**Official** Semi Finals and Final

[pasag]

Brilliant stuff by Gilchrist. Oram stumped for 43. All over now. Was actually looking forward to seeing one of the greatest comebacks ever.

 

[Dravid]

100 Run partnership, 50 from Vettori. This is turning out to be some game. 105 now needed.

I jinx everyone.

 

[PY]

Gone, and over I reckon. If it wasn't before hand.

 

[Dravid]

159-8. Good come back though.

 

[pasag]

Franklin caught behind for 8. Bowled by Watson.

 

[TT Boy]

He said something along the lines of " Mate you need to know where you offstump, go back to the domestic scene and sort of yourself out."

Thus implying Fulton isn't good enought to be an international cricketer which may have angered a few peeps

Fair comment.

 

[TT Boy]

The game might be over but here’s hoping Dan can still ton up.

 

[pasag]

Finally, Vettori taken out by Johnson for 79. But such a good innings from him, the most memorable of this tournament for mine.

 

[TT Boy]

****.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

If Pietersen's actually meant something in the context of the tournament, it would eclipse it no question.

 

[Scaly piscine]

If Pieterson's actually meant something in the context of the tournament, it would eclipse it no question.

That's Pietersen and what did Vettori's innings mean in the context of the tournament?

 

[irfan]

Millssy few more sixe bud.....

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Yeah, sorry, it is 24 past 3 in the am.

It means very little now, but it was one hell of a rearguard from 6/34.

 

[TT Boy]

If Pieterson's actually meant something in the context of the tournament, it would eclipse it no question.

Fleming against South Africa for mine, in the context of the game it was unbelievable knock. KP batted on a wicket which was nigh perfect for batting and which two players had just ton up with ease.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Oh god there goes that stupid cricinfo commentator with his 'Wah's again, time to switch to cricbuzz.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

I hate "ton up". Stupidest term. Anyway, yeah, I guess you're right about Fleming.

 

[pasag]

All over. Lee takes the last wicket, we win by 34 runs and go to the CT final for the first time.. Nice one. Australia should have finished them off ages ago when it didn't look like they were going to make 100 after an absymal performance by the NZ batsmen. McGrath though, what a gun. Best person ever.

 

[Dravid]

Came out to be much closer than anyone would have predictited after the start they had.

 

[pasag]

Predictions?

We'll collapse then so will they. We'll win by 20 runs.

.

Pretty close.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

Watson bowled quite well again tonight I thought. Game was more or less in the balance when he came on, and he went for less than four an over, didn't stray offline and took a wicket. Had a major hand in building pressure with the required rate and the various wickets that fell because of that.

Anyway, aside from the comeback, it was a great bowling effort from Australia. McGrath was brilliant on a perfect wicket for him, and Lee and Bracken bowled very well too. Probably Johnson's worst performance in a few games, but he didn't get to bowl when the conditions were really helpful.

Great knock from Ponting earlier in the day too. Basically the only top order player that really mastered the conditions from either side. Can't go past Vettori though. The NZ top order can really learn a hell of a lot from him. Especially Fulton and Marshall, absolutely embarassing dismissals.