[vibbs]

Today is the big game for England. Suddenly the world cup is wide open. The other unbeaten team till a few days back could suddenly be out of the knockouts.

Probably most closely fought struggle for semis in recent times I think.

The way Pakistan played yesterday, I think Bangladesh could well defeat them. If that happens, Pakistan would be out of the race.

If England beat us today, they will also win the last match and get into semis. New Zealand could be in trouble then.

India needs to win one match. Which I am fairly certain they will do. I hope we sort our batting woes in time for knockouts. The way Kohli is throwing his weight behind Vijay Shankar worries me. I don't see a number 4 batsman in him. If he is not bowling, he should not be in the team I believe.

But the way Aussies have suddenly joined the party it seems the only two teams who can stop them are India and a super inspired Pakistan!!

[jayguar]

Pakistan managed to scrape through thanks to Afghanistan and now look like a real contender for the 4th semifinal spot that is if Bangladesh doesn't spoil it. For the first time in this world cup, New Zealand look to be in trouble. There is even a small possibility (though unlikely) for them to not qualify for the semifinals. Australia are proving to be big stage performers.

One possible reason to persist with Vijay Shankar could be an emergency bowling option like he did when Bhuvi got injured. I think Dhoni should bat at No. 4 and dropping Vijay Shankar down the order or replace him with Pant/Karthik probably at No. 6.

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

Interesting situation for someone who likes to do probability questions!
....
India can literally make match-maker with one of the potential scenarios being us winning against England in the next match and enabling one of the bucket 2 members to move up to the top 4, which would potentially mean a semi-final against that member. Too many moving variables, but this has a higher probability of happening

It gives one a small amount of pleasure when predictions come true

So here's one more prediction from my side. England is going to come out with blazing guns and with heavy heavy pressure on them to perform. Historically Birmingham hasn't been a high 300+ scoring pitch but if the team batting first is able to handle the bowlers and set the pace, that will be the key.

Pakistan will by hook or crook win the match with Bangladesh, ending at 11 points. England HAS to win both its remaining matches to edge ahead at 12 points, else they are out. My prediction - they are going to be out.

[adi.mariner]

Originally Posted by jayguar

One possible reason to persist with Vijay Shankar could be an emergency bowling option like he did when Bhuvi got injured. I think Dhoni should bat at No. 4 and dropping Vijay Shankar down the order or replace him with Pant/Karthik probably at No. 6.

Dinesh Kartik is definitely a much more accomplished batsman than Vijay Shankar. But Vijay Shankar adds another dimension and so he is in the team. His bowling certainly helped by getting a first ball wicket against Pakistan.

[deehunk]

India staring at 420 plus score against England, the spinners have become predictable.

[saket77]

Good come back by the bowlers. Still a target of 310-320 on cards. India will need a start just like that of England.

[Eddy]

Go England go... Long live the Queen !

[padmrajravi]

This was the day we needed Vijay Shankar or a fourth seamer. There is no option for Kohli today to shuffle things around. Spinners are going for runs and he does not have any other bowling option. I think that extra dimension of Shankar actually adds value.

[samaspire]

Now it seems like India really does not want Pakistan in the semis. Inexplicable batting.

[vibbs]

I am perplexed by the approach. What is the intention? Not to loose a wicket till 30 overs and hope to chase 220 runs in last 20?

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by vibbs

I am perplexed by the approach. What is the intention? Not to loose a wicket till 30 overs and hope to chase 220 runs in last 20?

Agree. The batting scene is very different from what was seen during the first innings. These guys had taken it literally too easily for first 20 overs. They are now trying to get one boundary every over now, but that is a very risky route considering #4 Pant is untested in this world cup and both Dhoni and Jadhav haven't been the fastest hitters so far. Let's see how far these two are able to continue.

[Rahul Bhalgat]

Originally Posted by samaspire

Now it seems like India really does not want Pakistan in the semis. Inexplicable batting.

Saying so will be consoling ourselves. Are we really capable of chasing targets around 350? I expect the batting to struggle under such pressure. Successful chase of 325+ by India is not common. I think we lost the match while bowling, similar to 2015 semifinal.

[ach1lles]

Originally Posted by vibbs

I am perplexed by the approach. What is the intention? Not to loose a wicket till 30 overs and hope to chase 220 runs in last 20?

The only way to realistically have a chance at 338 is to get to 160 odd in 30 overs without losing (any more) wickets and then take it as a t20 match.

[vibbs]

I would say we are still in with a chance with these two at crease. Now that Rohit has found his touch.

A wicket now? Then I am not too sure. Would want Dhoni to come out incase one of these get out before 30 overs.

[rajivr1612]

Originally Posted by samaspire

Now it seems like India really does not want Pakistan in the semis. Inexplicable batting.

Originally Posted by vibbs

I am perplexed by the approach. What is the intention? Not to loose a wicket till 30 overs and hope to chase 220 runs in last 20?

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

Agree. The batting scene is very different from what was seen during the first innings. These guys had taken it literally too easily for first 20 overs. They are now trying to get one boundary every over now, but that is a very risky route considering #4 Pant is untested in this world cup and both Dhoni and Jadhav haven't been the fastest hitters so far. Let's see how far these two are able to continue.

I am no expert, don't know about you guys, but don't you think the guys out in the middle know the situation and how to handle it? Are they taking it easy just for the heck of it?