The Associates thread

[Harlequin Dream]

Associates are doing well so far against full members right now.

Netherlands has Afganistan at 32/4
PNG are on track for a big score at 74/1

Gives a lot of hope that this will be a close tournament.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

Afghanistan has the bowling, but can they get runs against better sides? They should go through.

Even in Zimbabwe, the West Indies squad looks stronger - but a 38 year old Gayle whose appearances (when he's bothered) for the Windies have been underwhelming, and a fading Maroln Samuels are not a lot to rely on.

Zimbabwe at home have a chance if eithjer of the above stuff up a crucial game.

I don't follow closely like some do, but find it hard to see any other making it. Hoping for big things from PNG and Nepal, not expecting them though.

 

[Hellgood]

I think Ireland get a bit underrated just because of the age thing. Bowling attack of Murtagh, Rankin, Dockrell with decent support is going to keep you in most games at this level and then their top order still has the class and experience to score in a pressure cooker environment that the qualifiers are.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

I think Ireland get a bit underrated just because of the age thing. Bowling attack of Murtagh, Rankin, Dockrell with decent support is going to keep you in most games at this level and then their top order still has the class and experience to score in a pressure cooker environment that the qualifiers are.

I think that's probably a fair call. They are relying on veterans who are fading, and are probably at their weakest in a long time; but looking at the squads the other day still should be in the mix. Not in my expected qualifiers (Afghanistan and West Indies) but today's game is critical for their chances.

 

[TubbsFarquhar]

Afghanistan up to 184, these two putting on a partnership that could very well see them to 250. Zimbabwe look to be posting a big total whereas Ireland and the UAE are just ticking along quietly. Not making a huge amount but not losing too many either. As I say that, the UAE are now 4 down.

 

[Hellgood]

A bit of drama already with an excellent effort with the ball from the Scots (watch out for Brad Wheal) and then Macleod smote 157 to get them home against the talented Afghani attack. Puts a bit of pressure onto the highly fancied Afghans now, if any side has the quality to bounce back in this competition it's them but goes to show that the gulf isn't too big.

The Irish managed to negotiate the Netherlands in a comfortable win yesterday too.

 

[ioppolo]

PNG got ****ed over by D/L last might, might've chased down the Emiratees last night otherwise.

 

[The Speaker]

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/638841

The bottom two Associates in the WCQ not only miss out on ODI status, they will also be relegated to WCL Div 2. The press release does its best to obfuscate the fact that avoiding the 9th vs 10th playoff probably won't be enough to avoid being relegated for PNG, because at this stage its likely that the Netherlands and Afghanistan, who can't be relegated, will be out of the super sixes.

 

[The Speaker]

Though they made it through several close shaves, Nepal's solitary loss at Division Two in February was a convincing one, to Oman, a team that has harnessed the momentum gained from a victory over Ireland in the 2016 World T20 to storm their way up the 50-over ladder. Two years ago, they were in Division Five. Now they're nipping at the heels of international teams.

Yet, instead of expanding the playing opportunities for Associates, in name (ODI status) and in practice (more teams in more tournaments), the ICC sent down a few googlies that even Rashid Khan would envy.

When Ireland and Afghanistan were elevated as Full Members last year, the initial line of thought from those on the Associates beat was that it would set a model for other countries to follow and also open up two commensurate spots for a different pair of Associates to enjoy what Afghanistan and Ireland just left behind, specifically ODI status and a spot in the four-day Intercontinental Cup. After all, since 2005, there had always been six Associates - decided at the conclusion of the World Cup Qualifier - with ODI status.
Instead, the ICC took a different tack and decided that the total number of teams with ODI status stays rigid at 16: 12 Full Members and four Associates. Rather than giving the top side after Afghanistan and Ireland in the Intercontinental Cup a shot at the four-Test challenge, the idea was scrapped with ICC chief executive David Richardson calling it "unnecessary". The increased Full-Member funding going to Ireland and Afghanistan is also being subtracted from the collective Associate pot.

All of those decisions have played into fears about more Associate reductions. ICC development programme administrators have kept mum when questioned over the last few months about the future of the WCL Championship, the entire World Cricket League structure and the Intercontinental Cup.

The next Division Four tournament is scheduled for April in Malaysia, leading into Division Three later this year followed by Division Two in 2019 where Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea among others ostensibly have a shot at climbing back to the next edition of the WCL Championship. But will there be a next edition? There have been no assurances.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22795468/painfully-small-margins-associate-cricket

 

[The Young Chevalier]

Does anyone know if there will be a World Cricket division 1? With Netherlands, Ireland and Afghanistan in the main ODI championship currently just Scotland, UAE and Nepal qualified. Does this mean 5 will come up from division 2? Think they may reduce to 6 teams which is yet another poor decision. Could end up being Scotland, UAE, Nepal, Hong Kong, PNG & Canada/Namibia further decreasing the amount of match for associates. Scotland way to good for that league anyway and I hope the ICC provide some kind of compensation for the Scots.

 

[eth-dog]

Whatever happened to Matt Machan? Kid seemed like he was going to be a player Scotland could rely on until 2025 at the last WC. Looked classy as hell.

 

[Torz]

Whatever happened to Matt Machan? Kid seemed like he was going to be a player Scotland could rely on until 2025 at the last WC. Looked classy as hell.

Had to retire early because of a wrist injury. Otherwise he would've slotted into their side easily.

 

[The Speaker]

Does anyone know if there will be a World Cricket division 1? With Netherlands, Ireland and Afghanistan in the main ODI championship currently just Scotland, UAE and Nepal qualified. Does this mean 5 will come up from division 2? Think they may reduce to 6 teams which is yet another poor decision. Could end up being Scotland, UAE, Nepal, Hong Kong, PNG & Canada/Namibia further decreasing the amount of match for associates. Scotland way to good for that league anyway and I hope the ICC provide some kind of compensation for the Scots.

They've said that WCL 2 will exist, which presumably means the Championship would as well. It kind of makes sense that the top division would be six teams like the others but, as you say, it's also a shame.

 

[eth-dog]

Had to retire early because of a wrist injury. Otherwise he would've slotted into their side easily.

Damn. He looked a very nice player.

 

[The Speaker]

Another first for an Associate nation at the WCQ, as the UAE's win over Zimbabwe was their first against a full member.

 

[Marklar_33]

Another first for an Associate nation at the WCQ, as the UAE's win over Zimbabwe was their first against a full member.

Obviously, next years World Cup will be just the 3rd ever to not feature an Assiciate beating a Full Member (1975, 1987)

 

[TubbsFarquhar]

What an amazing turnaround for Afghanistan after winning just 1 game in the group stage.

 

[Harlequin Dream]

It looks like Namibia have made the provincial final in the South African system. It will be interesting to see what their line-up will be after the retirements.

 

[The Speaker]

Cricket Kenya has been disbanded by the government.

http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/101472/government-set-to-dissolve-cricket-kenya

Meanwhile, Scotland's Josh Davey (5/29) and the Netherlands' Paul van Meekeren (3/31) have wrecked Ireland in their warm-up match against Somerset.

http://www.totalcricketscorer.com/TCSLive/TCSScorecard.aspx?id=65913

 

[The Speaker]

WCL division four started today in Malaysia.

A fairly young Bermuda side was 1/134 against a rebuilding Denmark, but have lose six wickets for 26 runs. Currently 7/160 at drinks.

Shane Deitz (remember him?) is making his international debut as player/coach for Vanuatu, who are 5/76 against a promising Jersey.

The hosts are 3/143 against the ever-durable Ugandans.

 

[The Speaker]

Denmark comfortably chased down their target yesterday, with a century from the ageless Freddie Klokker.

Jersey likewise chased down their target, while Uganda were fuming after a terrible run-out decision at the start of the last over to give Malaysia the win by ten runs.

The players are backing up today. Vanuatu are 1/20 chasing 196 against Malaysia, Denmark need 239 to win against Jersey, and Bermuda are chasing 250 against Uganda.

Oh, and the ICC has banned teams from streaming this event for no apparent reason.

 

[The Speaker]

Jersey did their chances no favours yesterday by losing to Bermuda, who have no chance of getting through, but they are now 5/232 against Malaysia, who lost a top-of-the-table clash against Denmark.

That loss meant that today's Uganda vs Denmark match is also top-of-the-table, and Uganda are 7/184 near the end of their 50 overs, which Denmark will probably feel they can chase down.

Bermuda, meanwhile, are 8/172 against the winless Vanuatu, whose batting hasn't been able to handle the conditions so far, particularly without Patrick Matautaava firing.

 

[ioppolo]

Fair fall over the last decade by Bermuda. I suppose a country with as small a population as theirs did well to even make a WC

 

[The Speaker]

Fair fall over the last decade by Bermuda. I suppose a country with as small a population as theirs did well to even make a WC

Indeed. They made it basically on the back of David Hemp (county stalwart) and Dwayne Leverock, whose nephew is now playing for them.

Vanuatu is only four runs away from victory, led by Shane Deitz. Malaysia and Denmark both need to score at ten an over.

 

[The Speaker]

Denmark have managed to lose four wickets in an over and lose by one run.

Jersey have held on to win by ten runs.

This puts Uganda in the box seat even if they lose to Jersey tomorrow, thanks to their excellent NRR. Denmark also have an NRR advantage even if Malaysia and Jersey win, and will be playing Bermuda.