Group A - Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan

[SteveNZ]

I mean we left Conway out for the first match of the tri-series. Seems pretty clear that that's where they'll go again now that Young's scored some runs. And honestly, I don't mind it.

It feels as straight forward of a decision as could possibly be. Conway looked like he was not only batting with his stick of celery the other day, but also fielding in a blindfold.

Yet when I look at his recent scores, he's actually been pretty consistent.

The career trajectory of Devon Conway, I honestly can't remember it in any other player. Looks to be a can't miss, three format player who can adapt his game, goes absolutely dog after his big IPL season and looks like he could get out six ways every ball, and now still looks like that but scored runs against peak Bumrah and is punching out runs reasonably consistently.

 

[govinda indian fan]

Man shaheen has regressed a lot and so did nassem. Pcb shouldn't allow their fast bowlers to play overseas t20 leagues because they ruining their fast bowler's

 

[LangleyburyCCPlayer]

Man shaheen has regressed a lot and so did nassem. Pcb shouldn't allow their fast bowlers to play overseas t20 leagues because they ruining their fast bowler's

Getting players to stop playing in overseas leagues? That genie is well and truly out of the bottle now, but regardless, I think the two of them have been bowled too much in general, and for the most part on unforgiving Pakistani wickets

 

[govinda indian fan]

Getting players to stop playing in overseas leagues? That genie is well and truly out of the bottle now, but regardless, I think the two of them have been bowled too much in general, and for the most part on unforgiving Pakistani wickets

Na mate just saying they should stop shaheen and nassem from playing useless leagues like t10 rather they can play big bash or hundred or maybe actually play county cricket to hone their bowling esp in tests where pakistan really need them?

 

[Athlai]

Well we have our finalists

 

[Sunil1z]

I think neither IND nor NZ would like to face Aus in semi final.

 

[Athlai]

Facing Australia in Pakistan sounds kind of awesome tbh

 

[SteveNZ]

Good, I love sudden death cricket. Now I have something else to look forward to with all the outstanding sport on

 

[SkyBlue]

I think neither IND nor NZ would like to face Aus in semi final.

I think India should realize by now that to win ICC events, they need to beat Australia but they'd rather face them in a semi-final than a final. When it comes to finals, Australia have that Real Madrid-esque mental edge no matter who they face.

 

[Freadd]

India and New Zealand seemed to be the favorites in this group, but Pakistan's victory over South Africa has brought about some adjustments. It is worth noting that Pakistan has the home field advantage, which could be a decisive factor in their success.

 

[Sunil1z]

India and New Zealand seemed to be the favorites in this group, but Pakistan's victory over South Africa has brought about some adjustments. It is worth noting that Pakistan has the home field advantage, which could be a decisive factor in their success.

Bot account ?

 

[straw man]

time traveller

 

[Srinath P]

Man shaheen has regressed a lot and so did nassem. Pcb shouldn't allow their fast bowlers to play overseas t20 leagues because they ruining their fast bowler's

Instead manage his workload properly.

He's been playing 30-35 international matches every year + PSL. As a fast bowler that's draining af.

 

[Athlai]

Bad luck for NZ with the draw. Wouldn't be hugely surprised if we don't win a game.

Bahnz

 

[Fuller Pilch]

India and Pakistan seem most likely. Bangladesh also more likely than NZ with NZ having only picked one front line spinner and a misfiring batting lineup including undroppable Latham.

This aged well.

 

[Molehill]

I think neither IND nor NZ would like to face Aus in semi final.

The funny thing is, when they play each other on Sunday they'll know who their prospective semi finalists are. It might be in their interests to lose the game if there's a particular side they don't want to play.

Having said that, I'd fancy India in a semi against Aus in Dubai.

 

[Moss]

The funny thing is, when they play each other on Sunday they'll know who their prospective semi finalists are. It might be in their interests to lose the game if there's a particular side they don't want to play.

Having said that, I'd fancy India in a semi against Aus in Dubai.

Are there any proper examples where this (looked like it) actually happened? I know AUS did a go-slow against the Windies in their group game in 1999 trying to knock out NZ(the irony), but there were points to be carried over to the super 6's if they did so. NZ similarly gave up on a chase in the tri-series with AUS/SA in 2001/02 to hurt AUS's chances of making the finals, but NRR was a motivation for sure.

The most memorable speculation I head about this sort of thing was Pakistan supposedly planning to lose their last 2 group games in the 1996 WC, to avoid travelling to Bangalore and play the quarters in Faisalabad instead (the days where host nations played where they were told to). As it happened, they won both and played IND in a pretty unforgettable game in BLR..

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

We should totally throw the game if it would mean facing South Africa in the semis.

 

[Molehill]

If NZ wanted to, they could leave some of their squad in Pakistan and tell them not to bother travelling to Dubai. It's a 4 hour flight back to Lahore where they know their semi will be.

 

[cascade]

I usually think it's better to have a tough semi than an easy one. No point cruising into a final & then crumbling once seriously challenged for the first time.