Thu 20 10:00 local, 08:00 GMT 01.00 PST
22nd Match, Group F - Australia v Sri Lanka Newlands, Cape Town B1 v C2
It's sudden death for Australia and Sri Lanka. In a rematch of the World Cup final the winners will move into the semi-finals and the losers will head out of the ICC World Twenty20. The teams come into the crunch match in different states of mind, Australia still struggling to accept the format after losing to Pakistan while Sri Lanka are buoyant after coming through against Bangladesh. Australia have also been hit by the injury to Ricky Ponting, who was ruled out for the rest of the tournament - however long that may be for his team.
Thu 20 10:00 local, 08:00 GMT 01.00 PST
23rd Match, Group F - Bangladesh v Pakistan Newlands, Cape Town A2 v D1
Both Pakistan and Bangladesh come into this match with their immediate future confirmed. While Pakistan savour their progress in the tournament, Bangladesh will be checking-in for a flight back to Dhaka on Friday. Beaten comprehensively by Australia and Sri Lanka in the Super Eights, Bangladesh's joy of upsetting the West Indian wagon earlier was short-lived as rash strokes and poor temperament got the better of their inexperienced batsmen.
Pakistan, however, should barely sweat after resounding wins over the World Cup finalists and few will bet against them not to beat lesser opposition with greater authority and conviction. But, given the extremes that Pakistan experience, a repeat of Bangladesh's victory over its Asian rivals at the 1999 World Cup should not be forgotten no matter how unlikely it seems at the moment.
Thu 20 
18:00 local, 16:00 GMT 09.00 PST
24th Match, Group E - South Africa v India Kingsmead, Durban A1 v D2
Expect a high-voltage clash as India take on South Africa, the hosts, in a match that will decide which two teams will make it to the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20. Both teams scored impressive wins on Wednesday - Justin Kemp led South Africa to a target of 154 against New Zealand, while India, powered by an astonishing knock from Yuvraj Singh, amassed 219. The batting line-ups of both teams are power-packed, which suggests a run-fest is on the cards.
India's win against England also means three teams are still in contention for two semi-final slots. New Zealand's net-run rate is currently the least of the three teams, which means if India beat South Africa they will go through. Also, if South Africa lose by a heavy margin, their net run rate could drop below 0.05, which is New Zealand's current NRR. In that case India and New Zealand will make it to the semis. If South Africa win, of course, they'll get through along with New Zealand.
Stay tuned for live links and come back and don't forget today's highlights.
Njoi..
No comments:
Post a Comment