Cricket World t20 - England have a chance?

[nellberg]

England are 5/2 to top their group with betv. Considering we have the easier of the 2 groups (Saffers, Windies and Sri Lanka in our group, instead of India, Australia, NZ, Pakistan and Bangladesh in the other  ) that looks a fair price. Only a couple of firms have priced it up so far.

Could be worth taking if people fancy us to continue our strong white-ball form in the remaining ODI's and T20I series v Saffers, or if the Windies players are serious about striking over shite pay.


www.oddschecker.com/cricket/t20-world-cup/twenty20-world-cup/group-b-winner

[muckthenuts]

New Zealand are 10/1? Given the clean hitting, decent bowling and world class fielding they possess i'm very surprised at that. They'll be full of confidence at the moment too. Granted they may have a poor subcontinent record but this is the strongest team player for player they've able to field for years. 

[nellberg]

New Zealand are 10/1? Given the clean hitting, decent bowling and world class fielding they possess i'm very surprised at that. They'll be full of confidence at the moment too. Granted they may have a poor subcontinent record but this is the strongest team player for player they've able to field for years. 

Tougher group, B Mc retired and weakish spin options. Would say main reason for them being behind Eng, SA and Windies in the outright betting is that 2 put of 3 of them will likely make the semi's, while NZ will have to beat India or Australia (the 2 favourites) to get to the knock-out's. Still have match-winners and will be competitive but got rough end of the stick with their group.

[TightEnd]

How the World T20 is careering towards disaster,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/twenty20/12150356/How-the-World-T20-is-careering-towards-disaster.html

[muckthenuts]

New Zealand are 10/1? Given the clean hitting, decent bowling and world class fielding they possess i'm very surprised at that. They'll be full of confidence at the moment too. Granted they may have a poor subcontinent record but this is the strongest team player for player they've able to field for years. 

Tougher group, B Mc retired and weakish spin options. Would say main reason for them being behind Eng, SA and Windies in the outright betting is that 2 put of 3 of them will likely make the semi's, while NZ will have to beat India or Australia (the 2 favourites) to get to the knock-out's. Still have match-winners and will be competitive but got rough end of the stick with their group.

Ahh i see. Wow, it's been a while since i can last remember the group stages of a cricket WC actually having some meaning other than ensuring the top teams get ferried to the next stage. More of this please...the last few WC's have been horrendous.

[TightEnd]

liked this pic

Sam Billings practicing for friday's T20 in cape town today

[nellberg]

liked this pic

Sam Billings practicing for friday's T20 in cape town today

Billings been working on his keeping with Brad Haddin in the Pakistan Super League. A good example of how these young lads playing franchise cricket will be of benefit to their game not just their bank balance, as the cynics have always stated.

[bergeroo]

Enjoying the cricket today! Very fun and creative innings from Shahzad for Afghanistan.

Have to say I think this format is great, with the smaller team getting a mini competition first and the top teams going through the main competition. Will for sure mean less washouts in the competition and with two teams going through the groups it should make for more exciting matches with any loss a big blow (compared to main World Cup where 4 go through)

[nellberg]

Enjoying the cricket today! Very fun and creative innings from Shahzad for Afghanistan.

Have to say I think this format is great, with the smaller team getting a mini competition first and the top teams going through the main competition. Will for sure mean less washouts in the competition and with two teams going through the groups it should make for more exciting matches with any loss a big blow (compared to main World Cup where 4 go through)

I thought it made perfect sense, which is strange for the ICC haha. Small nations still get their chance to shine, so it's not a closed shop for the associates. Then in the super ten every game matters with only top 2 going through so the level should be cranked up early doors. Hopefully plays out that way, and they replicate it for the 50-over version also.

[muckthenuts]

Enjoying the cricket today! Very fun and creative innings from Shahzad for Afghanistan.

Have to say I think this format is great, with the smaller team getting a mini competition first and the top teams going through the main competition. Will for sure mean less washouts in the competition and with two teams going through the groups it should make for more exciting matches with any loss a big blow (compared to main World Cup where 4 go through)

I thought it made perfect sense, which is strange for the ICC haha. Small nations still get their chance to shine, so it's not a closed shop for the associates. Then in the super ten every game matters with only top 2 going through so the level should be cranked up early doors. Hopefully plays out that way, and they replicate it for the 50-over version also.

+1. The last few world cups have been beyond rubbish. Personally I still remember the 1999 and 2003 world cups with fondness. I quite liked the super 6 format, certainly better than what we've had to put with for the last decade anyway.

Enjoyed Shehzad's innings too, i've seen him pull off similar feats before. Incredible hand eye co-ordination and strength in his arms. Will get found out versus the more experienced bowling sides though i imagine.

[DungBeetle]

Enjoying the cricket today! Very fun and creative innings from Shahzad for Afghanistan.

Have to say I think this format is great, with the smaller team getting a mini competition first and the top teams going through the main competition. Will for sure mean less washouts in the competition and with two teams going through the groups it should make for more exciting matches with any loss a big blow (compared to main World Cup where 4 go through)

Agree.  Excellent entertainment today on both games.

[muckthenuts]

I'm glued to the screen watching Ireland vs Oman. T20 is simply excellent.

[TightEnd]

Shocker for Ireland and Sorensen: defending 14 going into last over against number 9 and 10 batsman, he bowls two no-balls and concedes two boundaries and 4 byes, Oman beat Ireland

ball was like a bar of soap, but still.

ouch

[maldini32]

Most of these associate nations are more than competent now,Especially in the shortest format. They've had some pretty good results recently.

I think the era of smaller associates getting smashed are gone. Imo they should have 4 groups of 4, with top 2 going through to quarters. I can see Afghanistan causing quiet a few problems for the big boys if they beat Zimbabwe to top spot.

[DungBeetle]

Most of these associate nations are more than competent now,Especially in the shortest format. They've had some pretty good results recently.

I think the era of smaller associates getting smashed are gone. Imo they should have 4 groups of 4, with top 2 going through to quarters. I can see Afghanistan causing quiet a few problems for the big boys if they beat Zimbabwe to top spot.

The first 4 games have been fantastic. Is it true that all the associated have been booted out of the next 50 over World Cup?  Are cricket authorities stupid?