*Official* Semi Final 1 - Sri Lanka vs New Zealand

[Athlai]

Haha so strange to see people saying we're most likely to win if we 'bat first'. Wasn't so long ago that we were a far far far superior chasing team, the margin may have narrowed but I'd still say we're better batting 2nd.

Since 08

Batting first
Won 15
Lost 18
Ave 30.17 at a run rate of 5.16

If we assume that every match is 50 overs that goes to... 258/8-9

Batting second
Won 18
Lost 15
Average 29.09 at a run rate of 5.31

If we make the unlikely assumption of these matches going to 50 overs we get... 265/9

If we make those figures exclude everyone but the Test playing nations:

Batting first
Won 13
Lost 18
Average 28.24 RPO 5.00
250/8-9

Batting second
Won 15
Lost 15
Average 27.88 RPO 5.28
264/9-10

Interesting figures considering we had one of biggest losing streaks in our ODI history in this period yet still come off even when we chase.

 

[vcs]

I would say it's more that people think SL are unlikely to fail to defend any total above 220 in these conditions. But if NZ do have to chase, they can take some comfort from the ease with which SL did it yesterday.

 

[Xuhaib]

this SF is like dating the less pretty of the two sisters on a serious note i think if Nzl bat first they can challenge Lanka.

 

[Hurricane]

I wonder if the people who are saying bat first - are partially connecting it to the stadium where it is noted that it is tough to chase. Can someone post the stats for batting first vs second and winning in Colombo.

Also Athlai - I think going back to 2008 is a bit misleading. We used to be good in 2008. In late 2010/2011 we got quite crap for a while. And I think people are saying bat first based on how the team has done more recently.

I haven't personally advocated batting first - but this is where I think people are coming from.

 

[Athlai]

Our standard ODI batting lineup in 08:

Ryder
McCullum
How
Taylor
Styris
Flynn
Oram
Vettori
Mills
Southee
Gillespie/Mason/Martin

It has barely changed at all, How for Guptill and Flynn for someone who can actually bat. Form is temporary etc. The figures from 08 very much represent the current team dynamic.

 

[Flem274*]

I swear Elliott began in 2008. Lasted longer than Flynn by a long way at least.

 

[Howsie]

Southee could lead NZ attack - Allan Donald | Stuff.co.nz

South African legend Allan Donald believes Tim Southee could become the best swing bowler in world cricket within the next 12 months.

Can't argue with that

 

[ankitj]

Fun reading this thread. One would have thought the other SF should see some serious banter given their historic rivalry. What history SL-NZ rivalry have anyway? Think Ind-Pak posters are partly too soft or partly because they too insecure about their chances (me included)

 

[Athlai]

I swear Elliott began in 2008. Lasted longer than Flynn by a long way at least.

Replaced Fulton and Flynn at the end of the year. Didn't play as much as Flynn though.

 

[Athlai]

Fun reading this thread. One would have thought the other SF should see some serious banter given their historic rivalry. What history SL-NZ rivalry have anyway? Think Ind-Pak posters are partly too soft or partly because they too insecure about their chances (me included)

SL-NZ have played a fair bit over the last few years.

 

[Hurricane]

What history SL-NZ rivalry have anyway? :

No doubt the other semi final is a more classic match up if that is what you are saying.

NZ's rivalry would be with Australia I would say - but it would be from NZ's perspective. I am not sure that Aussie would share the same interest in the clash between us.

My memories of games against SL are mainly ones of mutual respect. Our players of both teams seem to get on really well with each other. Both teams (with the exception of Mills) are strong in sportsmanship.

 

[99*]

On Radio Sport today - three callers advocated Colin Munro being flown over to join the blackcaps to help counter Murali. All of the callers were from Auckland.

We're not all that bad I swear.

Haha so strange to see people saying we're most likely to win if we 'bat first'. Wasn't so long ago that we were a far far far superior chasing team, the margin may have narrowed but I'd still say we're better batting 2nd.

So true. Always thought we are a better chasing side.

Anyway, we're in and that's all that matters. So long as we give a good account of ourselves I won't be disappointed if we lose.

 

[centurymaker]

80% -20% in favour of srilanka

Can't see SL losing this one. Need lots of magic from the boys

 

[Prad100w]

AWTA. NZ will have to play out of their skins to defeat SL in their own den. I just hope NZ does not play like how England did in the quarters. They will have to take the spinners on. Cannot allow Dilshan to bowl 5 to 6 overs for nothing at the start of the innings. If they bat first 280 should be the target. Any thing less, will need the bowlers to step up and really take early wickets. But with the form SL batsmen are in, it seems unlikely. Although nothing is impossible.

 

[Dhoni_fan]

NZ have a great chance of pulling of an upset if they can replicate their quarter final form!

 

[Lostman]

Would go with the same SL XI:

Tharanga
Dilshan
Sanga
Mahela
Samaraweera
Mathews
Silva
Malinga
Murali
Mendis
Herath

Would just open the bowling with Mathews and Dilshan

 

[Himannv]

Had a chat with a girl here in SL who appears to be a huge Ross Taylor fan. She's dying to meet him to get his autograph and a picture. Apparently he has a baby face.

Told her the best chance of meeting him was possibly at the hotel (Hilton) or perhaps at the airport when they fly back to NZ after the semi final loss.

 

[smash84]

Had a chat with a girl here in SL who appears to be a huge Ross Taylor fan. She's dying to meet him to get his autograph and a picture. Apparently he has a baby face.

Told her the best chance of meeting him was possibly at the hotel (Hilton) or perhaps at the airport when they fly back to NZ after the semi final loss.

or maybe the girl can fly to NZ to meet him

 

[Himannv]

or maybe the girl can fly to NZ to meet him

Plane ticket is a bit costly but that would be the best. She can even get back here in time for the finals.

 

[Howe_zat]

Would go with the same SL XI:

Tharanga
Dilshan
Sanga
Mahela
Samaraweera
Mathews
Silva
Malinga
Murali
Mendis
Herath

Would just open the bowling with Mathews and Dilshan

Not sure all 3 spinners would be quite as effective against the Kiwis, especially if Dilshan opens anyway. Plus Malinga at 8 is worrying. I'd play Kulasekera for Herath, or for Murali if he's unfit.