T20 World Cup: Cricket

[Zzzptm]

So I looked up who has the best odds to win the T20... and that involves a bit of salesmanship on the part of the betting shops. There are MANY punters putting money on India, that nation having a massive population, and the shops want to spread the bets evenly as a hedge.

[Jack the Stripper]

Some of these qualifying games have been exciting to watch. Watching the UAE vs Namibia game right now. Namibia needs to win to advance through to the Super 12. They’re playing at Geelong Football clubs home ground Kardinia Park aka GMHBA stadium. The ICC have completely taken over the stadium rebranding it and covering any Geelong Cats branding and sponsors.

[Zzzptm]

Some of these qualifying games have been exciting to watch. Watching the UAE vs Namibia game right now. Namibia needs to win to advance through to the Super 12. They’re playing at Geelong Football clubs home ground Kardinia Park aka GMHBA stadium. The ICC have completely taken over the stadium rebranding it and covering any Geelong Cats branding and sponsors.

That last bit actually got me riled up! Hey! Don't cover up my beloved Cats, now!

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I think you'll find the stadium owners don't care because they're getting paid a fortune!


Sri Lanka and Netherlands go through from the first group, All to play for tomorrow in the second group, I couldn't call it.

[Jack the Stripper]

Yeah the stadium trust is getting a good earn out of it. It actually come up good. They covered up the construction zone which is the stage 5 redevelopment currently going on which is due to be finished in April next year.

Ok the real stuff starts today. Australia is taking on New Zealand in Sydney, whilst tomorrow probably the biggest rivalry in world sport will occur when India and Pakistan duke it out in front of 100,000 crazy cricket fans at the MCG.

[Zzzptm]

Indo-Pak game at MCG? Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude!

[Jack the Stripper]

Yeah game sold out in 7 minutes. I’d say the crowd will be 80/20 in India’s favour. We have a huge Indian population living in Australia and a lot are travelling from India to watch this World Cup.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

That was a clear win for NZ, but I wouldn't rule out Australia just yet they made a slow start last time.

England vs Afghanistan is in play, it *should* be a win for England, but the Afghans better than they used to be.

[Jack the Stripper]

Deplorable performance by the Aussies. Their net run rate will have taken a battering and they won’t be able to drop a game from here on.

I still don’t get why they play their test front line bowling attack in Cummins, Hazelwood and Starc in the T20 format. Every other country plays 3 or more T20 specialist bowlers. Batting was a shambles too. Totally outplayed in every facet of the game by NZ.

[Vyn]

Cricket...I know how to spell it. I know it is a competitive sport. I know that it has many fans around the world.

I can't say that I like it or dislike it, because what I just wrote is the sum total of my knowledge concerning the game of cricket.

So, when I read something like Jack posted - "I still don't get why they play their test front line bowling attack in Cummins," I recognize that there is some confusion and maybe a little frustration, and that Cummins is probably a player's name. lol

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

^^^
There are different formats of the game. The World Cup taking place at the moment is the shortest form of the game comprising 20 overs each (1 over = 6 deliveries). This format can be over in as little as 3 hours and encourages a speedier big hitting games which is more exciting particularly to those who are not so familiar with the game.

There are other formats, a longer 1-day game with 50 overs per side and a multi-days (4-5 days) where the overs are not limited. That game is slower and more nuanced, but is only really for the experienced viewer and those with time on their hands.

So having said that, Jacks comment related to bowlers who play in the long format of the game not being the best choices for this short form of the game. England have 2 squads, 1 for the limited over format and 1 for the longer format and while there could be some cross over it's only two or three players who can play well in both formats. The Australian bowlers used today are long game specialists and maybe better choices could have been made for these short games..

[Jack the Stripper]

This Ind v Pak game is going to be a nutty atmosphere. The stadium was even half full two hours before game start. You watching Kilo?

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

This Ind v Pak game is going to be a nutty atmosphere. The stadium was even half full two hours before game start. You watching Kilo?

Not live sadly, it's on a channel I don't have access to, but should see the hi-lights later even though it won't be the same.

[Jack the Stripper]

^Thats a shame

So India won the toss and sent Pakistan into bat who then set India a competitive total of 160 to chase. Pakistan have a great bowling attack that should be able to get some early swing and movement off the pitch while the ball is new given the Indian quicks were able to. I still think India will get it done but they’ll have to be on their game. The last seven encounters in World Cup games between these two teams the team batting 2nd has won.

[Vyn]

Thanks for the rundown, KDC!