimate prize.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Cricket World Cup schedule released; Niue and Qatar to play tournament opener in Alofi
New Zealand will host a staggering 31 matches including all 7 knockouts, while Niue gets to host only 16 group stage games​

The Cricket World Cup arrives in Alofi for the tournament opener © Associated Press, November 1, 2003​

World Cricket Conference officially release the 2003 WCC Cricket World Cup schedule, allocating 31 matches to New Zealand including all 7 knockout matches, whereas Niue gets a total of 16 group stage games due to their own refusal to grant visas to almost the entirety of their group, and a select-few nations in other groups as well.

World Cup groups were decided based on ODI World Rankings, with host nations Niue and New Zealand taking the first and second seeds respectively, as is the case in every WCC event. Niue, having been grouped with Denmark, Guernsey, Qatar and Vanuatu, would've hosted Group A in its entirety in Niue. However, Niue immigration, and Niue Cricket & Kilikiti Board's refusal to assure visas to Denmark, Guernsey and Vanuatu has resulted in all but one match of the group being played in New Zealand.

Had the country of Niue been impartial and just, the match allocation would've been very different, as it was communicated in the initial draft of the schedule levied around internally. Niue would've hosted all matches of Group A and Group C, as well as two quarter-finals and one semi-final, assuring 23 matches to Niue and 24 to New Zealand. But the Conference saw it best to not assign any knockout matches to Niue knowing they could not ensure visa approvals to certain teams should they qualify for a knockout match in Niue. Allegedly, a major part of this decision being made was also the tropical climate of Niue in December with washouts predicted.

Group B sees New Zealand, China, Russia, England and Norway in the same group, with all matches scheduled in New Zealand. Group C, being the only group to not contain a single nation on Niue's ban-list, has every group match scheduled in Niue, with Canada, India, Saudi Arabia, Bermuda and Wales locking horns in the group.

Group D is a mixed-bag with South Africa and Israel, two more nations on Niue immigration's farcical ban list, being grouped together with Pakistan, Morocco and the United States. Every match including South Africa and Israel will be played in New Zealand, and every other match not including these two teams will be played in Niue.

Knockouts of the Cricket World Cup will be played in New Zealand beginning from December 18th, with the final set to take place in Auckland on the 28th of December, as originally proposed way back at the 2000 Annual Summit. Reserve days have also been added to all knockout matches for the following day to combat potential rain.

With Niue set to take on Qatar in the World Cup opener, the world of cricket gears up for an enthralling two months of non-stop cricketing action. All eyes turn to the Oceanic islands of New Zealand and Niue, as the world's best cricket-playing nations converge and collide for cricket's ultimate prize, the WCC Cricket World Cup.

 

[Na Maloom Afraad]

World Cup-bound Moroccan squad named; Said El-Ouadie, Abdelhak Idrissi and Ely Ziyech given maiden call-ups

Moroccan Cricket Federation confirm their 18-player squad for the upcoming World Cup in New Zealand and Niue. Abderrahim Zniber, "the father of Moroccan cricket", will lead the side into battle in the inaugural edition of cricket's World Championship. As expected, Morocco have largely named an unchanged squad from their unbeaten run of six ODIs from September through to October, with the inclusion of three Wydad players being a noteworthy distinction. With WCC expanding squad size for such a massive event, it allowed room for the MCF to squeeze in top Moroccan performers outside of the original fifteen earmarked for the World Cup.

Said El-Ouadie has been a revelation for both, Tangier Wydad and The Atlas Lions, having been their best-performing player by a country mile. El-Ouadie boasts an impressive bowling average of 23.03 after bagging 30 wickets in 19 matches, with his best bowling innings of 4/34 coming in only his third professional cricket match, that too against the eventual Moroccan Cup winners of the season and one of the top Moroccan clubs, Raja Casablanca.

Another Tangier Wydad name added to the squad is Abdelhak Idrissi, the vice-captain of both Wydad and The Atlas Lions. More than anything else, he's been given the call-up as the backup wicket keeper for Youssouf Berrada, should the latter miss out for Morocco in any of their World Cup matches for any reason.

Ely Ziyech also receives a maiden call-up, replacing El Bachir Benzakour after having scored nearly twice as many runs as him during all matches played in 2003. Raja opener Benzakour scored 521 runs in 17 games at an average of 30.65, whereas Ziyech amassed 907 runs from 27 games at an average of 34.88. Ziyech also scored a hundred and a fifty more than Benzakour, and with Rami and Zniber already in the squad, Benzakour's part-time spin is hardly of any additional value.

Lastly, Hicham Ben Barka gets added to the fold in the ODI side as well after being in-and-out of favour with the team selectors, owing largely to his personal relations with the board and its officials. Despite being described as "difficult to work with", Hicham gets the nod of approval ahead of Zineddine Zraibi and Zubayr Bennis due to the balance he provides the team with by being a batting all-rounder who bats in the lower-order.

Unfortunately for Abdelkarim Raihani and El Bachir Benzakour, two players outed publicly as being part of MCF's plans for the World Cup, end up missing out on being part of the first-ever Moroccan World Cup squad. Raihani has been reportedly left behind in favour of Arwarh Benjelloun due to how poor of a run he had during the Arab Cup, where he scored a grand total of 70 runs from 5 innings at an astoundingly out-of-character average of 17.50. El Bachir Benzakour on the other hand has had his dreams of representing Morocco at the World Cup dashed as Ely Ziyech gets preference over him owing to the latter's undeniable run tally in the season.

As the World Cup draws closer and closer with each passing minute, the Moroccans are ready and eager to showcase their standing to the world of cricket with dreams of having a memorable, if not notorious World Cup run, despite being on the lower end of the pecking order globally.

MOROCCO [ Cricket World Cup ]

53. Hervé Hocquard (30) Al-Ittihad
75. Zouhair Rami (35) Maghreb
87. Rachid Al-Fassi (20) Raja C. A.
26. Ely Ziyech (30) Maghreb

13. Zamen Ibn Al-Hasan (31) Raja C. A.
29. Youssouf Berrada (28) Al-Ittihad
51. Abderrahim Zniber (32) Raja C. A.
55. Arwarh Benjelloun (32) Al-Ittihad

08. Waqqas Al-Jirari (31) Al-Fatah
18. Abdelhak Idrissi (24) Wydad
77. Hicham Ben Barka (28) Wydad
06. Sufyan Ben Barka (29) Al-Fatah

69. Abdelhamid Aberkill (22) Maghreb
22. Said El-Ouadie (20) Wydad
50. El Mahi Khatibi (26) Al-Ittihad

62. Abderrahman Oulehri (31) Raja C. A.
22. Abdelkarim Toulali (33) Al-Ittihad
01. Pierre-Marie Rapace (29) Raja C. A.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Niue and Qatar all set to kick-off the Cricket World Cup in Alofi
Both host nations will be seen in action in back-to-back matches during the first round of the World Cup​

The Cricket World Cup during the captains' media day ahead of the World Cup opener © Associated Press, November 9, 2003​

ROUND 1 PREVIEW​

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

Match 1, Niue vs Qatar, Alofi

World Cup co-hosts Niue will lock horns with Qatar in the tournament opener at the Capital Cricket Park in Alofi. A venue famous for being batting-friendly will certainly bring a lot of eyeballs to Basheer Rashed, the lynchpin of the Qatari side. Arguably the most vital cog for the side, Basheer Rashed is asked to step up every single occasion, no matter the venue, conditions, oppositions or any other ifs, buts and whats. But perhaps, his biggest test will be at the biggest stage of them all, against an in-form hometeam raring to go. Many even believe that Niue are a secret favorite to win it all, even though they have been grouped in the group of literal death.

However, Niue more or less shot themselves in the foot by denying visas to a handful of teams for some bogus reasons, three of which happened to be grouped with them. With this decision, Niue forwent their home advantage which could have proven to be vital in this group. Their only match on home soil will be this encounter against Qatar, and with zero knockout matches scheduled for Niue, it is likely that if Niue are to win the whole thing, they'll have to do so without much, or any aid at all.

Players to watch out for: Basheer Rashed, Ali Khamis Faraj, Talatitama Holo, Dalton Nemani

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

Match 2, New Zealand vs Norway, Dunedin

University Oval will play hosts to New Zealand's first World Cup match, as they take on a well-settled Norwegian side in the first match of Group B. New Zealand have struggled in international cricket across formats for the better part of two years, so to see them pick up pace right before the World Cup was certainly a pleasant sight for any fans of this sport, except if you're from Norway. Surprisingly, New Zealand left out Trace Roberts, one of their best performers in One-Day Internationals in recent years, and instead have opted for a more freshlook squad for the World Cup. Norway on the other hand, have struggled to be consistent more than anything else. In their last ODI series, they secured a 3-2 victory following an intense series-decider against newcomers Russia. Getting off the mark with a win against New Zealand can really set the tone for the rest of their campaign, especially considering the road they have ahead of them.

Players to watch out for: Erik Eriksen, Sebastian Mathisen, Magnus Larsen, Michel Gottlieb

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

Match 3, India vs Wales, Toi

One of, if not the favorites to win the World Cup - India - will start their campaign against Wales in Toi. Wales, having qualified for the World Cup as the second-lowest ranked ODI side in the world, have a tough hill to climb, one which begins with them facing the mighty Indians in their first World Cup match. Their star batters, Dai Carlson and Tom Donald will have to step up big time if they are to pose a challenge to this Indian outfit. Given how their bowling fell flat against Qatar in the warm-up match, much will be required of them too. In this star-studded Indian side, any player can deliver a match-winning knock or a match-winning spell on their day, but if they are to go all the way, all facets must gel together to form an indomitable side, which they are well capable of.

Players to watch out for: Dai Carlson, Tom Donald, Vijay Kambli, Mayas Kumble, Pramod Krishnakumar

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

Match 4, Pakistan vs United States, Alofi

The fourth match of the first round will see the United States take on a Pakistani side that's been punching way above their weight class, for a very long time now. As always, Pakistan will rely heavily on their captain to get some runs and the Durrani Brothers to support him wholeheartedly. Kabir Khan Durrani, one of ODI cricket's most prolific wicket-takers, is tasked with leading this bowling attack. He has much to live up to, and a lot to bare for Pakistan to get an early win and kickoff their tournament. Pakistan are definitely the more in-form team headed into this match, whereas the United States, having re-joined the Conference earlier this year, are certainly capable of causing a major upset. Even if they have fewer star players than Pakistan, their victories against World Cup hosts New Zealand in both the Test and ODI series earlier this definitely paint their side as the "giant-killing" type. Whether they'll be able to pull off such performances at the World Cup remains to be seen.

Players to watch out for: Talha Hayat, Shabbir Khan Durrani, Kabir Khan Durrani, Lamar Dean

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

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Basheer Rashed cements his legacy at the grandest stage of them all
The Prince of Lusail was once again the point of difference between victory and defeat for Qatar​

World Cup hosts New Zealand began their campaign with a dominant win in Dunedin © Associated Press, November 11, 2003​

ROUNDUP OF ROUND 1

With the first round of matches now in the history books, we bring you a brief recap of what went down at the Cricket World Cup in its first four matches.​

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

Match 1, Niue vs Qatar, Alofi

Basheer Rashed paved the way for a monumental upset with an innings of immeasurable context. His knock of 165 against one of the best bowling attacks in the world cemented his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Adding more than half of his team's 306, he almost single-handedly gave Qatar the upper hand. No other batsman in Qatar's lineup could even cross fifty, with Humaid Sultan's run-a-ball 41 being the next highest score.

For Niue, it was an off day at the most inconvenient of times. Playing their only home game of the World Cup, Niue's bowling delivered for the most part. However, Basheer Rashed seemed to be their kryptonite, as none of the seven bowlers who rolled their arms over in the match could get him out until he had done what he does.

With a good-enough total on the board, Qatar still had to bowl well to get the win against Niue. Favourable conditions and a batting lineup of Niue's calibre demanded a special bowling performance from Qatar, and they delivered just that with the leader of their pack being a no-show. Ali Khamis Faraj, rather surprisingly, went wicketless, but a complete performance overall helped Qatar defend the total and secure a hefty 56-run win. Muhsin Al-Tayani was the highlight with the ball for Qatar, picking up 3 wickets for 37 runs in 7 overs. Mahmoud Nader also chipped in with a couple of scalps, although he was a little on the expensive side as well.

Qatar bowled Niue out to win rather handsomely in the end, all thanks to Basheer Rashed's unparalleled brilliance lighting the way for the Qataris to open their account.

Result: Qatar won by 56 runs

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

Match 2, New Zealand vs Norway, Dunedin

New Zealand continued their rise from the doldrums of stagnation with a dominant win over the Norwegians. Played at the University Oval in Dunedin, the second match of the World Cup, and the first to be played in New Zealand, saw the hosts emerge triumphant against a struggling Norwegian side by 76 runs. Fritz Collins starred with an impeccable hundred up top, which coupled with Max Haley's fifty and Akshay Ojha's quickfire cameo towards the end of the innings pushed New Zealand past the 300-run mark, giving Norway an identical target to Niue in the first game.

Norway started their run-chase really strongly, with Oskar Nøstbakken in particular soaking in a lot of pressure against a moving new ball. Unfortunately for the Scandinavians however, their middle-order was run through quickly once their top-order's insistence of putting up a fight was brought to a screeching halt. Martin Franecki shined with the ball, claiming the first-ever 5-wicket haul in World Cup history. Even while a little expensive, his 5-fer led the way to a massive win for the Kiwis.

Result: New Zealand won by 76 runs

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

Match 3, India vs Wales, Toi

India collided with Wales in Toi in the third match of the first round, and it went exactly the way many would've expected it to go. India, having lost the toss, batted first and posted 285/5 on an evenly-balanced surface. Wales did exceptionally well to keep India's explosive batting tied down to a modest total, with half-centuries from Vijay Kambli and Surajkumar Yadav being the highlight of India's innings. Liam Beef and Andrew Bull were extremely economical during key phases of the innings.

Wales' chase was off to a terrible start with Pramod Krishnakumar striking in the second over to remove Charlie Nicholls. Rhodri Davies and Kiran Lloyd did well to recover, but the former was dismissed in the sixth over. Lloyd followed soon after, leaving Wales reeling at 35/3. Tom Donald and Dai Carlson, the backbone of Welsh batting, put up a sensational 105-run partnership to bring Wales back into the contest, but a killing blow from Pramod Krishnakumar dismissed the Welsh captain, opening the floodgates for Wales to lose their last 6 wickets for 20 runs. Of those six wickets, five fell to Mayas Kumble who finished the game with figures of 5/16.

An all-round clinic gave India 3 invaluable points alongside a healthy net-run-rate boost, whereas the Welsh were thoroughly outplayed in the Group C opener.

Result: India won by 121 runs

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

Match 4, Pakistan vs United States, Alofi

Pakistan defeated the United States after winning the toss and posting the highest total of the first round, which saw many batting-oriented play in conditions conducive to batting. They posted their 343/8 on the back of a haywire 134 off 92 deliveries from Saim Rizvi, who hit 17 fours and 5 sixes in his brazen knock. A strong finish from Adam Youhana gave Pakistan an extra few runs, which the Americans were unable to constrain, even with an in-form Wade Anderson bowling in the death.

The Americans were overwhelmed by Pakistan's attack as every attempt of building their run-chase was met with an untimely dismissal, until eventually the States were bowled out in the antepenultimate over of the innings, with a 113 runs between them and Pakistan. Sheraz Hashmi was the pick of the bowlers with 3 scalps for 33 runs.

Result: Pakistan won by 113 runs

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

 

[World Cricket Conference]

China meet England in potential Group B summit clash at Hagley Oval
Two of the three teams likely to win the group collide in Christchurch on Saturday​

Hagley Oval during the warm-up match between Bermuda and Denmark © Associated Press, November 6, 2003​

ROUND 2 PREVIEW​

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

Match 5, Guernsey vs Vanuatu, Hamilton

Two extremely well-settled squads who have had mixed fortunes in ODI cricket take each other on in the first match of the second round as Guernsey face Vanuatu in Hamilton. While the ODI records of the reigning Euro Cup co-winners have been a mixed bag, the team consists of some of ODI cricket's greatest ever cricketers. Harry Wroetoshaw and Tom Nightingale, two of the most prolific run-getters in ODI cricket, form the backbone of this Guernsey side, with the up-and-coming starboys Kylian Michiels, Richard Morgan and Henry White only adding to their strength. For them to go deep in the tournament, their bowlers need to step up big time. Harrison Willis, as ever, holds the keys to Guernsey's fortunes with the ball, being their greatest bowler ever. However, a great deal is also expected of Ryan Edwards and supposed wonderkid Xavier Thomas. Guernsey have the tools, but do they have the mechanic who knows how to use them?

Vanuatu have had a middling year thus far, with their highest high coming against Nations League runners-up England, who they beat 2-0 in a Test series away from home in April. And their lowest low coming against China, who they lost to in all three formats, including T20Is where they were dethroned as the No. 1 Team in the world. Vanuatu need to seriously punch above their weight if they are to make it out of a group consisting of Guernsey, Denmark, Niue and Qatar. And they can very well do so if all pieces fall into place, starting with their openers regaining lost form, their middle-order being a little less reliant on Apolinaire Saksak (despite him being so consistent), and their bowling gelling together to form a disciplined attack with Mark Mansale as its spearhead.

Players to watch out for: Tom Nightingale, Harry Wroetoshaw, Kylian Michiels, Harrison Willis, Mark Mansale

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

Match 6, China vs England, Christchurch

Arguably the biggest match of the group pits China against England in Christchurch, as two of the three teams most-likely to win the group collide in a much-anticipated contest. China have been the fastest rising nation in the world of cricket, having won Club World Cup and Asia Cup honours within their first three years as members of the World Cricket Conference. England on the other hand, have been slightly less fortunate with their trophy cabinet, but have tried to burst through a higher ceiling, with an appearance in the Nations League Final being the highlight of their journey thus far.

This match is expected to be high-octane, as some of the best cricketers in the world will be seen live and in living colour, representing England and China. William George Charles, one of cricket's biggest egos and its biggest stars, returned to don national colours very recently following controversies with his home board. Having left the national side to play for his adopted home in Wales (a club co-owned by him), WG Charles saw his decision prove fruitful, as he led the Aberystwyth Avengers to Club World Cup glory in Denmark only a few months back. However, since being brought back into the side with a lot of controversy surrounding him, he has failed to truly deliver the way he had done before his alleged falling out with some members of the English side. Many even believe that captain Richard Head had usurped him as England's be-all and end-all during Charles' absence, having inarguably been their best player this year.

For the Chinese, Shi Gen has been nothing short of magic. He has enviable numbers, well on track to overtake Rudi Struwig as ODI cricket's greatest ever bowler. In a mere 28 matches, Shi Gen has claimed 76 wickets at an astonishing bowling average of 17.50. While the wrist-spinner boasts four 5-wicket hauls in ODI cricket, his most outrageous performance came not in ODIs, but in List As during the Club World Cup, where he bagged 8 wickets for 31 runs in Roskilde only a couple of months ago. Simply too good for the opposition, Shi Gen has a big role to play in China's biggest ODI match yet. Quite possibly more so than Du Wei and Zhu Yusheng, their highest run-getters in ODI cricket. All in all, this contest is sure to be a feast for cricket fans of both these nations, and the neutral ones as well.

Players to watch out for: William George Charles, Richard Head, Shi Gen, Du Wei

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

Match 7, Bermuda vs Saudi Arabia, Hikutavake

All eyes on Wendell Corden-Cox to conjure up the very greatness which led Aberystwyth Avengers to Club World Cup glory, as Bermuda take on a batting-oriented Saudi Arabia on a Hikutavake flat-track. The Arab Cup champions take on the runners-up of the Americas Championship, as two teams generally seen on the lower end of the pecking order lock horns in a crucial Group C match. With an undoubtedly tough road ahead for both these teams, a win in this match could set the tone for either of these sides to go very deep in the tournament, maybe more so than what is expected from either of these sides.

Saudi Arabia, a team that has relied almost exclusively on their batting, will have to come up with something inspired to negate the damage that Wendell Corden-Cox can inflict on them. With Hikutavake's typical batting friendly conditions in play, expect this match to be high-scoring, and most likely one-sided contest.

Players to watch out for: Wendell Corden-Cox, Khuzaimah Rasheed, Mohsin Tunio

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

Match 8, Israel vs South Africa, Napier

African juggernauts and favorites to win the World Cup, South Africa, begin their campaign against Israel in Napier. With their settled core of players looking as good as it ever has, South Africa are the likeliest contenders to win this group almost unchallenged. But if there are any chinks in the armour, expect Asher Golan's Israel to find and exploit them, even with all the odds stacked against them the way they are in this contest. It'll be tough, but if the Arab Cup is anything to go by, Israel can do it.

Asher Golan, highest run-scorer at the Arab Cup has to burden the majority of responsibility, both as captain and player. Luckily for him, he seems to have found a dependable partner in Amah Eliot, with both men having been involved in crucial partnerships together, who will no doubt challenge Proteas' world class bowling.

A bowling attack led by Rudi Struwig, one of two players to have 100 ODI wickets, and the first to get there. Rudi Struwig is the heartbeat of this South African side. His heroics with the ball led them to their Knockout Trophy win in 2002, and now leading a much-improved Proteas side, he appears destined to win the World Cup.

Players to watch out for: Petrus Struwig, Jacques Coetzee, Dale Smit, Rudi Struwig, Asher Golan

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

 

[World Cricket Conference]

England defeat China in final-over thriller in Christchurch
England vs. China lived up to its billing as one of the biggest matches of the group stage​

Harrison Willis (far right) during Guernsey's pregame team portrait against Vanuatu © Associated Press, November 14, 2003​

ROUNDUP OF ROUND 2

A thrilling encounter between China and England headlined the second round of matches at the Cricket World Cup.​

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

Match 5, Guernsey vs Vanuatu, Hamilton

Early showers in Hamilton resulted in a delayed start with overs lost in this Group A showdown. Tom Nightingale, having won the toss, invited Vanuatu to face the music in conditions heavenly for bowlers. Eprahim Meto and Dgen Kalsakau let Vanuatu off to a flyer early in the innings, before Xavier Thomas struck in the fifth over to send the former back to the pavilion. The kind of start Vanuatu had would become their entire innings' trend, with several start-and-stop knocks giving them a glimmer of hope of posting an imposing total, before an abrupt breakthrough would eventually bring them down. Harrison Willis was the chief architect of Vanuatu's demise, with his 4-wicket haul starring in Guernsey's bowling card.

With a target of 161 set for Guernsey to chase in 42.0 overs, Tom Nightingale decided to take Vanuatu's attack head on. His unshackled batting allowed Guernsey to race away to the target despite the Vanuatuans finding constant breakthroughs at the other end. In the end, his approach was the biggest point of difference between the two sides, as Guernsey secured a nervy 5-wicket win with Brian Bennett and Finlay Wilson just about keeping their cool to see Guernsey home.

Result: Guernsey won by 5 wickets (with 71 deliveries remaining)

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

Match 6, China vs England, Christchurch

China faced off against England in a highly-anticipated Group B match in Christchurch, a match which did not let viewers down. After winning the toss and asking China to bat first, England struck in only the third over to see the back of Su Yaoting with Jim Malick trapping him dead in front of the stumps. Bai Chun and Du Wei quickly recovered however, adding 69 runs for the second-wicket in no time. As Du Wei neared his fifty, Alex Vixen struck to remove his partner and broke their stand before it really took off. Following Chun's dismissal, Wei completed his fifty and departed soon after. With both set batsmen now gone, Zhu Yusheng and Ye De went into a shell, giving the Englishmen an opportunity to dry up runs during the middle overs. And they did just that before the pressure eventually got to the captain, triggering him to try an audacious slog-sweep which he completely botched, and Alex Vixen trapped him in front for an lbw dismissal.

His dismissal may have been a positive sign for China had Ye De not continued his struggle, because the newcomer Mao Shuren took the Englishmen on like they were nothing. Toying with their best bowlers, Shuren added runs quickly before Ye De decided it was time for an ill-timed pull, resulting in an amateurish dismissal for the Chinese keeper. Ye De's dismissal opened the floodgates for Zachary Wilson to run through China's lower-order while Mao Shuren watched on from the other end. Shuren had his timbers disturbed trying to go big against Wilson in the 47th-over, where Wilson would pick one more wicket to complete his 5-fer. Shao Zhenkang and He Weimin managed to squeeze 15 runs off the final 12 deliveries, pushing China's total into above-average territory.

With a not-so-daunting target of 249 set, all England had to do was find a way of subduing Shi Gen, and all was gucci for Richard Head's men. Peter Mills and Mark Crowe, England's openers, took this one step further and frustrated China's bowlers to no end with an uber-conservative approach. No loose shots were offered and no unnecessary risk was taken by these two men, until eventually, Shi Gen found a chink in their armour and sent Crowe back in the 27th-over of thee innings. With half of the runs scored, and the ball now old enough where it stopped moving on its own whims, all England had to do was put their foot to the pedal, and they did so without any worries with William George Charles squeezing the part-timer Bai Chun for 20 runs in the 41st-over to release all pressure.

However, China struck back to remove Mills and Charles in back-to-back overs with the required rate increasing in the background. Fortunately for England, Ronald Wellington and Richard Head were in good form, and managed to score 32 runs in 18 deliveries off of some very loose bowling from Hou Xiaotong and Bai Chun. A four on the second delivery of the final over sealed the deal for England, who emerged victorious against China, one of the three contenders to win their group.

Result: England won by 5 wickets (with 4 deliveries remaining)

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

Match 7, Bermuda vs Saudi Arabia, Hikutavake

A highlight reel-worthy in-swinger from Khuzaimah Rasheed disturbed Wendell Corden-Cox's timbers on the second delivery of the match, as Saudi Arabia half-secured 3 points against Bermuda within the first two deliveries of the game. Corden-Cox met the same fate in Bermuda's first World Cup match as he did in their warm-up, a duck when it mattered the most. Jamison Howard was trapped for a simplistic lbw dismissal three balls later, leaving Bermuda reeling at 3/2 at the end of the first over.

Dayton Dowling added invaluable runs to give respectability to Bermuda's score, but even then, they found themselves reduced to 140/5 by the end of the 31st-over. It wasn't until Harrington Mark and Preston Tuckett's phenomenal counterattack that Bermuda had a total they could bowl with. Mark and Tuckett added 138 runs by themselves, pushing Bermuda's total to 278/5 at the end of their innings, a decent-enough total without any contributions coming from the Main Man himself.

But the tone of this match was set from the get-go for Saudi Arabia, as Khuzaimah Rasheed, their star performer with the ball, stepped up once again and scored an invaluable fifty while putting together a 119-run stand for the fourth-wicket alongside Adam Khattak. There simply wasn't anything there for either Wendell Corden-Cox or Brenton Barrow to create magic, as Saudi Arabia completed an emphatic win on the back of Adam and Khuzaimah's innings.

Result: Saudi Arabia won by 4 wickets (with 21 deliveries remaining)

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

Match 8, Israel vs South Africa, Napier

Israel took on South Africa in the second match on double-clash Sunday as both teams collided under grey skies in Napier. Israel opted to bat first, and met the ferocity of the Struwig Brothers immediately. Asher Golan tried to settle things down for Israel after two early blows alongside newcomer Niv Nagavkar, and while the pair added 68 runs in no time with counterattacking cricket, the ideal goal would've been for either men to go big and score a hundred, which neither managed to do. Niv Nagavkar was sent packing by an incredible throw from Pierre Struwig from long-on, while Asher Golan fell victim to a one-handed Siya Ndlala stunner.

Elias Benjamin, Noam Aviv and Dan Eleazer added crucial runs at the backend as they are often known to do, but even with their best efforts, Israel could only manage a subpar 240/8 at the end of their fifty overs. Israel still could've challenged South Africa if they bowled out of their boots, and Ethel Gabriel and Dan Eleazar showed glimpses of just that when they sent both openers back for chump change, essentially, but the quality of this South African side was too much for the Israelis to bare, as Petrus Struwig and Siya Ndlala ran away with the game with an indomitable 190-run stand. Struwig completed his hundred and remained unbeaten on 108*, whereas Ndlala was unfortunate to be dismissed two short of a well-deserved ton. South Africa however, had the game already won by that point.

Result: South Africa won by 7 wickets (with 67 deliveries remaining)

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

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Group B top-two headline a blockbuster third round
New Zealand face off against England with both teams having won the first two matches of the group​

William George Charles (left) and Richard Head (right) conversing during China's innings in Christchurch © AP, November 15, 2003​

ROUND 3 PREVIEW​

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

Match 9, Denmark vs Vanuatu, Napier

Denmark begin their World Cup against a Vanuatuan side desperate to keep theirs alive. Having lost to Guernsey by a hefty-enough margin, Vanuatu could very well be on the brink of elimination if they lose against the Danes in only their second match of the tournament. Group A, fittingly known as the group of death, leaves very little margin for error between five teams on equal footing vying for the two spots available to them. Vanuatu, having been undone by Harrison Willis and Tom Nightingale, are in a must-win position against one of the best limited-overs teams in the world in Denmark.

Simon Bule bowled his heart out against Guernsey, and managed to actually make something happen with the ball alongside Mark Mansale, but their hopes were eventually dashed by Brian Bennett and Finlay Wilson's watchful knocks guiding Guernsey over the line. A lot on relies on those two to get things right if Vanuatu are to take on a batting lineup of Denmark's calibre, one which comprises of the likes of Aksel Johansson, Chris Mattsson, William Gunnarsson and Jørn Storgaard.

For Denmark, their batting isn't their only strong suit - Martin Lundgren, despite being in the worst form of his life, is still among ODI cricket's highest wicket-takers, and he's their third-best bowler. Felix Nørregaard and Chris Fredriksson are two of the best bowlers in the world, and with Oliver Johansson having had a wonderful 12 months, the Danes look like one of the most complete units in this tournament. With more riding on this game than contextualizable, expect an instant classic.

Players to watch out for: Simon Bule, Mark Mansale, Aksel Johansson, Chris Mattsson, Felix Nørregaard, Chris Fredriksson

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

Match 10, New Zealand vs England, Auckland

The top-two teams of Group B collide at the Eden Park as Auckland braces itself for some World Cup action. New Zealand face off against England with both teams having won the first two matches of the group, vying to consolidate their rank at the top of the group with an important win. However, reports have emerged that New Zealand have been dealt a massive blow as Martin Franecki, the star of New Zealand's defense against Norway, is likely to miss out due to a slight niggle in his shoulder.

With one of New Zealand's top performers, and the spearhead of their bowling attack out of the game, England clearly have an upper hand heading into this contest. An advantage which only strengthens an English side currently on top of their game, as evident by their brilliantly executed plans leading them to a concise win against China in Christchurch. New Zealand and England are set to collide in one of the biggest matches of the group stage, with the winner moving to the top of the group.

Players to watch out for: Fritz Collins, Michel Gottlieb, Clinton Hintz, Peter Mills, William George Charles, Zachary Wilson

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

Match 11, Canada vs India, Tamakautoga

Canada take on India with the popular belief being whoever wins this match is going on to win Group C. It's always a bad idea to be this sure about anything in cricket, but the way these two teams have dominated on the internationals stage is something to behold. Canada, the No. 1 Test and ODI side in the world, the only team to hold these two ranks simultaneously and the reigning Nations League winners, will face India, one of THE favorites to win the World Cup purely on potential. India have not had the kind of luck Canada have had, particularly in international tournaments, but it would be gross to understate the sheer quality of this Indian side by comparing their medals to Canada's. To be played in bowling-friendly conditions, batters will need to stand up for each side to make their bowlers' life easy.

Vijay Kambli and Varun Muzumdar, the spine of India's middle-order will have a massive role to play in this contest. Similarly, much will be expected of Martin Terry, Canada's Superman, during Canada's middle overs. Bowlers on both sides will have a field day unless the batters step up big time, as Canada play India in Tamakautoga.

Players to watch out for: Vijay Kambli, Varun Muzumdar, Martin Terry

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

Match 12, Pakistan vs Morocco, Tamakautoga

Morocco and Pakistan will close out the third round as Tamakautoga hosts back-to-back World Cup games. Pakistan, having trounced the United States in one of their most-dominant ODI wins, will miss out on the services of Rana Hassan Jutt who has been ruled out after complaining discomfort in his knee. He is yet to be sent for a scan, but the belief is that it is nothing serious and he should be good to go against the Israelis at the earliest. However, in this match he will be resting.

Morocco have improved significantly on the international stage in recent years, with their Casablanca Cup win being the highlight of their cricketing thus far. They have, also, choked in major matches against major opposition, with the Arab Cup Final being the most glaring example. Having dominated the tournament throughout and remaining unbeaten, Morocco lost the final against a Saudi Arabian side missing Khuzaimah Rasheed due to a clash with the Club World Cup. It's difficult to predict a team that has found a way to brand itself as mercurial, despite having one of the best domestic infrastructures in the world, but in this match they enter as favorites.

Players to watch out for: Saim Rizvi, Kabir Khan Durrani, Talha Hayat, El Mahi Khatibi, Pierre-Marie Rapace, Abdelkarim Toulali

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