Only reason not to go down swinging was net run rate though? Why worry about that if you are already through.
Possibly to show their 15,000 fans that they have some cojones. MSD growing rather self indulgent in his old age. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he has an eye on a 50+ average in the record books.
I was in the Hollis stand. Very good entertainment apart from the last 5 overs when India made no attempt to win the game which was very odd
strangely I saw England vs India a couple of years ago and it was very similar situation where Dhoni made no effort to try and win the game. Great player but odd behaviour
Who have been most disappointing - West Indies or South Africa? Both tipped to reach the top 4 as dark horses but got no-where near.
All to do with points - apparently they get a better net run rate by not losing any further wickets...somehow....
Rohit with another century having been dropped early on in his innings .. Btw - was Shami injured at the start because he has just played 4 games abs taken 14 wickets so far so clearly a wicket taker .
Well we've won the toss and batting first. One of New Zealand's top bowlers is out too.. So its all set up for.....
The Essex foot on the Notts throat. Thatcher's cider ads really beginning to grate. Poor start to July for Somerset. Don’t forget Windies had to qualify (& behind Afghanistan). Sadly, Amla is well past time his best. Bangladesh very impressive. Steady progression to become a strong squad which can compete with anyone. Maybe the most experienced squad. If they don’t suffer too many retirements, Bangladesh could be a major force in India in 4 years’ time.
Well even Root is going run a ball atm.. New Zealand can still go through even if they lose and Pakistan win tomorrow due to a higher run rate so makes you wonder how motivated they might be to chase 350 plus..
350 minimum but agree with WFC4ever, not sure how badly they will want to chase them down. Avoid being thrashed will be enough for them to qualify on NRR.
For second game in a row, a lull in the 30 overs. Buttler gambit did not work out. I think we need Root (for rotation) still in to make it work.
As the tournament progresses the pitches look as if they're slowing up after the first 25 overs or so. With good use of slower balls by canny bowlers and aggressive batsmen looking to dominate, scoring isn't as straight forward as earlier in the innings (or competition) and wickets look like they're falling to mistimed shots.
Getting ourselves into trouble now...... 130 odd runs for 5 at a bit over 5 runs an over for the last 23 overs or so.....
Shows how important Root’s run a ball 80s are in freeing up the smiters. Could be a tense afternoon. Pace off after the opening burst.
It has but I would make NZ favourites if the target is 300. Morgan still scoring quickly and we need him to stay to the end to get us to 320 if poss. EDIT - ****!
305. A par score, disappointing after the great start. 111 for the loss of seven wickets in the last 20 overs.
Not watching but TMS seem to think it's a decent score and NZ will have to go some to match it on a noticeably slowing pitch. Only one team has successfully chased down 300 so far in this WC.
Big partnership for NZ if they are to win this. Williamson is the key here, get him early and we should be fine Edit - Partnership broken as I pressed post! Not Williamson though
