After restricting its opponents to 133, thanks to fielding a correct and balanced playing XI, one thought that it was only matter of time for Pakistan to seal its victory. But, Pakistan had other ideas - their over confidence had lead their debacle. There was no game plan, and every batsman was trying to finish the game as quickly as possible.
But SA, having lost its match to England yesterday, with a NRR of -0.65, has offered a chance for Pakistan to bounce back in the T20 WC, as the later's NRR is better at -.21. If Pakistan wins against SA, even if NZ wins against England, Pakistan will still make it to Semi Final along with England with a better NRR.
What is your thought on Semi-Final spot in Group E - Do you agree?
Coming back to yesterday's match against Pakistan, I was particularly impressed with Vettori's captaincy - his game plan was to have Pakisan all out since he could not defend this smallish total. Thus, he shuffled the bowlers based on the charateristic of the batsman and that paid off very well. The thought to have a deep mid wicket to have the match sealed in its favor, goes to prove that Vettori is here to stay as Captain for NewZealand for many years to come.
Do or Die for W.Indies and India
India has to have its game plan simple, as W.Indies are were troubled against spin attack as witnessed in the recent IPL
(a) Ask Rohit to open the innings along with Gambhir
(b) Bring in Piyush Chawla as a replacement for Murali Vijay
(c) Use Suresh Raina as the 6th bowling option incase Jadeja/Piysh fails.
(d) If the same wicket that was played the day-before-yesterday, win the toss and elect to bat.
(e) Ask Zaheer/Nehra to bowl upto the stumps - Not trying to bowl short.
If India does this, there will not be any surprises.
Do you agree to this?
On the other hand, Australia, with a complete control of the tournament looks favorite on paper. But if the opening pair of Australia fails, then the responsibility falls on the middle order, as they have not been tested so far in this tournament.
But SL will also surely look shaky if Mahela fails as none of the other batsman, barring Sangakkara, has hit form.
The Points Table are given as under, post matches held on 8th May.
TEAM PLAY WON LOST TIE NR PTS NRR
Group E
England 2 2 0 0 0 4 +1.176
New Zealand 2 1 1 0 0 2 -0.300
South Africa 2 1 1 0 0 2 -0.650
Pakistan 2 0 2 0 0 0 -0.215
Group F
Sri Lanka 1 1 0 0 0 2 +2.850
Australia 1 1 0 0 0 2 +2.450
India 1 0 1 0 0 0 -2.450
West Indies 1 0 1 0 0 0 -2.850
3 comments:
I think restrictimg gayle and pollard should be the main focus in Dhoni's mind. Both have shown that they can single-handedly take the game away from the opposition. If they bat first, WI will probably look to get to about 100 ny the 14th/15th over and then unleash pollard on the Indians. Dhoni should be prepared for that.
He could probably give Raina a couple of overs at the death in case of such an occurence.
Its PERFORM OR PERISH FOR India today. India should BAT first irrespective of the pitch. Murli Vijay out and Dinesh Kartik in. Jadeja out Piyush in.
What say you?
India need to have 3 spinners....WIndies have trouble facing spin attack..
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