**Official** Semi Finals and Final

[pasag]

Hmmm. I dunnno he seems to one-dimensional, he only plays backfoot shots with any sort of authority and he seems to be a blok,blok,hit type batter. If SAffies get thru I c Australia tearing him into shreds in the final.

Yeah spoke too soon, he gets out to the lamest shot.

 

[Slow Love™]

Hmmm. I dunnno he seems to one-dimensional, he only plays backfoot shots with any sort of authority and he seems to be a blok,blok,hit type batter. If SAffies get thru I c Australia tearing him into shreds in the final.

Plus he was out twice LBW. I had to feel sorry for Kallis earlier, he was striking the ball so well, but just picking out the fielders, and in the end, he just snapped - but given the criticism he gets for selfish play, you couldn't say he lacked intent.

I'm really impressed by the West Indians' work in the field. IMO, that's one of the crucial areas for a coach to work on when a side isn't performing, and they look really sharp. Having said this, Gibbs is looking a tad ominous after a cluster of failures.

 

[Johnners]

Hoping to see De Villiers make a big one here. I was extremely impressed by his efforts in Australia, despite the fact that he was outclassed, imo, he has what it takes to make a positive impact on both SAfrican & World Cricket.

 

[Jono]

Hope you didn't put money on that.

Nah, just had a feeling he'd take to Bradshaw and Taylor today. He did like Bradshaw's bowling on the pads, but was outclassed by some Taylor brilliance.

Speaking of putting money on something, WI paying $2.75 at this stage. Generous IMO, good odds.

Edit: Heh, they've just gone up to $3.25. Bet365 having no faith in their batting line-up obviously.

 

[Steulen]

I'm really impressed by the West Indians' work in the field.

Same here. The last few years, Windies equalled fielding lethargy and 30 extras conceded if not more. It really looks like they've become a disciplined bowling and fielding unit

 

[Dravid]

South Africa seem to be going along pretty good. 173 in 39. Should get atleast 260 with 7 wickets in hand.

 

[oz_fan]

50 up for Gibbs. SA 180/3.

 

[Dravid]

Great knock for Gibbs, bring his 50 up with a 4.

 

[irfan]

The WI fielding has improved immeasurably since their trip down under to Aus.

This, along with a defensive bowling lineup (aside from Taylor) has helped WI strangulate sides to lower totals. They are probably lacking another genuine strike bowling option and a hitter lower down the order (no Smith doesnt count - far too inconsistent) from becoming a genuinely strong ODI side.

 

[Dravid]

That crowd goes crazy for a run out caused by Lara. India loves Lara as much as Sachin.

de Villiars gone for 46

 

[Steulen]

That crowd goes crazy for a run out caused by Lara. India loves Lara as much as Sachin.

de Villiars gone for 46

How tight was that?! De Villiers had his bat grounded on the line when the bail popped up...could have gone either way, that decision.

 

[Johnners]

Dissappointed to see the young man go Definetly a player of the future. Gibbs & Kemp in the last 10 could be a sight to behold though

 

[Dravid]

It was really tight, but usually on the line goes towards the fielder. I have only seen a few occasions where on the line went to the batsman

And Kemp is clean bowled. 195-5 in 42.2. Don't think 260 would be possible now.

 

[pasag]

FFS, Kemp, wanted to see some serious smashing.

 

[Johnners]

Wouldn't under-estimate boucher. He's got them quick runs at the death many a time!

 

[Dravid]

FFS, Kemp, wanted to see some serious smashing.

I have seen so many members post FFS...what does that mean?

 

[pasag]

I have seen so many members post FFS...what does that mean?

for ****s sake

 

[Dravid]

219-6. Nice shot for 6 by Boucher, but hes out the next ball.

 

[pasag]

Taylor, great stuff takes out Pollock for 4, middle stump.

 

[pasag]

SA's innings finishes for 258. They will be pretty happy with that and should win from here.