At the end of the leagues, I had a weird feeling that three teams - WI, NZ and Eng moved into the QFs rather easily. None of them was really challenged...I guess, thanks to the WC 2011 format.
And so, based on the above assumption, I had scripted, in what seemed to be a natural progression then:
QF1 - Pak v. WI - Pakistan
QF2 - Aus v. Ind - either way or that (70-30 though in India's favour)
QF3 - NZ v. SA - SA.
QF4 - Eng v. SL - SL
Clearly, the three 'sneak-ins' would be trampled, I thought, and so the SF was clear - Pak, SA, SL and Ind or Aus.
However, a rude shock was provided by the Kiwis in their clash against SA. What a treat! I cannot recall the last time I watched a fixture that was won purely on superlative fielding and sheer discipline in attack. Every member in the NZ was a man with a purpose that day. Amazing how they didn't let some of the best batsmen in the world - FAF Plessis, Kallis, De Villiers and the like move out of the crease. Boundaries were too far and too few in between. And Oram, good old Oram, felt so good watch him regain form. Outstanding bowling figures!
So, so far barring that one game, I have been able to, like many, script the progress of this Cup.
The mother of all matches is due Wednesday, Mar 30 2011. Boy! what a mouth-watering treat that one's going to be....
They don't have screens at work, God. What do you do - your entry would be free of cost at Mohali, wouldn't it? ;-0
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