The Cricket Thread 2015-16

If we play India in the final, we'll almost certainly lose.

If we play WI in the final, we'll almost certainly win subject to the Gayle factor. (My only slight fear other than Gayle getting going, is us batting first and collapsing to Badree in the powerplay on a turning wicket).

It's not Nagpur (balls turning square), but it's certainly not Mumbai either (flat as anything). Scores there so far:

Pakistan 201-5 vs Bangladesh 146-6
Afghanistan 153-7 vs Sri Lanka 155-4 (18.5)
Pakistan 118-5 (18) vs India 119-4 (15.5)
NZ 145-8 vs Bangladesh 70 (15.4)

I suspect we'll go in with the same XI, but no doubt we'll look at how much/little grass there is on the pitch and what the ball does in the women's final beforehand, before deciding if we need to give Dawson his debut (most likely ahead of Plunkett). For me it's too big a call to make, unless we are really confident that a lot of spin is required. In some ways it's a shame that Morgan is captain (and therefore wont be dropped), because Dawson for Morgan would have been a rather risk free change.

 

India starting well, 49-0 after 5.3 overs. Sharma has just hit a 6 off a no-ball, followed by another 6 off the free hit. Nice.

 

India finish on 192-2. Fantastic knock of 89 from 47 balls by Virat Kohli.

 

Windies need a major knock from the Gayle force.....Hope he does it

 

He's a tremendous player, he really is.

 

India it is then...

 

We'll be playing India, then...

 

I'm not writing off the Windies just yet.

 

Simmons reprieved by a no ball...

 

Another wicket off a no ball!

 

Simmons reprieved by a no ball...





No, it's not a double post...

 

50 needed off 27, they can't, can they?

 

Bang, another 6. 42 off 4 overs....

 

What an exciting game.

 

Imagine how invincible Simmons must be feeling

 

Great bowling from Nehra there. 32 from 17.

 

2 dot balls from Bumrah!

 

Is that a catch?

 

Simmons reprieved yet again?

 

Nope - 6!