T20 World Cup

@Chris-B said in T20 World Cup:

@MN5 Good god! I hadn't even noticed the Italians were in this competition.

Had a quick flick through their squad to see if anyone was born in Italy - only about half the squad identify that on Cricinfo - none among those.

Maybe the Mosca bros?

Well, apparently the Scots have a prood heritage dating back to 1821 according to the interweb.

Don Bradman got a century in Aberdeen after getting the most famous duck in history in his last tour to the UK in 1948.

But yeah, I have no idea which of these minnows will get up.

I have an awful feeling we get rolled by the Afghans again today, really hope I’m wrong on this one.

@Chris-B said in T20 World Cup:

SKY made the runs for India - not much from anyone else. Seems like the yanks never really threatened with the bat.

But they certainly restricted their batting compared to what India did against us.

@bayimports said in T20 World Cup:

I have an awful feeling we get rolled by the Afghans again today, really hope I’m wrong on this one.

The recent form would indicate you might be right. Hoping this isn't the case.

It still feels weird writing "Afghanistan" as a force in World Cricket.

As cricinfo says NZ have been in India for quite some time so should have a really good feel for the conditions at least.

@MN5 we were incredibly unprepared in the windies so shouldn’t have that excuse. Close to a home game for a reasonably strong Afghanistan outfit.
No upsets yet although very close for Pakistan and India, are we the first?

Afghanistan a tricky team to play in sub continent conditions.
a very good spin bowling group and a couple of dangerous bats.
We will have to bat well to win this game especially through the middle overs and not get shut down.

Saw a couple of Indian pundits talking on Cricinfo - they seemed to be suggesting Afghanistan are a bit off form - especially batting - and were picking SA and us to advance out of the group - but, it will obviously be "on the day".

@Chris-B said in T20 World Cup:

Saw a couple of Indian pundits talking on Cricinfo - they seemed to be suggesting Afghanistan are a bit off form - especially batting - and were picking SA and us to advance out of the group - but, it will obviously be "on the day".

Good enough for me, one or a couple of our boys will score big. Huge win coming up.

@MN5 I'm optimistic - until I'm not!

Heads is the call, Rashid has called right. Afghanistan will bat

Bowling has needed work so far, lets see if we can get it together and not have to chase too much

Bit surprised they went for Neesham over Bracewell.

Great first over from Duffy

nz fielding goes back to a circus act

Big chance lost, three nz shirts run for same ball

Still 15/0 after 3

Duffy pick of bowlers so far

Fucking call for it!!!!

If you can get there call. If you can't pull up short!

"Yours!"

Gurbaz gets the Afghan innings going on last 2 balls game on

Looks high!

@Chris-B said in T20 World Cup:

Looks high!

my first thought too

Change of bowler brings some luck, Lachy gets one, gurbaz still at crease though

Lots of mis-hits in the air but not going to hand. Runout chances missed.

But, Ferg does the job!

Yeah - gotta get Gurbaz quickly!

@Chris-B said in T20 World Cup:

Bit surprised they went for Neesham over Bracewell.

‘Experience’…….

Hopefully the pie shop is closed today and he isn’t required to bowl

Gurbaz doesn't mind showing you his stumps!

Great delivery…Gurbaz goooone

Got 'eem!

That should be Neesham's only over. Let's not tempt fate.

@Bovidae Nearly snuck a decent second - the wide and the misfield made it more expensive than desired.

Need some wickets - run rate currently controlled, but that will change quickly if we can't make inroads.

@Chris-B But still one over too many!

Neesh gets smoked in his third - 18 off it.

@Bovidae 45/0 off the fifth bowler - bowling the easy overs.

Nice - Duffy finally gets Atal.

Badly needed.

Need a couple more - including Gulbadin!

Good from Satnav!

@Chris-B said in T20 World Cup:

Neesh gets smoked in his third - 18 off it.

This surprises no one.

Neesh should be filed under "break glass and let him bowl only when everyone else has fallen over"

Annoyingly one of Duffy or Ferg will only bowl three overs.

The Rachin ploy sort of worked. Henry then gets another - late but helpful!

Kept them well under 200, that's solid.

Gettable total providing they handle the spin and someone goes big.

Worries me that Santner was our most economical and the Afghans are spin heavy.

Pitch didn't appear to have too many demons.

Looked like a nicely paced innings - our inability to pick up regular wickets obviously allowed them to score mor freely than desired.

Seifert and Allen are one of the best opening combos in the tournament. A lot will depend on the stsrt they provide.

@MN5 said in T20 World Cup:

Kept them well under 200, that's solid.

Gettable total providing they handle the spin and someone goes big.

Apparently we have never chased down a score over 17o at a T20 World cup, today will be a good day to make history!