[AtheK]

Not a huge hitman fan, but no way that is a good option, he has been a revelation as opener in this World Cup, I am ok to move anyone in batting order, including dropping gill, but no way Rohit should bat anywhere else in this World Cup.

[NPV]

Looking forward to a good game today between New Zealand and South Africa. I hope Indian team will also be watching closely to see if they can spot weaknesses in these teams and work out a game plan for their upcoming games against South Africa and any possible knockout matches against these teams in the semifinals.

[AtheK]

NZ should have batted first, best way to defeat SA in current form is to make them chase, now they might just run away with the bat.

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by AtheK

NZ should have batted first, best way to defeat SA in current form is to make them chase, now they might just run away with the bat.

That's what I thought. But then the Kiwis almost chased down 389 vs Aussies. So you never know

[harry10]

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

A little unconventional way to look at the headache of number 4. Going to get a lot of dislikes from Hitman fans!

I Kishan (lisence to score freely)
S Gill
V Kohli
R Sharma
KL Rahul
H Pandya
R Jadeja
R Ashwin
K Yadav
M Shami
J Bhumrah

Siraj has been the S Iyer of bowling. He does not look to be effective and in sync with the other bowlers.

Please Don't take it personally but moving your best Batsman in the tournament from his favorite position is a terrible take. Ishan Kishan isn't even half of what Rohit is as an opener. Ishan can only replace Iyer or in case Rohit gets injured then Ishan can open. Rohit as opener and Kohli as no.3 is set in stone and shouldn't be messed with unless injury occurs.

We can bench both Iyer and Siraj next game as hardik won't play before knockouts anyways. Play Ishan in place of Iyer and Ashwin in place of Siraj. Let's see if that combination works. Sky place is safe because of his responsible 49 last game and we need a finisher in hardik absence.

Originally Posted by AtheK

NZ should have batted first, best way to defeat SA in current form is to make them chase, now they might just run away with the bat.

Originally Posted by narayans80

That's what I thought. But then the Kiwis almost chased down 389 vs Aussies. So you never know

Always bat first against SA cos of their choking nature. NZ certainly missed the trick there. De kock approaching another 100. What an absolute talent he is. Still think if SA can be restricted to 350-60 it's going to be a cracker chase. Matt Henry injury may cost NZ 20-30 runs as now Neesham has to bowl his overs too.

Edit- Dekock makes 100 with a Six. Brilliance and certainly Player of tournament contender in big way.

[Revvatron]

Originally Posted by harry10

Always bat first against SA cos of their choking nature. NZ certainly missed the trick there. De kock approaching another 100. What an absolute talent he is. Still think if SA can be restricted to 350-60 it's going to be a cracker chase.

I think NZ feel they are more comfortable while chasing. They chased down the target against ENG with relative ease and almost pulled it off against AUS. So maybe they are just backing their strength.

[NPV]

This game seems to be heading towards a big win for South Africa. Getting 357 was good and now they’ve followed up with some great bowling and New Zealand is struggling on 91/5. How many times can they consistently chase 300+ to win or get very close ? Saw this coming the moment South Africa got such a huge score.

[AtheK]

Originally Posted by narayans80

That's what I thought. But then the Kiwis almost chased down 389 vs Aussies. So you never know

So NZ has lost to all three strong teams except from England, and England has been probably the weakest team of the tournament.

So it might be heading to Ind vs NZ for Semifinal, provided they make it. This Sunday game should be amazing, team will be playing to avoid Aus in SF, who come in there own in ICC knockout.

[Fx14]

Originally Posted by AtheK

So NZ has lost to all three strong teams except from England, and England has been probably the weakest team of the tournament.

So it might be heading to Ind vs NZ for Semifinal, provided they make it. This Sunday game should be amazing, team will be playing to avoid Aus in SF, who come in there own in ICC knockout.

England could still motivate themselves to upset the Aussies on the day, given their historical rivalry and Champions Trophy qualification is on the line.

Suddenly four teams in line for the final two semi final spots. The AFG-AUS and PAK-NZ matches assume literal face-to-face shootouts between the teams for qualification.

An interesting fact that AFG has beaten 3 past ODI WC winners in this tournament (only exception being India). Will they beat the Aussies too?

[am1m]

Haven't watched too much of the world cup on TV, have been mainly following it on Cricinfo while I work and on the phone, so wanted to ask you guys - how's KL Rahul's keeping been? From the matches I followed, doesn't seem like he's missed anything obvious. But what do you guys think about him as a keeper? As good as any of the other wicket keepers in the tournament?

[AtheK]

Once again an Empty stadium to start off with India match, it will fill up eventually but so sad to see matches starting like this.

Sharma gets a peach to be out on second ball, time for gill to step up.

Originally Posted by am1m

Haven't watched too much of the world cup on TV, have been mainly following it on Cricinfo while I work and on the phone, so wanted to ask you guys - how's KL Rahul's keeping been? From the matches I followed, doesn't seem like he's missed anything obvious. But what do you guys think about him as a keeper? As good as any of the other wicket keepers in the tournament?

He has been pretty good, not a major miss till now. Would be interesting what position he bats once Pant returns, probably he will replace iyer at 4.

[AtheK]

Great to see Iyer and Gill back in runs this augurs well for India. Seems SKY will make space for Pandya.

[ValarMorghulis]

Originally Posted by am1m

..how's KL Rahul's keeping been? ..

Excellent. Has even taken some blinders.

Originally Posted by AtheK

Once again an Empty stadium to start off with India match, it will fill up eventually but so sad to see matches starting like this...

You can thank the Mumbai heat for it. The fact that Kohli, of all people, had to catch his breath after a quick two, says it all.

It was full in a couple of hours.


PS: SKY missed out on a belter, again. Pandya will for sure replace him against NED.

[Vinod_nair]

What's happening with the Lankan lion's? 7/4, excellent bowling by bumrah and Siraj, well done.

[ValarMorghulis]

Originally Posted by Vinod_nair

What's happening with the Lankan lion's? 7/4, excellent bowling by bumrah and Siraj, well done.

There's nothing in the pitch. This is pure exhibition of outstanding seam bowling.