[PPS]

Originally Posted by rovingeye

This is meek surrender.

Don't think we should read too much into it. Indian Team only landed in England a few days back. They'll take a few games to get into the groove. Even England couldn't chase down 300 against Australia.

Coming back to the warm-up game. It was along expected lines as soon as the ball swings a bit & our top 3 get out , the rest follow & we fail to get a big score.

[hemanth.anand]

Originally Posted by rovingeye

What's going on in the Ind/Nz warm up match? Is this a preview of things to come? Tired IPL bodies throwing away their wickets? The ball might be swinging around, but is this the kind of firepower we have in our bags? This is meek surrender.

I wasn't surprised at all.
1. More than tiredness I'd say that it was clear that 20-20 to 50-50 switch is not as easy.
2. Yesterday's pitch was doing a bit and our flat track bullies, swashbuckling, style-over-substance players found it tough obviously
3. Typical Indian mentality of taking warm up matches casually.
I expect better show in the real matches, but still I don't ser me changing my earlier prediction for India...Semis at best or return after league stage itself!

[aravindkumarp]

Semis:
Australia
India
England
South Africa

Finals:
India
Australia

Both the finalists can handle pressure big time. So it'll be one of Australia or India.

[jayguar]

Its a tough road ahead for India. With the ball swinging, the batsmen are going to find it very difficult. Hoping to see the batsmen adapting to the situation.

[Eddy]

Semis:

- Australia
- England
- Pakistan
- New Zealand

Winners = Australia

[NPV]

I'm glad that we had a warm up game against a team like New Zealand, brought out some moments of truth for our batsmen
I just hope things will fall in place quickly and our famed flat batting track heroes won't collapse miserably in crunch games.

[ValarMorghulis]

Is no one watching the first match?

[naveenroy]

Originally Posted by ValarMorghulis

Is no one watching the first match?

Hehe, I am watching. Running in the background when I am working. Looks like SA will win this easy.

[rovingeye]

Originally Posted by naveenroy

Looks like SA will win this easy.

Google's AI disagrees with you.

[NPV]

I think England did get a decent enough total that they can defend and South Africa seem to be struggling a bit, 2 down and Amla retired hurt. Not sure if rest of the batting can take them to a win, someone will need to play big knock and that could very well be Quinton De Kock.

[hemanth.anand]

Originally Posted by ValarMorghulis

Is no one watching the first match?

The swearing in ceremony would've taken precedence in many homes I guess.

The match can go anyway IMO. I feel SA did a decent job with the ball and didn't let the favourites/hosts tonget away. Hope Amla comes back...that'll make the match interesting.

[naveenroy]

Originally Posted by rovingeye

Google's AI disagrees with you.

And looks like it has been accurate.

[NPV]

Done and dusted, England win
The biggest worry for South Africa in this world cup will be their batting, especially when chasing or setting larger totals. I think on most of the English grounds, 325 or thereabouts should be a relatively safe target for a team batting first to defend (against most teams). Toss may be the key in most games.

[pratyush6]

Wow, I did not expect England to win so easily. This should be a worry for South Africa. Anyone can have an off game, but the batting really crumpled. Seems the West Indian import will play a big role for the English

[landcruiser123]

Originally Posted by pratyush6

Anyone can have an off game, but the batting really crumpled.....

I'm really not surprised. South Africa had only 2 batsmen in the 11 who could single-handedly take the game away- QdK and Faf duP. All others can only play second fiddle.

Their batting has been weak for a while now.

• Amla is inconsistent for the past 18 months. Don't see the hunger in him anymore
• van der Dussen is relatively new and inexperienced
• Markram has the ability but is just finding his feet
• It's been ages since I've seen a noticeable innings from Duminy
• Why didn't Miller play?