World Cup results/reaction thread

Muppet · Je suis l'état et l'état c'est moi

World Cup results/reaction thread

Muppet · Je suis l'état et l'état c'est moi

At this moment, Ireland have South African 63/7 off 18 overs. I know it's only a warm-up, but this really would be quite a shock this one.

El Presidente · Disco Brad

Muppet wrote:

At this moment, Ireland have South African 63/7 off 18 overs. I know it's only a warm-up, but this really would be quite a shock this one.

Sanity will probably prevail and Sth Africa may well get out of gaol but only due to their number 9 (Andrew Hall) scoring 67, mind you nice having a guy with a test best of 163 coming in at number 9 for you.

Still I hope the Irish put up a decent fight as nothing would be more pkeasing to me than seeing the South Africans embarrassed even if it's only a Mickey Mouse practice match. Go Ireland - find that sprit of '69 where you humiliated the Windies (all out for 25).

-- Edited by El Presidente at 18:55, 2007-03-05

El Presidente · Disco Brad

Just reading about yesterday's game and came across my first sighting of this fellow - Dwayne Leverock the 20 stone left arm spinner for Bermuda. Dwayne - you might even make it into the Ljubljana XI with a physique like this..

El Presidente · Disco Brad

Although only a "practice match" we have our first "upset" with Bangladesh beating New Zealand yesterday. Interesting to see Jacob "chop my finger off - I don't need it" Oram playing and smashing 81.

El Treasurorio · Senior Member

Also interesting to see Bangladesh win this time when last world cup they were rather an embarassment to their ICC test status. Good for them.

Muppet · Je suis l'état et l'état c'est moi

El Presidente wrote:

Although only a "practice match" we have our first "upset" with Bangladesh beating New Zealand yesterday.

So..... If New Zealand managed to whitewash the Aussies 3-0, and now Bangladesh have beaten the Kiwis, then that means..........

El Presidente · Disco Brad

Muppet wrote:

El Presidente wrote:

Although only a "practice match" we have our first "upset" with Bangladesh beating New Zealand yesterday.

So..... If New Zealand managed to whitewash the Aussies 3-0, and now Bangladesh have beaten the Kiwis, then that means..........

Australia are clearly worse than Bangladesh. (I see where you were taking this) and England lost 5-0 in the Ashes against a team who must be worse than Bangladesh... so this means....

Muppet · Je suis l'état et l'état c'est moi

El Presidente wrote:
Australia are clearly worse than Bangladesh. (I see where you were taking this) and England lost 5-0 in the Ashes against a team who must be worse than Bangladesh... so this means....

I'm sorry, my memory doesn't stretch back to before the current (Chinese) year...

-- Edited by Muppet at 11:49, 2007-03-08

El Presidente · Disco Brad

2nd "practice" match today and it seems that Michael Vaughan was England's best batsman and that Australia are heading for a comfortable victory, but more interestingly the hosts West Indies were bowled out by India for only 85 in their 26th over. Who wants to back the Windies now? I'll keep my money on Australia - we're not rubbish yet it seems.

El Presidente · Disco Brad

2 rounds of practice matches complete now and we have only 4 teams that have managed to win 2 matches out of 2. Due the nature of the Heavyweights vs minnows, then Heavyweights v Heavyweights / Minnows vs Minnows format , this is not unexpected. However, the 4 winning teams are Australia, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. West Indies were the big losers yesterday and the Dutch, Irish and Kenyans have been competitive amongst tge "minnows."

Anyone changing their mind about who they think will win. South Africa (our poll favourites) have looked unconvincing and inbalanced in squad depth - Telemachus, Peterson and Bosman seem to be there only to satisfy quotas from some reports.

I still think you should never underestimate Australia and they may win it again. Tait seems to be getting his act together (at 90 + miles an hour) and Watson is showing some form with the bat. Stuart Clark has shown why he should have always been in the original 15 and the CB final series with some miserly wicket taking spells as well.

-- Edited by El Presidente at 12:34, 2007-03-10

Golcar CC · Bezalgo

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2-0 BRADFORD CITY

it wasn't glorious, town were a bit ropey and bradford were awful!

But it felt magnificent despite the paltry 14772 attendance!!

next stop mid/table mediocrity! COME ON!!

Muppet · Je suis l'état et l'état c'est moi

Golcar CC wrote:
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2-0 BRADFORD CITY

it wasn't glorious, town were a bit ropey and bradford were awful!

But it felt magnificent despite the paltry 14772 attendance!!

next stop mid/table mediocrity! COME ON!!

Um, sorry which World Cup group are they in?

El Presidente · Disco Brad

What is Sunil Gavaskar on?

In response to Ricky Ponting suggesting that he shouldn't be mouthing off about on field behaviour (Gavaskar famously tried to lead his team off after he didn't think the umpire was right to give him out LBW) he's let loose this bizzare and somewhat tasteless (in his reference to David Hookes) statement

Read on in wonder

-- Edited by El Presidente at 21:48, 2007-03-13

joel · Findin' Fundin

El Presidente wrote:

What is Sunil Gavaskar on?

In response to Ricky Ponting suggesting that he shouldn't be mouthing off about on field behaviour (Gavaskar famously tried to lead his team off after he didn't think the umpire was right to give him out LBW) he's let loose this bizzare and somewhat tasteless (in his reference to David Hookes) statement

Read on in wonder

-- Edited by El Presidente at 21:45, 2007-03-13

Not in the best of taste, is it.

He's forced himself into a corner and can't stop digging a rod for his own back.

El Presidente · Disco Brad

Good win for the Windies yesterday.

Kenya have sent in Canada today, and Scotland have sent in Australia.
I predict Kenya to win (just) and the Aussies to do it reasonably comfortably but nothing extraordinary.

joel · Findin' Fundin

El Presidente wrote:

Golcar CC · Bezalgo

Well done Ireland. I think a few people would have thought they might just pull something off against Zimbabwe. Most impressive is getting four wickets for just 13 runs off the last 5 overs when it looked like the Zimbabs had it in the bag.

Could Pakistan collapse and the Irish go marching on?

Doubt it.

Bermuda on the other seem to be nearer the level of teams we've played than even proper WC outsiders.

Muppet · Je suis l'état et l'état c'est moi

Yeah that was an amazing comeback and a real crushing blow for Zimbabwe. I really can't see what the future is for this poor troubled country, cricketwise or otherwise. I certainly can't see them getting close to beating the Windies or Pakistan; their World Cup looks over before it's begun.
Still, fair play to the Irish, they had to go for it and they did. Can't believe I forgot to watch the highlights last night.

By the way, love the reference to "the Zimbabs". Sounds like a traditional tribal percussion instrument.

El Treasurorio · Senior Member

Yup, I watched it last night. Very close and gripping finish, although the result was more to do with the Zimbo's suicidal and daft batting than any real great bowling by the Paddies. Great viewing nonetheless.

El Presidente · Disco Brad

Is it just me, or does the name "Zimbabs" or "Zimbos" kind of have that kind of un-PC ring to it?

I know I'd hate for us to be called the "Slovies" or "Slovoes" or "Slovs" (yet "Aussie"
sounds just right?)

Muppet · Je suis l'état et l'état c'est moi

I'd say "The Paddies" was a little more un-PC, but then we don't need to walk on eggshells here.

So just 30-odd minutes now till we kick off against the Kiwis - outfield's a little wet after heavy rain, but I still say we bat first if we win the toss, try to dominate from the off.
Joyce in ahead of Strauss, and Plunkett ahead of Mahmood/Lewis; looks like the balance of the bowling's going to be about right, especially now we have Anderson back. Plus we bat down to 9, which could be crucial.
Anyone care for a prediction?

Muppet · Je suis l'état et l'état c'est moi

OK, what do I know: we've been put in, and Vaughany's not too happy about it. Still, I'm going for an England win by 40 runs.

El Treasurorio · Senior Member

Classic commentary on TMS:

"Here's one of the ground staff coming back, he's just emptied his load and is looking very pleased with himself"

El Presidente · Disco Brad

Muppet wrote:

Anyone care for a prediction?

The boys watching at Premiere Bar might get a bit drunk. Well El Presidente certainly will.

No, seriously, I can see New zealand winning this. Having tried to bowl with a broken finger on my non-bowling hand myself, I know how difficult it will be for Anderson to do it on his bowling hand and be effective, and as he is such a "got to be on song" bowler, you might as well play 10 men. New Zealand were devastated at losing to both England in Australia and Bangladesh in the warm-ups. I predict a pay-back today. New Zealand to win fairly comfortably.

El Presidente · Disco Brad

Yes. New Zealand bossed this match

Meanwhile H. Gibbs hit 6 sixes off an over as highlighted here.

29.1 van Bunge to Gibbs, SIX, Violence! Gibbs charged down the track and hoicked it over long on.

29.2 van Bunge to Gibbs, SIX, Murder! Floated on the leg and middle stump line and Gibbs sends it soaring over long-off.

29.3 van Bunge to Gibbs, SIX, Carnage! Flatter one this time but it makes no difference to Gibbs. He just stands there and delivers. This one also has been sucked over long off

29.4 van Bunge to Gibbs, SIX, Wah Wah! Low full toss and guess where this went Yep. A slap slog and it went over deep midwicket! He is going to go for 6 sixes in this over!

29.5 van Bunge to Gibbs, SIX, Short in length, on the off stump line and Gibbs rocks back and swat-pulls it over wide long off. SImply amazing. What a batsman. This is pure violence!

29.6 van Bunge to Gibbs, SIX, He has done it! One-day record. No one has hit six sixes in a row. GIbbs stands alone in that zone. And the minnow bashing continues! Full and outside off and bludgeoned over deep midwicket

-- Edited by El Presidente at 09:39, 2007-03-17

paichukka · ...Ding!

That fifth one was an absolute blat. Pulled over long off.

And England are going nowhere, but not to worry. Joyce, Bell and Vaughan as the top three gives us no chance whatsoever.

I've predicted a NZ-SL final on another forum, so we'll see how Lalantha's boys get on...

El Presidente · Disco Brad

Ireland looking good against Pakistan at the moment. Pakistan are 109/8. If they lose this one, they cannot qualify for the Super 8s and either Ireland or Zimbabwe will. Looking very good indeed for the Irish team. Sensible batting should see them through to a few more weeks in the Carribean sun.

Bangladesh have dedicated their current match to the memory of Manjural Islam who sadly became the youngest ever Test Cricketer to die, in a motorcycle accident yesterday (sadly another first class Bangladeshi cricketer died in the same accident) They aren't doing badly either and an upset is not impossible as they have just dismissed India for 191. They would have to like their chances of scoring that.

Golcar CC · Bezalgo

Bangladesh have beaten India, Ireland look on the verge of a very deserved D/L victory over Pakistan who will now be on the plane home leaving Ireland (or Zimb) to take their place. With the Kiwis winning yesterday as well the minnows have really hit back after the Dutch, Bermudian and Scottish pastings... A St Patrick's Day victory...

-- Edited by Golcar CC at 22:46, 2007-03-17

Golcar CC · Bezalgo

Spoke too soon ... Ireland are back out. I hope they do it though, it's probably going to be very difficult conditions.

Golcar CC · Bezalgo

They did it!

That has to be the biggest upset in cricket ever - particularly since it knocks out one of the "big 8" who were odds on to end up in the Super 8 - and probably booking their own place in the next round too

Despite their target being revised down from 133 to 128 they won it with a six to reach 133 anyway. Something rather satisfying about that don't you think?

-- Edited by Golcar CC at 00:08, 2007-03-18

joel · Findin' Fundin

Golcar CC wrote:

They did it!

That has to be the biggest upset in cricket ever - particularly since it knocks out one of the "big 8" who were odds on to end up in the Super 8 - and probably booking their own place in the next round too

Despite their target being revised down from 133 to 128 they won it with a six to reach 133 anyway. Something rather satisfying about that don't you think?

-- Edited by Golcar CC at 00:08, 2007-03-18

Yes, an amazing result. Bitter recriminations back home for Pakistan I feel.

When will the Irish get test status then?

El Presidente · Disco Brad

The Irish win was good indeed, but I think the other result was possibly more significant. The Banglasdeshi squad is full of very young and clearly very talented cricketers with very little experience at the highest level (although the current infrastructure has clearly found good players in the under 19s and Bangladesh A set-ups). The 3 guys who scored 50 for Bangladesh are all teenagers. Dav Whatmore is clearly doing a good job as coach (as he showed by taking Sri Lanka all the way in 1996) and since the last world cup has turned this team from "they were given test status too soon" to a credible and dangerous opposition. With the likes of these exciting teenagers playing well, Bangladesh are going to be a tricky prospect for any opponent over the next few years.

Sadly the Ireland situation, while great for the game, is unlikely to have such far reaching effects without regular matches against quality opposition and although they have almost certainly qulaified for the super eights, have probably had their day in the sun (fun as it was to watch.)

Pakistan are certainly going to demand blood and I can see the end of Inzy, Bob Woolmer, Kamran Akmal (for the time being) as well as one or 2 others (Shoaib Akhtar? Shoaib Malik) due to their disappointing early exit.

-- Edited by El Presidente at 10:14, 2007-03-18

Golcar CC · Bezalgo

India have to beat Sri Lanka now and even if they do Bangladesh will play Bermuda last, knowing what they need to go thru... and of course if they beat Sri Lanka themselves they'll already be through. So India could end up on the plane back with Pakistan.

Will Kenya join Ireland and Bangladesh in the Super 8... sorry getting ahead of things. It's the World Cup fever that Muppet predicted.

joel · Findin' Fundin

El Presidente wrote:

The Irish win was good indeed, but I think the other result was possibly more significant. The Banglasdeshi squad is full of very young and clearly very talented cricketers with very little experience at the highest level (although the current infrastructure has clearly found good players in the under 19s and Bangladesh A set-ups). The 3 guys who scored 50 for Bangladesh are all teenagers. Dav Whatmore is clearly doing a good job as coach (as he showed by taking Sri Lanka all the way in 1996) and since the last world cup has turned this team from "they were given test status too soon" to a credible and dangerous opposition. With the likes of these exciting teenagers playing well, Bangladesh are going to be a tricky prospect for any opponent over the next few years.

Sadly the Ireland situation, while great for the game, is unlikely to have such far reaching effects without regular matches against quality opposition and although they have almost certainly qulaified for the super eights, have probably had their day in the sun (fun as it was to watch.)

Pakistan are certainly going to demand blood and I can see the end of Inzy, Bob Woolmer, Kamran Akmal (for the time being) as well as one or 2 others (Shoaib Akhtar? Shoaib Malik) due to their disappointing early exit.

-- Edited by El Presidente at 10:14, 2007-03-18

Good post. Maybe Bangladesh are where Sri Lanka used to be.

Liked this quote from Dutch captain van Troost after their match:

'Before the game we said "let's make history today". Well, we made history.'

joel · Findin' Fundin

Well, it seems that England's 'reaction' to defeat against NZ was to go out and get battered in a nightclub called 'Rumours', which in my experience is always a bad idea.

Cricketers get leathered whether they win or lose, it's all part of the game.

England pedalo booze shame

The question is: what kind of a **** sees this and rings the tabloids? It's almost ****ing Pavlovian with the English these days innit.

El Presidente · Disco Brad

joel wrote:

Well, it seems that England's 'reaction' to defeat against NZ was to go out and get battered in a nightclub called 'Rumours', which in my experience is always a bad idea.

Cricketers get leathered whether they win or lose, it's all part of the game.

England pedalo booze shame

The question is: what kind of a **** sees this and rings the tabloids? It's almost ****ing Pavlovian with the English these days innit.

True. Mind you, it has had some pretty major consequences.

Flintoff dropped from next match.

At last the world cup has given this forum some major talking points, this. Ireland + Bangladesh yesterday, Herschelle Gibb's six 6s. Now that's more like it ....

Hooray for drunken lunacy and Pakistani unpredictability.

By The Way

England Pedalo Booze Shame - could be the forum's line of the year.

respect

-- Edited by El Presidente at 14:35, 2007-03-18

Golcar CC · Bezalgo

Do these people have the News of the World's number in their mobiles? Hope they all get massive roaming bills. What's wrong with a bit of HIGH SPIRITS after all - who breaks a butterfly on a wheel? If we go on and beat Canada against all the odds now then I think OUR BOYS should go to Rumours before every big game just to show the BOO BOYS what's what. Just as my darlin' wife and I popped for a couple of pints in the Castle before the Huddersfield Bradford match.

After all if Flintoff can come through a maritime rescue then sailing through the calm depths of the South African middle order should prove small potatoes (to continue the metaphor).

El Presidente · Disco Brad

From the BBC Ball by Ball commentary "All of the Sky team are applauding the England management for clamping down - apart from Ian Botham, who thinks it's a bit of fun and "an overreaction"."

Why does that not surprise this poster?

Had it not been against Canada, but against New Zealand - would he still have been omitted?

joel · Findin' Fundin

El Presidente wrote:
Had it not been against Canada, but against New Zealand - would he still have been omitted?

Well, yes, I think he would have. That's England for you (all sports) -- the principle means more than the result, the boards are stronger than the teams.

It's a ****ing disease -- everyone wants their 5 mins in the limelight, even if that means some suit giving a press conference in which they can be seen to be "coming down hard".

Btw, I'd like to claim credit for the superb "England pedalo booze shame", but it's The Sun wot done it

-- Edited by joel at 15:12, 2007-03-18

-- Edited by joel at 15:13, 2007-03-18

joel · Findin' Fundin

Btw, that 5 mins in the sun also extends to those fans who ring up the tabloids and grass up the people they've spent thousands of pounds to come and watch. ****bubbles like that who'll accost you in a pub for the next 50 years to tell their side of the story ...

I ****ing despair.

-- Edited by joel at 15:16, 2007-03-18

Golcar CC · Bezalgo

England "motor" on as Sky would have it. At a devastating nearly-5-an-over against two nearly-40-year-old trundler/spinners...

Will Vaughn get that elusive century? At this pace he may carry his bat for an 80 odd not out... Odd man indeed.

Golcar CC · Bezalgo

He can't quite believe he's just done that. We can.
19.6	Samad to Vaughan, OUT, and there you go. Once again Vaughan falls when he's well placed. Cleverly bowled, holding it back a touch and he slaps it straight to backward point
	MP Vaughan c Davison b Samad 45 (64b 7x4 0x6) SR: 70.31

oops Jao Pinto'd him... Why doesn't Vaughn get dropped for not taking this tournament seriously enough, then?

El Presidente · Disco Brad

Golcar CC wrote:

MP Vaughan c Davison b Samad 45 (64b 7x4 0x6) SR: 70.31

oops Jao Pinto'd him... Why doesn't Vaughn get dropped for not taking this tournament seriously enough, then?

I'd just gone to check his score after you tempted fate with your rather "That Joao Pinto can't head for toffee" like remark.

Did you know, trivia fans, that Pinto is Brazillian Portuguese slang for Penis?

joel · Findin' Fundin

El Presidente wrote:

Did you know, trivia fans, that Pinto is Brazillian Portuguese slang for Penis?

Didn't know that.

Can Katarina confirm that "Brad Pitt" means "fat ****" in Swedish?

Damn those asterisks

It should be c**k.

-- Edited by joel at 16:08, 2007-03-18

El Presidente · Disco Brad

joel wrote:

El Presidente wrote:

Did you know, trivia fans, that Pinto is Brazillian Portuguese slang for Penis?

Didn't know that.

Can Katarina confirm that "Brad Pitt" means "fat ****" in Swedish?

Damn those asterisks It should be c**k.

-- Edited by joel at 16:08, 2007-03-18

I once saw Brad Pitt used as C o ckney rhyming slang. "Hand me the paper, will you? I'm just off for a quick Brad!"

Happily, it doesn't seem to have caught on or my life would be made rather miserable on a regular basis.

You can't say ****ney either!

-- Edited by El Presidente at 16:16, 2007-03-18

joel · Findin' Fundin

El Presidente wrote:
I once saw Brad Pitt used as C o ckney rhyming slang. "Hand me the paper, will you? I'm just off for a quick Brad!"

Happily, it doesn't seem to have caught on or my life would be made rather miserable on a regular basis.

You can't say ****ney either!

-- Edited by El Presidente at 16:16, 2007-03-18

I don't think it would catch on -- it has to displace Eartha and (Tom) Tit, which are far superior.

Can we say S****horpe?

joel · Findin' Fundin

No we can't

El Presidente · Disco Brad

I was just reading about some of the Dutch players when I found this pic.

Netherlands bowler Daan van Bunge shares light moment with team-mate Mohammad Kashif, St Kitts, March 17, 2007

Anyone else reminded of that competition in Viz where you have to send in pictures of people doing something naughty involving bottoms?

-- Edited by El Presidente at 16:33, 2007-03-18

joel · Findin' Fundin

El Presidente wrote:

I was just reading about some of the Dutch players when I found this pic.

Netherlands bowler Daan van Bunge shares light moment with team-mate Mohammad Kashif, St Kitts, March 17, 2007

Anyone else reminded of that competition in Viz where you have to send in pictures of people doing something naughty involving bottoms?

-- Edited by El Presidente at 16:33, 2007-03-18

The Up The A**e feature? Yes, it would be a strong contender.

More to the point, though -- has Rafael Benitez been informed that Dirk Kuyt has jumped ship to the Caribbean?