#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015
In what can be termed as the most commanding and comprehensive performance of #CWC15 considering the stakes of a knockout match, South Africa literally crushed Sri Lanka mercilessly at the Sydney Cricket Ground in front of a large gathering of Sri Lankan supporters who were subdued for most part of the contest .. well if you can call it a contest?
The only right thing that happened for Sri Lanka today was the spin of the coin going in their favour. They promptly elected to bat considering the big match situation, SA's struggles chasing scores against India and Pakistan and belter of a Sydney pitch. Put runs on the board, loads of them and put the opposition under pressure was the overall plan.
And then it went haywire. Partly due to their own "surprise moves" that badly backfired on them and mostly due to an outstanding spell of seam and spin bowling from the Proteas.
#DaleSteyn, criticized for not being upto the mark in this world cup, showed why he is the best in business with very incisive pace bowling that strangled SA batsmen. #KyleAbbott reaped rewards for nagging line and length bowling while #MorneMorkel's bounce troubled all batsmen, mostly the Sri Lankan skipper #AngeloMathews.
When #ImranTahir and #JPDuminy came onto ball, you sensed Lanka would crawl back into the game but all that was negated by Tahir's brilliant opening spell claiming #Thirimanna (the best Lankan batsman on view today) and #Jayawardena (the champion was literally made to look like a rookie unable to read Imran's guile and spin).
Duminy, then joined the act claiming a first ever #hattrick for South Africa at a world cup and the celebrations were amazing. With the back broken, the only superstar of Sri Lankan batting in this cup, #KumarSangakarra could do nothing but go for his shots and lost his wicket too. He scored 45 in 96 balls .. an indicator of how well the Springboks bowled to keep a man (in supreme form) quiet.
Sri Lanka annihilated for 133 in 37 overs.
Game over!
The only hope for Sri Lanka was their other "surprise" of the day. #ThirmanduKaushal, an off spinner (in the Murali mould) to expose SA's frailty against spin. But, the SA batsmen would have nothing of him and they completed a near perfect victory in just 18 overs. #QuintonDeKock, the most persisted with SA batsman, finally came good and scored a much needed 78*.
Bitter farewell for Sanga and Jaya, the two stalwarts of Sri Lankan cricket.
They will hang their boots shortly. All the best to them for their personal lives.
#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Sri Lanka - 133 all out, 37 overs
South Africa - 134 for 1, 18 overs
Man of the Match: Imran Tahir - 4 wickets
South Africa now await winner of the 4th quarterfinal (New Zealand or West Indies) for their semi-final clash.
Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015
No one expected the first innings to end so soon and the other team would need to bat for some time before the dinner break. Its just happened at the SCG.
Sri Lanka bowled out for 133 in 37 overs meant South Africa need to bat for some time.
The SA openers #QuintonDeKock and #HashimAmla have started confidently.
That will ease some nerves in that SA dressing room.
Time running out for Sri Lanka.
Can #TharinduKaushal deliver a magical spell on his ODi debut?
Huge ask but what a stage to do it if he does?
#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
South Africa: 37 for 0, 6 overs.
Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015
#JPDuminy was the weakest bowler in this SA lineup.
Sri Lanka would have looked to launch into him to propel their score.
Instead he has done the unthinkable .... by claiming a #hattrick with is right handed off spin bowling.
Sri Lanka were pegged back by the relentless pace attack of SA followed by a superb spell from #ImranTahir. But, it was Duminy who provided the spell of a life time to claim his hattrick.
His hattrick scalps
#AngeloMathews - c. DuPlessis at short mid wicket
#Kulasekhara - c. deKock behind the stumps
#Kaushal - lbw
Amazing scenes at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
SA all over Sri Lanka.
Game over ... well almost .. unless the #weather or #SriLanka spinners can repeat the dose back to the SA batsmen.
#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
127 for 9, 36.2 overs (match stopped due to rain)
Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015
Just when Sri Lanka were looking to crawl back into the game, #ImranTahir has struck a key blow. He's forced #Thirimanna to pop a return catch and his celebrations are a joy to watch. he runs a 100 metres dash with his facial antiques. Treat to watch.
#MahelaJaywardena, the new man in, never looked IN.
Tahir had a very close LBW decision turned own against him (after a third umpire review). However, in his next over he push a faster one that Mahela pulled straight to mid wicket duPlessis.
The onus will now ofcourse be on #Sangakarra.
He is joined by skipper #AngeloMathews
Match in an exciting stage yet again!
#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Sri Lanka: 87 for 4, 25 overs
Sangakarra - 22*
Mathews - 3*
Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015
South Africa have started with purpose and really unleashed their seamers at Sri Lanka.
Steyn, Abbott and Morkel are getting their swing, pace, bounce absolutely right to unsettle the Lnakan batsmen.
They have been rewarded for their disciplined bowling.
#KusalPerera, a surprise opener sent in to whack the bowl around, was trying to hit too hard against an attack very potent and lethal. #KyleAbbott got him to edge one behind for 3.
#Dilshan who was tied down for 10 balls without scoring, had to get himself away. He chose a steaming #DaleStryn to attack. Bad choice. Steyn got him to edge to second slip where DuPlessis took a wonderful catch.
At 4 for 2 in 4 overs, Sri Lankans were really pegged back.
#KumarSangakarra, who's batting like a dream in this #CWC15 and #LahiruThirimanna are at the crease now. Thirimanna has opened up and hit a few boundaries to up that scoring rate.
Its pretty intense out there.
This is certainly the best quarterfinal in terms of a contest and intensity.
Both teams equally matched and its about who seizes the moments?
#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Sri Lanka: 42 for 2, 12 overs
Sangakarra - 5*
Thirimanna - 29*
Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015
Sri Lankan captain #AngeloMathews has won the toss and elected to bat first.
A very good toss to win in a big game.
Two changes for Sri Lanka
#KusalPerera comes in for #DineshChandimal
#Kaushal comes in for #RanganaHerath (he's their mystery spinner waiting to be unleashed against SA)
South Africa have made two changes as well.
#KyleAbbott replaces #VernonPhilander
#FafDuPlessis comes back in place of #FarhadBehardien
Let the game begin ...
Powered By:http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#SriLanka vs #SouthAfrica
#SCG
18th Mar 2015
As Sri Lanka and South Africa open the quarterfinal stages of this exciting #CWC15, all eyes are set on battles within battles
#Sanga vs #Steyn
#Malinga vs #ABDevilliers and #HashimAmla
#Tahir vs #Mathews
Some superb contests within the main one will add super spice to this match. While Sanga vs Steyn duel is going to take the cake and effectively determine outcome of this match probably, would love to see how Devilliers tackles the Lankan spin battery!
The "C" tag continues to haunt South Africa and this is a big pressure game tomorrow. They have dug a hole for themselves at critical junctures in world cups and luck has deserted them at times too.
1992 - lost to England by the farcial rain rule in semifinals (ironically at SCG i.e venue for tomorrow's game)
1996 - ran into a rampaging Brian Lara and his innings outclassed the Proteas
1999 - in the greatest ODI of all time, they tripped at the last moment when Kluesner and Donald couldnt communicate and complete the winning run vs Australia in a semifinal at Birmingham.
2003 - poor calculation of the D/L numbers meant they allowed Sri Lanka to qualify for the next stage by tying that game at Port Elizabeth. Boucher actually played a defensive shot when all they needed was one run to win that game on D/L system
2007 - ran into a rampaging Aussie side and Matthew Hayden's blistering century blew them away.
2011 - one of the clear favorites, they literally choked against the Kiwis in their quarterfinal.
2015 - Such has been their CWC history. Will tomorrow be different?
Sri Lanka seem to have mastered the art of reaching final rounds of top cricket tournaments so they can handle pressure but have not won anything in the 50 over CWC for some time.
1992 - Minnows of the game but beat South Africa in a stunning game
1996 - World Champs led by inspirational Arjuna Ranatunga
1999 - Blown away in England in league stage
2003 - Semi finalists but lost to Australia in a keen contest
2007 - Finalists, but again ran into a rampaging Australian side and Gilchrist's stunner century blew them away.
2011 - Finalists yet again and best chance to win the cup, but MS Dhoni's inspirational innings and captaincy snatched victory from their grasp.
Going by this history, SL seem to have a better chance in this contest, although on paper, South Africa is much stronger of the two teams man to man.
Tomorrow will tell. Stay tuned....
Powered By:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#Pakistan vs #Ireland
15th Mar 2015
Sarafaraz brilliance was the deciding factor between a disciplined Ireland bowling and Pakistan's run chasing uncertainty. He produced a superb innings of showing patience, curbing natural instincts to attack and bat through to take Pakistan home.
However, to sour things he took too much time to get to his century and Umar's blocking to give him opportunity to score his hundred didnt go well with captain Misbah. He was seen waving to the batsmen to get it done!
Ireland tried their best but their skill limitations were exposed and it looks they need some more time to challenge the full ICC members. but kudos to them for providing such entertainment and fun. They had their moments but this was asking too much off them.
Pool B standings after this result
India - 12 points
South Africa - 8 points
Pakistan - 8 points
West Indies - 6 points
Pakistan will play Australia in the third quarterfinal at Adelaide Oval on 20th Mar 2015.
What a cracker!!!
#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Ireland: 237 all out
Pakistan: 241 for 3 (46.1 overs)
Sarfaraz - 101*
Umar Akmal - 20*
Man of the Match: Sarfaraz Ahmed
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#Pakistan vs #Ireland
15th Mar 2015
Pak openers #AhmedShehzad and #SarfarazAhmed have partially snuffed out Irish bowling challenge in their chase of 237.
Both batsmen started slowly but once they had their eyes in, they started dominating the bowling.
Shehzad, who's been criticized for a lot of dot balls early in his innings putting pressure on others, has been very good so far and upped the ante ahead of Sarfaraz.
He has reached his 50 and now needs to go on to score a century (the first for Pakistan in this world cup). Just goes to show why they aren't performing in the batting dept. Their opening stands haven't been good at all. Thats why, this is so encouraging to see.
Sarfaraz meanwhile has completed his fifty too.
He's curtailed his aggressive instinct to steady down and score responsibly.
#LIVE #SCORE
Pakistan: 115 for No loss (21 overs)
Shehzad - 58*
Sarfaraz - 53*
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#Pakistan vs #Ireland
15th Mar 2015
Excellent #death #bowling once again from the #leftie #quick #army of Pakistan have pulled the match away from Ireland. They have restricted Ireland to 237 all out and given their batsmen a very manageable total to chase. Mind you Pakistan don't chase well, so this is going to be very interesting in the evening under floodlights.
For Ireland, skipper #WilliamPorterfield produced a magnificent century (107) but others were not able to support him with cameos as Pak bowlers snuffed them out as soon as they got in to play a big innings.
#WahabRiaz, #RahatAli and #EhsanAdil (the left handed battery) alongside #SohailKhan choked them into submission.
Now, its upto the Pakistan batsmen. Can they deliver and chase this target?
Ireland have to play out of their skin to challenge them.
Its 70-30 advantage Pakistan at half time.
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#Pakistan vs #Ireland
15th Mar 2015
Both teams are into a no-holds-barred contest trying to get on top of the other in a do-or-die contest at the picturesque #AdelaideOval to decide 3rd and 4th positions in Pool B.
Just when one team looks to get on top, the other one strikes.
Pakistan started confidently with #EhsanAdil trapped dangerous #PaulStirling leg before but a partnership between #EdJoyce and #WilliamPorterfield pulled it back for Ireland. Then against run of play #WahabRiaz got Joyce to top edge a pull and Pak back in it.
#NiallObrien then joined Porterfield to steady the ship once again with a 30 run partnership and were beginning to steady their sights on a big one. Then again, #RahatAli produced a short one that Obrien push to short midwicket. Game on even keel yet again.
Looks like it is going to be a game like that all through.
Its just a knockout game now. Unless its a tie or abandonment, West Indies seems to have qualified for the next stage.
Its all to play for here in Adelaide though
#LIVE #CRICKET #SCORE
Ireland: 115 for 3 after 25 overs
Poerterfield - 75*
Balbirnie - 9*
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#WestIndies vs #UAE, #Napier
West Indies have done their part of the job.
Needing to score the required target in under 36.2 overs, they have completed their run chase in 30.3 overs and 6 wickets in hand.
The win ensures they qualify for the next stage of knockouts.
Whats still not sure is what position they will finish in Pool B?
That will be decided by result in the Pak vs #Irl match.
#JohnsonCharles and #JonathanCarter fifities ensured Windies cantered to their third win in the league in desired manner. In absense of Gayle, they needed to fire and they have done that!
#LIVE #SCORE
UAE - 175 all out
WI - 179 for 4 (30.3 overs)
Man of the Match: #JasonHolder
Powered by:
http://www.whowwillwinthecup.com
#Ireland vs #Pakistan
15th Mar 2015
It couldn't get bigger than this.
Both teams need to win to qualify .. as simple as that ... the knockouts have begun already!
On a fabulous afternoon in #Adelaide, Ireland captain #WilliamPorterfield has won the toss and elected to bat first. A good move considering batting is their bigger strength. They will also be aware that Pak dont chase very well.
Ireland - Same team that played India few days ago.
Pakistan - Two changes - Mohd. Irfan replaced by while #YounisKhan replaced by #HarisSohail
Let the game begin... its all to play for!
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#WestIndies vs #UAE
15th Mar 2015
After a stunning start in their must win game, the West Indies have suddenly gone off the boil.
As if to suggest, they are not interested in winning this game with a handsome margin ... their body language is hopeless. On field spats between #DarrenSammy and #JasonHolder hasnt helped cause. Someone needs to wake them up!!
Earlier in the day, #JasonHolder and #JeromeTaylor tore through the UAE top order to envision a quick finish to he game and strengthen their Pool B position. Holder was superb with his line, speed and bounce. Holder bowled himself in one spell. 10-127-4. Fabulous figures.
At 46 for 6, it was a matter of time but #AmjadJaved and #NasirAziz dug deep.
Coupled with that some really insid bowling and attitude by the Windies in the field allowed them to build a 100 run partnership to bring some respectability to their score.
#AndreRussell coming to bowl at the back end of the innings has broken that long stand by castling Javed. He also knocked off the new batsman #Naved in his next over. #MarlonSamuels has just removed Aziz followed by Taylor castling #Tauqir to wrap up the UAE innings.
#LIVE #SCORE
UAE: 175 all out
#JasonHolder - 4 wickets
#JeromeTaylor - 3 wickets
#AndreRussell - 2 wickets
Playing without #ChrisGayle, Windies need to win this game by a big margin to entertain chances of progressing in the tournament.
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#Zim vs #Ind, #EdenPark, #Auckland
#SureshRaina and #MSDhoni's record partnership stand ensured India overcame initial hiccups to chase a competitive 288 vs Zimbabwe in a Pool B match at #CWC15
At 92 for 4, they were in serous trouble and an upset threat loomed large.
This is where #MSDhoni has transformed this India team into believing they can come back from any situation. This is the power and belief of this man. And to top it all, he shows how it is to be done!
Raina and Dhoni battled initial nerves and tests thrown by the Zimbabwean bowlers at them.
Once in, they dug in and went about chasing down the required target in a clinical fashion with an over to spare.
Along the way, Raina collected his first World Cup ton. A great memory this.
Dhoni was his usual self. Restrained and mature all throughout before exploding towards the end.
Raina's 110* meant he took the Man of the Match award ahead of #BrendanTaylor, whose innings was once in a lifetime stuff.
#LIVE #SCORE
Zim: 287 all out, 49 overs
Ind: 288 for 4, 48.4 overs
Man of the Match: Suresh Raina
India now move on to the #MCG to play their quarter final match against the in-form and spirited #Bangladesh outfit raring to go. They will need to get their bearings right for that one because in the knockouts you don't have second chances!
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#Zim vs #Ind, #EdenPark, #Auckland
Things looked iffy when India bowled.
They seemed to be off color the moment #BrendanTaylor and #SeanWilliams attacked their spinners.
As a result, Zimbabwe went on to score a very good 287 all out in 50 overs.
As if to complement the bowlers, the batsmen started in similar fashion - no purpose.
Both #RohitSharma and #ShikharDhawan were completely clueless about their running between the wickets. TO back it up they were confused whether to go at the bowling or stay put.
In all that messy thinking, both lost wickets to poor shots in one over from #Panyangara putting India under pressure at 21 for 2. Rohit skied a mistimed flick to point while Dhawan dragged a delivery onto his stumps. Outright poor shots.
This brought #AjinkyaRahane and #ViratKohli at the crease to consolidate things. They looked unsure too but soon got into their groove and produced a 50 runs stand. Then out of nowhere Rahane went for a suicidal run and was run out needlessly. 71 for 3
Virat was gaining confidence driving straight and steadied himself for a long innings. but then from nowhere #SikandarRaza produced a delivery that spun from behind his legs to bowl him for 33. Zimbabweans were delighted. India 92 for 4 and reeling.
#SureshRaina was thoroughly tested by the seamers with bouncers (his clear uncomfort zone) but he's settled into his innings. Mr. Finisher #MSDhoni has joined him and both have put on a 50+ run stand
to steady the ship somewhat.
The upcoming #batting #powerplay is going to hugely decisive in this match to decide who gains the upperhand in the contest. Zimbabwe sitting on top at the moment though.
Game ON.....
#LIVE #SCORE
India: 158 for 4 (35 overs)
#SureshRaina - 48*
#MSDhoni - 26*
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#Australia v #Scotland, #BelletiveOval, #Hobart
14th Mar 2015
#Australia look to complete their league action with an easy win against Scotland.
They would love some match practice before the big knockout games start next week.
They have to win this game as a formality to officially take that second spot in Pool A.
#LIVE #SCORE
Scotland - 130 for 8
Powered by:
http://www.whowilwinthecup.com
#Zim vs #Ind, #EdenPark, #Auckland
For the first time this #CWC15, the India bowlers were put under the hammer big time and shook them up. They looked rattled, a lot of on-pitch discussions followed and overall they looked out of sorts as long as #BrendonTaylor was at the crease.
The spinners (very surprisingly) took most of the beating at the hands of Taylor and Williams. The batsmen attacked them from the word go and forced them into defensive lines. Ashwin and Jadeja didnt bowl very badly though. They kept the bowl up and gave good air but just that Taylor was in the "mood" to dispatch them all over Eden Park.
At one stage, it looked as if India would be chasing 320+ but once Taylor went for a blistering 138, the tail didn't push it on and got out for 287. This is still a competitive score and will give their bowlers something to try and put Indian batting under pressure.
Lot of thinking for India before the knockout games.
Bangladesh is watching this!!
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#Zim vs #Ind, #EdenPark, #Auckland
#BrendanTaylor has turned it on against India.
Backing up #SeanWilliams' counterattacking innings, he has launched a scathing attack on the Indian bowlers .
For the first time in the #CWC15, the Indian bowlers looked rattled and out of sorts.
Taylor in company of Williams steadied the innings after initial setbacks.
Once Williams departed after his cameo, he's taken charge and shaken the Indians big time!
A upper cut six off #Shami over thirdman brought his century in style giving rise to wild celebrations from him and his players in the balcony. Please note he is playing his last ODI for Zimbabwe. He has signed a three year deal with the England county league. Shame ... he's not going to play in RED anymore!
#LIVE #SCORE
Zim: 233 for 4 in 41 overs
#BrendanTaylor - 138*
#SeanErive - 38*
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
#India v #Zimbabwe, #EdenPark, #Auckland
14th Mar 2015
In their last Pool match, India have won the toss and put Zimbabwe into bat on a lovely day at Eden Park, Auckland.
After losing three quick wickets to India's seamers, #SeanWilliams and #BrendanTaylor have decided to take the Indian spinners on and rebuilding well.
They have unsettled both #RaviAswin and #RaviJadeja by employing #reverse #sweeps galore and collecting boundaries and sixes.
#LIVE #SCORE
Zimbabwe: 117 for 3 in 26 overs
#BrendanTaylor - 48*
#SeanWilliams - 47*
Powered by:
http://www.whowillwinthecup.com
