Howzat - The Cricket Forum

NZ have suffered their first defeat in this world cup whilst Pakistan live to fight another day.

Pakistan will most likely have to win their remaining 2 matches and hope other results go their way...

India remain undefeated after a comfortable win over the Windies.

Would have liked to have seen Smith come in at 3.

NZ right on top

Big game tonight, both sides need to win to ensure they make the semis. Pakistan can leap frog either with a win over Bangladesh.

I haven't followed the cricket (unusually for me). But how the hell are Bangladesh above South Africa?

Bangladesh actually have a pretty competitive team rigt now, plus their best player Shakhib has been in great form with the bat. The Saffa's simply just haven't had a batsmen stand up and make runs and their bowlings been lacking too, Steyn got injured with out bowling a ball, Rabada hasn't bowled as they expected and they simply didn't have the depth to cover the retirement of De Villers. The Saffa's are going to be a pretty ordinary side for a few years I reckon.

The boks had a few issues leading up to the world cup. They then had to take on tournament favourites England first up. Three days later they had to back up against Bangladesh. Their third match was three days later against India. Having lost all three the boks found themselves under the pump. Their next game against the Windies was a wash out leaving them with just 1 pt from 4 games. At this point their world cup was realistically over.

Recently the Saffers were unlucky to lose a tight match against NZ. They were then well beaten by Pakistan but in their last match they thumped Sri Lanka. The pressure is off and they will be a challenging opponent for Australia in the last group match for both sides.

I think the poms are in a strong position and I would think that they probably have around 20 runs too many for the Kiwis. To have a shot NZ really need someone to get at least 80 odd and have others make solid contributions.

For me the English bowling attack is pretty well balanced with no real weaknesses, so getting over 300 to win on a pitch that just seems to be a little two paced is going to be quite a challenge.

Pakistan could sneak in at the expense of the kiwis though I think NRR is likely to save NZ.

Two run outs have totally sunk NZ in this match. And so the poms will advance to the semis where they will be a very dangerous opponent. Indeed, I think the poms are back on as favourites to win the world cup.

NZ should finish 4th. England will finish 3rd. So either Australia or India will play NZ...and either Australia or India will play England.

Cummings bowling at the death has been awful. He has got his length all wrong.

The boks showing what they are capable of.