Six and Out - Some Serious Cricket

World Cup semi-finals

by SixandOut on April 24th, 2007

Six weeks later and we’re finally nearing the end of this bizarre World Cup. Fortunately we’ve got two very tasty looking semi-finals on the cards.

Semi 1: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Jamaica (Tuesday 24th)

First up is Sri Lanka vs New Zealand. Sri Lanka have the been the “surprise” of the World Cup, after demolishing several big teams on their way through to the semis. Jayasuriya has been on top form with the bat, and it has been Malinga the Slinger with the ball, rather Murali, who has, by his standards, been quite sedate. Question marks have been raised over Sri Lanka’s attitude and approach after the recent match against Australia, in which they got stuffed, as they rested their three top players. Presumably the thinking was to hide their skills from the Aussies, anticipating a World Cup final. Interesting, but they still have to get past New Zealand who are looking in great touch. Shane Bond has been the anchorman with the new ball, assisted ably by Jacob Oram. Stephen Fleming has been scoring some runs with the bat, but Scott Styris has established himself as the danger man. He has developed a dogged determination with the bat that is taxing even the best bowlers in the world, and is a useful extra in the bowling. The pitch is likely to be a critical factor, as a slow pitch is likely to suit Murali down to the ground. Provided cricket’s All Blacks can counter him, and, of course, the Slinger, they should be through to the final.

Prediction: New Zealand to win

Semi 2: Australia vs South Africa, St Lucia (Wed 25th)

Semi-final number 2 is between Australia and South Africa. Little has to be said about the Aussies - they’re firing on all cylinders and look destined to get through to the finals. Apart from a slight wobble during the match with England where KP and Ian Bell were scoring quite freely, they have barely missed a beat all tournament. Hayden is a run-making machine and Shaun Tait has come in to his own with a 90mph swinging ball. South Africa on the other hand have looked less confident, but they’re certainly not without a chance. If Graeme Smith is fit and he and AB De Villiers start well, then totals of 350+ are well within reach, especialy with the likes of Boucher coming in lower in the order to give it the old heave-ho. Shaun Pollock has looked average with the new ball, and Andre Nel will need to maintain his concentration if he’s to really challenge the Aussies. However, the Aussies have the Proteas outflanked on the mental front, having already beaten them, and comfortably, once in this tournament. Complacency is a virtue that the Aussies seem to lack, so only a flawless performance by the South Africans will see them through to the finals.

Prediction: Australia to win

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