Semi FInals

[SriLankanCat]

Sri Lanka v NZ

Bond will be a crucial player for NZ, if he can make some early inroads, SL will have to work extra hard to get a decent total. If SL bat first they will be looking for at least 250 and then they can let loose Malinga, Vaas and Murali.

IF NZ bat first they will be looking at getting 260 or more.

Should be a cracker.

Aust v SA - pressure really is on the aussies here i reckon, haev been sensational so far but one bad day and they are out. If SA lose it will be dissapointing for them but something taht is expected, so they havent got a lot to lose.

If AUs bat first a score of 270 plus should see them home, if SA bat first the aussies will be happy with a total of around 230 or 240 to chase.

May the best teams win!

 

[Smokey_22]

Sri Lanka will be the next team to be knocked out of the tournament.

 

[usalion]

Was going to post a thread like this, with the emphasis on which team poses the biggest threat for the Aussies.

I said long before the tournament started that the team was building for these two matches for the past four years, and that everything leading up to it was gravy. Winning the minor tournaments may have been important, but having the team in the right frame of mind, and firing on all cylinders was the key point.

For the last six weeks, the aussies have done just that, with symonds and Watson coming back into the side. Hayden, Ponting and Clarke have been in superb form, and the bowlers have come through, even with us missing the best one day bowler in the world.

There is no doubt in my mind this team has the mental toughness and determination to go on from here and win the whole thing, but strange things can happen in a cricket match- losing a toss or someone having a fantastic day against us...or rain reducing things to a lottery.

I don't see the pressure on the aussies, but on the other sides to step up and prove their mettle against the best.

For me, the real danger remains Sri Lanka- they have the top order bats who could fire against us, and a nice mix with the bowling that could unsettle us enough to give them a win.

I'm expecting a third straight victory for the Aussies, but if it doesn't happen, I won't be coming after individuals- as I pointed out in the Skunk boy thread, cricket is a team game- we will win or lose as a team. The better team on the day will win.

OK, as for the actual matches...

NZ v SL- Think the Lankans will be too good

AUS v SA- Experience gives this one to the good guys. Repeat of the 1996 Final, but this time, Australia will win in a very close match.