Semi Final Match Ups
The World Cup semi finals are upon us, with four teams all capable of winning the cup, if they play to their best.
The first semi final sees the potentially exciting game which looks like it could go either way between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. I can’t really pick a winner in this game, with both sides having match winners - but it depends which ones of them are fit and turn up. For Sri Lanka there is of course Murali and Vaas with the ball, and they are hoping to have Malinga back as well after missing the last four games. With the bat they need Jayasuriya to get them off to a good start as he can be explosive in the power plays. New Zealand are hoping to be back to full strength also with Bond and Oram returning, and they need Bond in particular to try and restrict the score in those early powerplays. The top order for New Zealand hasn’t really got going yet, but Styris has been a revelation with bat and ball, and he could continue to do just that. Which way will it go and which match winner will it be? I can’t say, but it should be good viewing!
The second semi final between South Africa and Australia looks to be more clear cut, but it can be dangerous to say that too early. These two played each other earlier in the tournament and the result could have been closer if South Africa didn’t collapse like they did in that game! I think if they bat first they can cause Australia a problem if they score a total in the mid 300’s, but if they are asked to chase such a total then I wouldn’t be so confident. Overall though, the Australians are a stronger side throughout and I see them going through to the final.
It’s taken a while to get to this period of the World Cup, but I’m looking forward to the final three games and seeing someone lift that Cup on Saturday!
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