Tag: ICC

Cricket World Cup: Day 18 Preview

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The Three Big Questions

When will a total of 500 become possible? 

The big bats, small grounds, two new balls from each end, and four fielders maximum allowed out of the ring at any one time, are combining to make one day cricket too advantageous for batsman.  The generous new rules have seen a raft of big scores where 300 is the new 220 and 400 is the new 300.  Hundreds come from 31 balls now, and double hundreds are becoming more common.  Soon, 500 will be scored in an one day international, and 400 will be chased down regularly.  The 500 mark won’t be reached during this World Cup but will follow shortly after if the rules don’t even out.

Hero of the Cup so far?

Brendon McCullum’s courageous effort to continued with a badly bruised arm after being pinned by Mitchell Johnson deserves a mention.  So too, the performances of Ireland against the West Indies and Afghanistan against Scotland.  But our favourite hero is the unassuming UAE batsman, Shaiman Anwar.  Anwar’s already composed a half century and a century and leads bigger names like McCullum and Kohli in the top run-scorers charts.  The 35-year-olds a big reason the UAE have been competitive, and for that he’s our hero of the Cricket World Cup so far.  FYI – he’s at $4.50 to top score for his side today.

And the villain? 

Even though David Warner has been relatively unsighted in the World Cup he’s still villainous by nature.  The umpires could also have claim to being villains on a number of occasions – most of all their abysmal effort to deprive James Taylor a possible hundred against Australia on day one.  Neither of them are getting the award though, that goes to the Canberra crowd, where it was alleged they racially abused Imran Tahir.  Not on.

Today’s Matchups

1. Pakistan v UAE, McLean Park (Napier – fine but cloudy), starts 2:00pm local time

Pakistan – $1.08

UAE – $8.00

Pakistan responded well enough to their must win game against Zimbabwe in their last outing, and they’ll need another strong performance today to see off a UAE side that have by no means disgraced themselves.  Pakistan’s brittle campaign needs another win, preferably a big win for net run rate purposes to force Ireland out of the one of the knockout stages places.

They’ll need to drastically improve their batting effort and ensure they give their impressive bowlers something sizeable to defend.   More than the 160, 224 and 235 they’ve put together thus far.

UAE have based themselves in Napier for some time and should be familiar with the conditions after playing many practice matches in the region.  They lost to club sides in those warm up games though, so will be hoping the big stage of the World Cup brings out the best of their players.

2. Australia v Afghanistan, WACA (Perth – scorching hot), starts 2:30pm local time

Australia – $1.02

Afghanistan – $15.00

Australia get the chance for some much needed batting practice in a game that is probably better described as an open wicket practice session between David and Goliath.  No disrespect intended to Afghanistan, but this will be about as one sided as you can get.  The Aussies will be hurting from their New Zealand loss and we expect them to take it out on the hapless tourists.

Afghanistan’s major strength is the seam bowling options they have at their disposal.  Unfortunately, they haven’t been as effective in Australian conditions as they have been in New Zealand. It’s a point that could prove decisive, as Ireland outlined yesterday, without early wickets the test nations have too much depth to not post a huge total.

Today’s Multi

Every Australian batsman is queuing up for a big innings, so it’s difficult to pick one top run getter.  Especially if Afghanistan bat first and get rolled.

Napier’s McLean Park is flat.  It suits Shahid Afridi’s leg skidders so we’ll back him to take more wickets than Sohail Khan at $2.08 + Shane Watson to be Man of the Match (needs Australia to bat first – he has to come good soon doesn’t he, unless he gets dropped for Faulkner?) $8.00 = $16.64

Odds from Unibet.

Cricket World Cup: Day 17 Recap

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South Africa have stormed back into World Cup contention by becoming the first side to record consecutive ODI totals in excess of 400.  Their most recent effort, a dominant 411/4, set up a thumping win over Ireland; their second win of over 200 runs in this World Cup.

The win blew our predictions out of the water, but luckily Kyle Abbot’s four wickets helped us save face and returned a handy $5.50.

Read more about the one-sided Canberra encounter below.

Day 17 Results

South Africa v Ireland

An indication of South Africa’s remarkable betting strength is not evidenced by their back to back 400’s.  Well it is, but it’s made even more incredible considering one of their openers has scored just 27 runs in 4 games.  While Quintin de Kock struggles the others rally; five South Africans have scored hundreds at the World Cup; six players average over 60 and three of those average over 100; four are striking at a rate over 100.

The batting group were at it again against Ireland yesterday.  Hundreds to Hashim Amla (dropped on 10 by Ed Joyce) and Faf du Plessis laid the perfect platform for AB de Villiers Rilee Rossouw and David Miller to exploit the final overs, which they did convincingly.  131 off the final ten was enough to get them past 400 and continue their miraculous net run rate turnaround since their defeat at the hands of India.

In response, Ireland couldn’t muster any of their traditional fighting qualities.  At 48/5 the match was effectively over, however Ireland scraped their way to 210 thanks to contributions from Andrew Balbirnie and Kevin O’Brien.  South Africa’s bowlers all enjoyed a useful stint at the bowling crease.  Abbot was the chief wicket-taker with 4, and Dale Steyn (2-39) and Morne Morkel (3-34) both looked sharp.

South Africa have few concerns for the rest of the World Cup.  They may consider sing Rilee Rossouw at the top of the order and drop de Kock, but otherwise they’ll be confident going forward, especially with Vernon Philander to return too.

For Ireland, their match against Zimbabwe now becomes crucial in terms of qualification for the knockout stages.  They still have a decent chance of making the top 8 given the inconsistent form of both the West Indies and Pakistan.

They will need to move on quickly from this performance though.  They were well off the pace throughout against a very good South African side.

South Africa 411 for 4 (Amla 159, du Plessis 109, Rossouw 61*) beat Ireland 210 (Balbirnie 58, Abbott 4-21) by 201 runs

Cricket World Cup: Day 17 Preview

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After the whirlwind cricketing action that was the weekend, we needed a day to take stock.  Just a day though, the Cricket World Cup returns with another Pool B blockbuster.  

Read more for the best odds for today’s game:

The Three Big Questions

What has been the best individual batting performance of the World Cup?

There are three main contenders.  Chris Gayle’s double hundred against Zimbabwe, Kumar Sangakkara’s graceful hundred against England, and AB de Villiers freakish effort against the West Indies.  Choosing one, it has to be de Villiers.  Having taken the time to assess conditions after scoring 19 from his first 18, AB then exploded with a range of shots rarely seen in international cricket.  With scant disregard for the whereabouts of his stumps, or the deliveries themselves, de Villers unfurled a bewildering assault on the hapless Windies.  He finished on 162* from just 66 balls.  His last 67 runs come off just 16 balls.

What has been the best individual bowling performance of the World Cup?

Apart from James Anderson who is swinging it less than Dan Vettori, swing bowlers have enjoyed the conditions on offer in Australia and New Zealand.  Late swing is proving incredibly effective against batsman paranoid about scoring rates.  Thus, two quality swing bowling performances spring to mind as the best in the tournament.  Tim Southee’s effort against England was tremendous – the third best figures in World Cup history.  Mitchell Starc though was a bit better.  His 6-28 against New Zealand at Eden Park was a one man comeback show.  Quick, hostile and accurate, and far too good for New Zealand’s middle to lower order.  Starc is one of the absolute best one day bowlers going around at the moment.

What has been the best game of the World Cup?

The associate matches have provided plenty of excitement for avid cricketing fans even if the quality is slightly poorer, and the players less known.  The Scotland vs Afghanistan and Ireland v UAE encounters were both close affairs, but our favourite was the Trans-Tasman affair at Eden Park.  The drama of the final stages of the Pool A encounter are unlikely to be seen again in this World Cup.  Low scoring affairs featuring 19 wickets are always the most exciting.

Today’s Matchup

South Africa v Ireland, Manuka Oval, (Canberra – fine weather expected), starts 2:30pm local time

South Africa – $1.05

Ireland – $10.00

Sure, it’s predicted to be fine for the Pool B encounter between South Africa and Ireland in Canberra today, but we’ll give you a different forecast – it will rain.  Rain runs.  Ireland have already shown an appetite for big totals in this World Cup, and their opponents have AB de Villiers (oh, and Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and David Miller).

South Africa will be too strong for Ireland.  The odds reflect that, but Ireland, as they do in every game they play will account for themselves well and get within 60 runs of their more fancied opposition.

Today’s Bet

If you want to double your money just get on de Villers To Score a 50 at $2.10.  The only way he wouldn’t is if Ireland bat first and don’t post more than 200.  Otherwise it’s a shoo in.

We also like Kyle Abbott to be Top Wicketaker at $5.50.

And Ed Joyce To Score a 50 at $3.50.

Odds from Betstar.

Cricket World Cup: Day 16 Recap

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Day 16 Results

1. Sri Lanka v England

Being better but still losing by ten wickets is wonderfully bittersweet.  Especially when you’re the England skipper and your own form is horrendous, your getting grief for not singing the side’s national anthem, and if you’re out of the Cricket World Cup if you don’t beat Afghanistan and Bangladesh in your last two games.

That’s what Eoin Morgan’s going through. Piling on three hundred he would’ve gone to lunch pretty satisfied with his teams work.  Joe Root laid the platform with a well controlled hundred, and Jos Buttler finished it off with the death over impetus that the situation demanded.  Lunch would have gone down well, with Morgan assuming his band of quicks would have no trouble defending the huge total.

But they couldn’t.  They were never a chance as Sri Lanka waltzed to an imperious victory – by nine wickets and with 16 balls remaining.  Centuries to Kumar Sangakkara and Lahiru Thirimanne suddenly making Morgan’s position as captain looking shaky.  Sangakkara was particularly masterful.  His hundred coming from just 70 balls and upping the ante just when required.  In fact, the hundred was Sangakkara’s quickest ever, and outlines the ominous form he is currently in (near his very best).  Thirimanne also enjoyed the flat pitch as he looks more assured in his role at the tope of the order.  His hundred means all of Sri Lanka’s top four have crossed the hundred mark in this Cricket World Cup.

England’s bowlers look dreadfully off the pace and are unlikely to worry any opposition batsman on these surfaces.  Their two best bowlers (over a long period of time), Stuart Broad and James Anderson are averaging 92 and 91 respectively with the ball in the four games they have completed in the Cricket World Cup.  They need to get the Kookaburra ball swinging and quickly if they are any chance to make the quarterfinals and then surprise someone in them.

A batting order change around is probably necessary too.  We’d have Ali, Hales, Bell, Root, Buttler, Taylor, Morgan…

Sri Lanka 312 for 1 (Thirimanne 139*, Sangakkara 117*) beat England 309 for 6 (Root 121, Bell 49) by nine wickets

2. Pakistan v Zimbabwe

Pakistan finally got on the board at the Cricket World Cup with a gritty win over underdogs Zimbabwe in Canberra.  Zimbabwe’s known achilles heal – their inability to contain run rates at the death – and their Betcirca predicted second achilles heal – inability to handle the bounce of Mohammed Irfan – ultimately cost them the game, despite being competitive throughout.

Pakistan are developing some fragilities of their own.  The batting unit look well below par, and they were indebted to Misbah-ul-Haq and Wahab Riaz for bringing some respectability to the total and ensuring the bowlers had something to defend.  At 127/5 and 155/6 Pakistan looked to be sliding towards another World Cup defeat, and their place in the knockout stages was looking dicey.  However, the ever patient ul-Haq and Riaz managed to put together a partnership of 47, and Riaz was able to continue the momentum in the final overs to help his team post 235.  Zimbabwe conceded 73 from the last ten overs and put down two of the easiest outfield catches you’ll ever see, in a further example of the reason they can’t quite get wins at this level.

Zimbabwe’s chase started poorly.  They lost three early wickets to Mohammed Irfan which derailed any chance of early momentum and meant they would always be chasing the game.  Brendon Taylor did his best to hold the innings together, and Elton Chigumbura batted bravely in the face of a significant injury concern, but they still fell 20 runs short.  Irfan added a fourth wicket, and Riaz matched his haul, while Umar Akmal had a hand in six dismissals.

Pakistan 235 for 7 (Misbah 73, Wahab 54*, Chatara 3-35) beat Zimbabwe 215 (Taylor 50, Irfan 4-30, Wahab 4-45) by 20 runs

Cricket World Cup: Day 16 Preview

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The Three Big Questions

What does New Zealand’s win mean for the World Cup?

The Black Caps win was highly entertaining but doesn’t mean all that much for the rest of the World Cup.  They will probably top Pool A now and have a home quarterfinal and semifinal if they get that far.  It makes  Australia’s road slightly harder and they may face the difficult prospect of South Africa in the semi-final; possibly a little earlier than anticipated.  The win proves low totals are defendable, showcases swing bowling as a very serious weapon against the power hitting approach, but also shows New Zealand’s susceptibility to quality pace bowling.  Taylor, Elliot and Anderson all looked vulnerable to real pace, and their form will be a concern.

How will Australia respond?

By dominating all of their opponents in the lead up to the semifinals.  It was certainly a wake up call and we expect them to bounce back with huge performances against Scotland, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.  Big wins against the raining Pool companions will return them to confidence and remove any demons from their Eden Park performance – they won’t bat this badly again in the tournament.

What did the win do to the tournament winner odds?

Australia – $2.90, South Africa – $4.00, New Zealand – $4.25.

No change to the outright market after the unexpected win.  While New Zealand may shorten over the next few days, there was no flurry of money on New Zealand after their nervy batting performance.  Australia still big favourites (as expected).

Today’s Matchups

1. England v Sri Lanka, Wellington Regional Stadium (Wellington – mostly sunny), starts 11:00am local time

England – $1.85

Sri Lanka – $1.95

Bookies are having a hard time separating two evenly matched teams in the day’s first encounter in Wellington.  Both teams have had their share of disappointment in the tournament thus far, but both are coming off big wins against Scotland and Bangladesh respectively.  This game should give a good indication of the merits of each teams Cricket World Cup chances.

Look for plenty of runs on a quick Wellington surface and expect this one to go deep into the last overs to find a winner.

2. Pakistan v Zimbabwe, The Gabba (Brisbane – parlty cloudy), starts 1:30pm local time

Pakistan – $1.25

Zimbabwe – $4.00

Pakistan have the chance to ease the nerves of their entire nation, and in the process save a few effigies from the predictable burning.  Their easiest matchup of the World Cup thus far gives them an opportunity to build confidence, find some form, and settle on the combinations that will hopefully compete in the knockout stages.  Zimbabwe haven’t played a bad game yet so they’ll target this one as a genuine upset chance.  How they handle the uncomfortable bounce of Mohammed Irfan will ultimately determine how they go.  Oh and their death bowling needs to improve too.

Today’s Multi

The Sexual Innuendo Multi

Joe Root to Top Score – $5.00 + ‘Boom Boom’ Afridi to Win Man of the Match Award – $12.00

Pays – $60.00

Odds from BetEasy.

Cricket World Cup: Day 15 Recap

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A match between two top tier sides finally went down to the wire in the Cricket World Cup yesterday.  Kane Williamson’s maximum ensuring New Zealand shocked the world best Australians by one wicket in a low scoring but highly entertaining affair at Eden Park.

Keep reading for more details on New Zealand’s one wicket win.

Day 15 Results

1. Australia v New Zealand

The talk of theoretical three hundred strong totals was quickly cast aside as New Zealand and Australia collectively struggled to score 300 runs between them.  The sub par batting performances from both sides, however, didn’t detract from the incredible spectacle that left everyone in attendance satisfied, if a little surprised their day had ended two hours ahead of schedule.  New Zealand got by by one wicket thanks to a nerveless Kane Williamson six off Pat Cummins, despite the bowling heroics of Mitchell Starc at the other end.

Australia’s fast start against a nervous Tim Southee gave no indication of the inept display that was to follow.  At 30-0 off just 2.1 overs, Australia looked destined for a sizeable total.  Even after Aaron Finch was  removed the next ball, they still managed to get to 80-1 with Shane Watson and David Warner going along nicely.  Southee had proven expensive in his opening spell in a display that highlighted the small margin for error at Auckland’s concrete jungle.  But as Australia looked to heap more misery on the Kiwi bowlers, Brendon McCullum pulled a masterstroke by introducing the left arm spin of Daniel Vettori in just the seventh over.  His introduction stifled the scoring rate and caused Shane Watson to err and throw away his wicket, pulling him straight to deep square leg for 23.

Tim Southee removed Davey Warney (as he is affectionately known by all Australian commentators) next ball, an then Trent Boult returned the remarkable second spell bowling figures of 5/1 to see Australia slump to 106/9.  While the bowling was accurate, the batting was horrendous.  Four players getting bowled is disappointing at international level (FYI, New Zealand had the same number later in the night).  Brad Haddin and Pat Cummins managed to add some respect to the total; Haddin made 43 and if he had eked out a few more might have done enough to get his side home.

New Zealand’s pursuit of the small total started off without a hitch.  A Mitchell Johnson no-ball resulted in a free-hit six to Martin Nuptial and the Black Caps were on their way.  McCullum continued his free scoring approach to small targets.  The swing from the hip mentality served him well only until Mitchell Johnson landed a nasty blow on his forearm that upset some of his momentum, but he still managed a 24 ball fifty.  From there New Zealand lost wickets in clumps to accurate, fast insignia of Mitchell Starc.  Starc took the wickets of Taylor and Elliot either side of the lunch interval, and then another two in two when he dismissed Milne and Southee to set-up the thrilling finish.  Australia needed one wicket for a famous comeback victory.  New Zealand needed six runs to win the Chappell-Hadley Trophy.  Mitchell Starc had two balls at number 11 Trent Boult.  Boult survived and Williamson deposited Cummins into the stand to seal a famous win and all but ensure New Zealand a home quarterfinal.

New Zealand 152 for 9 (McCullum 50, Williamson 45*, Starc 6-28) beat Australia 151 (Haddin 43, Boult 5-27, Southee 2-65, Vettori 2-41) by one wicket

2. India v UAE

The second match of the day was a disappointing dull affair as the UAE failed to match their more experienced opponents in all aspects of the game.  Betting first the minnows only mustered 103.  All out in 31.3 overs, without any threat of putting together a useful total.  India’s bowling is on the improve, but it shouldn’t strike any fear into teams, and certainly not all out for 103 type fear.  Nevertheless, that is what transpired.  Ravi Ashwin the star of the show, picking up four cheap wickets and providing the perfect support to Yadava and Kumar who had earlier taken wickets in their opening spells.

The target was knocked off with consulate ease.  Rohit Sharma made an unbeaten half century and Virat Kohli added 33 unbeaten runs to wrap things up with little fuss, little energy exhausted, and no injuries.  The perfect result for the Indians who appear to be getting stronger and stronger.

India 104 for 1 (Rohit 57*) beat UAE 102 (Anwar 35, Ashwin 4-25) by 9 wickets