#CWC15
2nd Mar 2015 is rest day at the World Cup 2015.
No matches are scheduled on this day.
A good break/holiday for all teams battling it out over the last two weeks.
There have been stunning performances - both individual and teams.
Matches have been lopsided and close but overall this has been very entertaining so far.
Most refreshingly, the minnows/associates have given a great account of themselves.
None of the minnows' games have been boring or just-another-match type. In fact, some of the most thrilling encounters have involved these teams. e.g. Ireland beating West Indies chasing 307, Afghanistan running Sri Lanka really close or Scotland troubling New Zealand in a small run chase.
Afghanistan's astonishing win against Scotland or Ireland's close shave against UAE are classic examples and proof that these teams need more exposure at world level. This has also sent a signal to #ICC to rethink number of participating teams at the next world cup from 14 to 10?
The New Zealand v Australia is arguably the best match of the tournament so far with that stunning Australian fight-back defending only 151.
India has surprised one and all with their dream run in the tournament beating two favorites, Pakistan and South Africa, pretty easily and topping Pool B easily.
West Indies have played the most games so far, 4.
They have been a mixed bag so far. Shocking defeat at the hands of Ireland, Stunning win against Pakistan, Gayle's brutal annihilation of Zimbabwe and getting equally annihilated by AB deVilliers' South Africa. They run into red hot India next followed by UAE. They need to win both games to stay afloat for qualification to next round.
New Zealand has been the team to beat with their audacious opener and captain Brendon McCullum showing ingenuine abilities to experiment and surprise the opponents. Sri Lanka, England and Australian batsmen have found that out facing the Kiwi quicks and spinners. They don't have heavy weight superstars in that side but boy do they click as a unit! simply outstanding.
Australia have been a bit unlucky thus far. They whipped England in their opening game and then had to wait 15 days before they could play another ball! (their game against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain). No wonder their batting looked jaded against Kiwis.
All teams, with the exception of Ireland, have played already played 3 games atleast going into this break tomorrow. So, we are like at the middle stage of the tournament. Some teams are clear favorites to move ahead (NZ and Ind), some teams are peaking at the right time (Sri Lanka), some teams are stuck inspite of good performances (Aus and SA) while some have disappointed outright inspite of promise (Pak and Eng).
The second stage of the league stage starts on 3rd Mar 2015 when South Africa take on Ireland, another spicy encounter important for both sides.
Look forward ....
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