What we all thought would be a spin-dominated, convincing Pakistani victory was ended with another stamp on the belief that this is the first open world cup in an age. New Zealand's steady start was converted into a mountain of runs by a fierce assault towards the end of the innings by Ross Taylor. Martin Guptill (57) was the second highest run-scorer who batted with patience as an opener. The real star of the day was undoubtedly Ross Taylor. On his 27th birthday, Taylor played one of the finest knocks of his career on the grand stage of the world cup scoring an unbeaten 131 off 124 deliveries. New Zealand scored 85 runs in the last 4 overs. Abul Razzaq went for 49 in 4 overs whereas Shoaib Akhtar walked back with shameful bowling figures of 70 for 1 in 9 overs.
Pakistan were expected to fight back with the bat but crumbled right from the beginning as at one stage they were 45-5 which turned into 66-6. Abul Razaq tried to avenge the merciless treatment given to him in the first innings and scored 62 off 74 deliveries. Pakistan ended at 192, losing to New Zealand by 110 runs.
The Kiwi win opened a lot of possibilities in the group. As I write this, all the four of Australia, Pakistan, New Zeland and Sri Lanka have already qualified for the quarter finals. The final position in the group may be crucial since it will decide who plays whom in the quarter finals. There are two big games that might have the final word on how the teams stand in Group A. Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand in Mumbai and Pakistan vs. Australia in Colombo will be great practice games for the four sides. Calculations will anyway not help them much since who qualifies at which position from Group B is still a big question. Group B is turning out to be a real group of death as only South Africa are sure to reach the quarters. India, barring a major mishap and a rare statistical chance, are pretty much through as well. England, Bangladesh and West Indies are currently engulfed in complex statistics.
Although, this world cup is full of surprises and has been a treat to watch so far, we have our habit of picking favourites before the match. And for Sri Lanka Vs. New Zealand, I believe, Sri Lanka have an edge though I'd like the Kiwis to come out victorious. Pakistan and Australia are two teams I'd usually like to see on the losing side, but since they are playing each other in Colombo, I think it will be a fascinating match and I'd give Australia a slightly better chance. Say, a 60:40 to Australia. Yet, I'd love to see the Australian dream-run ending at the earliest, even if it takes a historic Pakistani victory.
Pakistan were expected to fight back with the bat but crumbled right from the beginning as at one stage they were 45-5 which turned into 66-6. Abul Razaq tried to avenge the merciless treatment given to him in the first innings and scored 62 off 74 deliveries. Pakistan ended at 192, losing to New Zealand by 110 runs.
The Kiwi win opened a lot of possibilities in the group. As I write this, all the four of Australia, Pakistan, New Zeland and Sri Lanka have already qualified for the quarter finals. The final position in the group may be crucial since it will decide who plays whom in the quarter finals. There are two big games that might have the final word on how the teams stand in Group A. Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand in Mumbai and Pakistan vs. Australia in Colombo will be great practice games for the four sides. Calculations will anyway not help them much since who qualifies at which position from Group B is still a big question. Group B is turning out to be a real group of death as only South Africa are sure to reach the quarters. India, barring a major mishap and a rare statistical chance, are pretty much through as well. England, Bangladesh and West Indies are currently engulfed in complex statistics.
Although, this world cup is full of surprises and has been a treat to watch so far, we have our habit of picking favourites before the match. And for Sri Lanka Vs. New Zealand, I believe, Sri Lanka have an edge though I'd like the Kiwis to come out victorious. Pakistan and Australia are two teams I'd usually like to see on the losing side, but since they are playing each other in Colombo, I think it will be a fascinating match and I'd give Australia a slightly better chance. Say, a 60:40 to Australia. Yet, I'd love to see the Australian dream-run ending at the earliest, even if it takes a historic Pakistani victory.
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