As much as it pains me to say it as an England fan but Ireland's victory over Andrew Strauss' men was just the result this World CUp needed as it has breathed new life into a flagging competition.
The 50-over game needed a match like this, as well as the dramatic tie between England and India, to show an increasingly sceptical public as well as the administrators that this format of the game still has the ability to entertain.
The rise of T20 is seen as a replacement for One-Day cricket, which in turn was seen as the quick-fix, sugar coated alternative to the drawn out test match.
But One-dayers are now seen as boring in comparison with T20 and the critics do have a point. The middle overs between power plays can result in tedious cricket as batsmen simply knock the ball around to a field pushed back to the boundaries for ones and twos.
But doesn't that make you appreciate the better games even more?
The best one day games are the slow-burners that gather pace towards a dramatic conclusion. The India v England game was a case in point as Strauss and co kept ahead of the run-rate throughout their innings, resulting it that last gasp finish which delighted anyone following the cricket world cup betting news.
The Ireland game though eclipsed that, mainly thanks to that explosive century by Kevin O'Brien. It also answered those critics who have questioned the participation of the associate nations in the early rounds.
The Netherlands and Canada have both given test playing countries a scare while Ireland humiliated England - making the ICC's decision to reduce the next World Cup to 10 teams a questionable one, as cricket world cup betting upsets happen on a regular basis.
The problem for me lies in the scheduling of the international calendar. More and more T20 competitions are being introduced with no comparative reduction in other games, meaning the calendar is as jam packed as ever.
One-day cricket seems to be the one that is undermined the most. The ridiculous seven-match series between England and Australia tagged onto the end of a three month gruelling Ashes test tour a case in point.
This week has proved that there is still a place for one-day cricket. But the administrators need to give it space to breathe before it drowns in a sea of T20 infused hysteria.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
O’Brien hails record breaking ton
Ireland batsman Kevin O’Brien has declared his match winning century against England is the “best” he has ever played.
O’Brien hit a magnificent 113 and bought up his century in just 50 balls to record the quickest century ever scored at the World Cup as Ireland famously beat England by three wickets on Wednesday.
Chasing a total of 327 set by England, O’Brien led the way with a series of big hits including six 6’s and excellent support from Alex Cusack (49) helped Will Porterfield’s side beat England with five balls to spare.
“I chanced my arm, attacked and batted as positively as I could and thankfully it came off," said O'Brien.
"I kept going and everything went my way, with the odd bit of luck too."
Ireland, who made it past the group stages at the previous World Cup with a remarkable win over Pakistan, will now face India on Sunday on the same pitch, and will have real hope of upsetting the odds against the side that drew with England last Sunday.
O’Brien admitted that the scale of their achievement had yet to sink, while captain Will Porterfield praised his team’s effort after some bookmakers were offering free bets at odds of 400-1 midway through their response.
“(It is) the greatest day in Irish cricket history and one of our best-ever performances.” He said.
"We believed in ourselves and even at 111-5 we managed to bounce back - so all credit to the lads."
"There'll be a big party after this but we still have four games to go and have to produce more big displays." He added.
England now face the prospect of leaving the tournament early if they slip up against Bangladesh and fail to beat either South Africa, who they play on Sunday, or the West Indies.
A free bet on an England departure from the competition currently returns odds of 5-2 with some bookmakers.
Captain Andrew Strauss admitted he was “bitterly disappointed” with the loss and said England need to shore up their bowling if they are to progress beyond the group stage. He said: “They fully deserved their victory. We're bitterly disappointed, our World Cup is not over by any means but we've been haemorrhaging runs too quickly.”
O’Brien hit a magnificent 113 and bought up his century in just 50 balls to record the quickest century ever scored at the World Cup as Ireland famously beat England by three wickets on Wednesday.
Chasing a total of 327 set by England, O’Brien led the way with a series of big hits including six 6’s and excellent support from Alex Cusack (49) helped Will Porterfield’s side beat England with five balls to spare.
“I chanced my arm, attacked and batted as positively as I could and thankfully it came off," said O'Brien.
"I kept going and everything went my way, with the odd bit of luck too."
Ireland, who made it past the group stages at the previous World Cup with a remarkable win over Pakistan, will now face India on Sunday on the same pitch, and will have real hope of upsetting the odds against the side that drew with England last Sunday.
O’Brien admitted that the scale of their achievement had yet to sink, while captain Will Porterfield praised his team’s effort after some bookmakers were offering free bets at odds of 400-1 midway through their response.
“(It is) the greatest day in Irish cricket history and one of our best-ever performances.” He said.
"We believed in ourselves and even at 111-5 we managed to bounce back - so all credit to the lads."
"There'll be a big party after this but we still have four games to go and have to produce more big displays." He added.
England now face the prospect of leaving the tournament early if they slip up against Bangladesh and fail to beat either South Africa, who they play on Sunday, or the West Indies.
A free bet on an England departure from the competition currently returns odds of 5-2 with some bookmakers.
Captain Andrew Strauss admitted he was “bitterly disappointed” with the loss and said England need to shore up their bowling if they are to progress beyond the group stage. He said: “They fully deserved their victory. We're bitterly disappointed, our World Cup is not over by any means but we've been haemorrhaging runs too quickly.”
Friday, February 25, 2011
South Africa lay down marker
South Africa started their World Cup campaign with a confident seven wicket victory over the West Indies in Delhi. AB de Villiers and debutant Imran Tahir were the Protes' stand out performers as South Africa laid down an intimidating marker with a thoroughly professional job.
Leg-spinner Tahir, making his first South Africa, was the main threat to the Pakistan batsmen, finishing with impressive figures of 4-41. West Indies recovered from losing Chris Gayle early to take the score to 113-1, with Devon Smith and Darren Bravo taking the game to South Africa. Johan Both picked up the first of his two wickets with the scalp of Bravo to break the partnership, Tahir quickly picked up the wickets of Smith and Ramnaresh Sarwan to put the West Indies on the back foot and the Cricket World Cup predictions suggested they would struggle to recover.
From their relatively strong position, the West Indies quickly collapsed to 222 all out withTahir and Dale Steyn tearing through the tail to end the innings, the fast bowler finishing with 3-24. South Africa won't have been to worried about reaching their target of 223 but things looked a little worrying when they slumped to 20-2 after Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis went in quick succession and the Cricket World Cup betting tips suggested there was hope.
Graeme Smith's 45 got the innings back on track but it was AB de Villiers who stole the show with a stunning 107 not out at over a run a ball. JP Duminy supported de Villiers to take the South African's over the line with a useful 42 not out.
On this kind of form, South Africa look a very tempting bet to finally lift the World Cup after coming close on numerous occasions. It is going to take a quality side to beat Graeme Smith's intimidating side.
Leg-spinner Tahir, making his first South Africa, was the main threat to the Pakistan batsmen, finishing with impressive figures of 4-41. West Indies recovered from losing Chris Gayle early to take the score to 113-1, with Devon Smith and Darren Bravo taking the game to South Africa. Johan Both picked up the first of his two wickets with the scalp of Bravo to break the partnership, Tahir quickly picked up the wickets of Smith and Ramnaresh Sarwan to put the West Indies on the back foot and the Cricket World Cup predictions suggested they would struggle to recover.
From their relatively strong position, the West Indies quickly collapsed to 222 all out withTahir and Dale Steyn tearing through the tail to end the innings, the fast bowler finishing with 3-24. South Africa won't have been to worried about reaching their target of 223 but things looked a little worrying when they slumped to 20-2 after Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis went in quick succession and the Cricket World Cup betting tips suggested there was hope.
Graeme Smith's 45 got the innings back on track but it was AB de Villiers who stole the show with a stunning 107 not out at over a run a ball. JP Duminy supported de Villiers to take the South African's over the line with a useful 42 not out.
On this kind of form, South Africa look a very tempting bet to finally lift the World Cup after coming close on numerous occasions. It is going to take a quality side to beat Graeme Smith's intimidating side.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
South Africa handed Kallis boost
Jacques Kallis has recovered from his rib injury sustained against India in the recent one-day series and the all-rounder will line-up in his country's opening game of this year's World Cup. The 35-year old had been facing a real fitness race since sustaining his injury and his return will be a major boost to his side's chances of picking up their first World Cup trophy.
The experienced all-rounder had been restricted to a role as a batsman during the warm-up matches against Australia and Zimbabwe but should be able to bowl against the West Indies. Kallis confirmed his return to fitness and also made it clear that while the West Indies mustn't be underestimated South Africa are in good form going into the match, even if the cricket betting odds do make his side strong favourites.
"Everything has gone according to plan, I am 100 percent fit for the match," he said.
"They are a dangerous side. They have a few players who can change the game on their day. We have been on top of them recently and played some good cricket."
Having the world's best one-day all-rounder in their side will boost the South African's chances of challenging for this year's title. Kallis has racked up 11,002 ODI runs in his career to date at an average of 45, while taking 259 wickets in the 307 one-day appearances of his illustrious career to date.
At 35, this could well be Kallis' last chance of winning a World Cup and the talented all-rounder will be a crucial cog in the South African's machine.
The experienced all-rounder had been restricted to a role as a batsman during the warm-up matches against Australia and Zimbabwe but should be able to bowl against the West Indies. Kallis confirmed his return to fitness and also made it clear that while the West Indies mustn't be underestimated South Africa are in good form going into the match, even if the cricket betting odds do make his side strong favourites.
"Everything has gone according to plan, I am 100 percent fit for the match," he said.
"They are a dangerous side. They have a few players who can change the game on their day. We have been on top of them recently and played some good cricket."
Having the world's best one-day all-rounder in their side will boost the South African's chances of challenging for this year's title. Kallis has racked up 11,002 ODI runs in his career to date at an average of 45, while taking 259 wickets in the 307 one-day appearances of his illustrious career to date.
At 35, this could well be Kallis' last chance of winning a World Cup and the talented all-rounder will be a crucial cog in the South African's machine.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Pakistan ease to warm-up victory
Pakistan were rarely in trouble as they eased to an 89-run victory against Bangladesh in a World Cup warm-up game in Dhaka. Pakistan were thankful to centuries from Ahmed Shehzad and Misbah-ul-Haq as they set the Tigers an intimidating 286 to win. World Cup co-hosts Bangladesh never looked like reaching the target and fell 89 runs short in their replay.
Pakistan chose to bat first, with teenage opener Shehzad showing why he is so highly thought of on the sub-continent. Despite being dropped twice on his way to his century, Shehzad batted beautifully in his innings of 103 from 120 deliveries. Vice-captain Misbah was the only other Pakistan batsman to shine with his 100 coming at a run-a-ball, with four sixes in his confident innings. The most up to date ICC Cricket World Cup betting suggests these two players will be key to their side's chances in the tournament.
Bangladesh's captain Shakib Al Hasan was once again his side's star bowler with his 3-49, Rubel Hossain weighed in with three wickets himself, although the fast bowler was more expensive as he went for 73 in his ten overs.
The Tigers run chase was in trouble from the start with Tamin Iqbal clean bowled by Abdul Razzaq from the first ball of the innings. Imrul Kayes and Junaid Siddique steadied the ship with 71 for the second wicket before a collapse saw them crash to 196 all out with eight overs left. Razzaq did most of the damage with his 3-31 and was ably assisted by Mohammad Hafeez and Abdur Rehman who picked up two wickets apiece.
Pakistan chose to bat first, with teenage opener Shehzad showing why he is so highly thought of on the sub-continent. Despite being dropped twice on his way to his century, Shehzad batted beautifully in his innings of 103 from 120 deliveries. Vice-captain Misbah was the only other Pakistan batsman to shine with his 100 coming at a run-a-ball, with four sixes in his confident innings. The most up to date ICC Cricket World Cup betting suggests these two players will be key to their side's chances in the tournament.
Bangladesh's captain Shakib Al Hasan was once again his side's star bowler with his 3-49, Rubel Hossain weighed in with three wickets himself, although the fast bowler was more expensive as he went for 73 in his ten overs.
The Tigers run chase was in trouble from the start with Tamin Iqbal clean bowled by Abdul Razzaq from the first ball of the innings. Imrul Kayes and Junaid Siddique steadied the ship with 71 for the second wicket before a collapse saw them crash to 196 all out with eight overs left. Razzaq did most of the damage with his 3-31 and was ably assisted by Mohammad Hafeez and Abdur Rehman who picked up two wickets apiece.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Afridi bold about Pakistan hopes
In complete contrast to his Indian counterpart Pakistan captain Shaid Afridi was bold, brash and very quotable in a pre-conference ahead of the World Cup.
Afridi believes the recent off-pitch problems that have dogged Pakistan cricket means they are "the most dangerous team at the World Cup" and reckons they will at least make the semi-finals.
The message was in stark contrast to the one sent out by MS Dhoni, the Indian skipper. Dhoni's side, as hosts, will be under intense pressure to perform from the passionate if demanding home support and they will need to clock up some good live cricket scores. Therefore the 29-year-old played down his sides chances and gave the gathered journalists very little in terms of sensationalist headlines.
But headlines – and derogatory ones at that – have followed Pakistan around for years so Afridi perhaps saw this as a chance to redress the balance.
The main stories have, of course, centred round the spot-fixing scandal that saw Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and Salman Butt banned for between five and ten years following an ICC investigation.
Disastrous first-round exits in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups also mean the pressure will be on to avoid a repeat and livescores goalwire fans will be watching.
But a fresh looking squad with the likes of Umar Akmal, Ahmed Shehzad and Wahab Riaz showing promise mixing nicely with some more experienced names, now could be the time for Pakistan cricket to write headlines for all the right reasons and give their tarnished cricketing image a much needed boost.
Afridi believes the recent off-pitch problems that have dogged Pakistan cricket means they are "the most dangerous team at the World Cup" and reckons they will at least make the semi-finals.
The message was in stark contrast to the one sent out by MS Dhoni, the Indian skipper. Dhoni's side, as hosts, will be under intense pressure to perform from the passionate if demanding home support and they will need to clock up some good live cricket scores. Therefore the 29-year-old played down his sides chances and gave the gathered journalists very little in terms of sensationalist headlines.
But headlines – and derogatory ones at that – have followed Pakistan around for years so Afridi perhaps saw this as a chance to redress the balance.
The main stories have, of course, centred round the spot-fixing scandal that saw Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and Salman Butt banned for between five and ten years following an ICC investigation.
Disastrous first-round exits in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups also mean the pressure will be on to avoid a repeat and livescores goalwire fans will be watching.
But a fresh looking squad with the likes of Umar Akmal, Ahmed Shehzad and Wahab Riaz showing promise mixing nicely with some more experienced names, now could be the time for Pakistan cricket to write headlines for all the right reasons and give their tarnished cricketing image a much needed boost.
Lee confident about Aussie World Cup chances
Brett Lee is excited about the forthcoming Cricket World Cup and reckons Australia stand a good chance of winning the tournament.
The veteran pace man missed out on the 2007 World Cup due to injury and he only recently returned to the Australian side following another spell on the sidelines with an elbow injury.
Lee has retired from Test cricket but continues to play for the one-day side and Australia could go into the World Cup on the sub-continent with confidence high after their comprehensively beat England 6-1 in their one-day series and the Cricket World Cup betting suggests they should do well.
Australia open their World Cup campaign against Zimbabwe and Lee will be looking to continue his impressive record in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, where he has taken 24 wickets in 21 games.
Lee claims Australia have a "terrifically well balanced squad" going into the cricket World Cup and they have a lot of "variation" among the bowling attack.
He told cricinfo.com he is excited about spearheading that attack, stating: "We all have our roles to play and my role is an attacking one, I want to be the enforcer of the group and be the leader of the attack.
"I will look to offer as much knowledge to the bowling group as possible."
However, not all the Cricket World Cup betting news has been good for the side.
Australia have drafted Jason Krejza and Callum Ferguson into their World Cup squad due to injuries to Nathan Hauritz and Mike Hussey, with chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch stating the duo are excellent replacements and should excel in the tournament.
The veteran pace man missed out on the 2007 World Cup due to injury and he only recently returned to the Australian side following another spell on the sidelines with an elbow injury.
Lee has retired from Test cricket but continues to play for the one-day side and Australia could go into the World Cup on the sub-continent with confidence high after their comprehensively beat England 6-1 in their one-day series and the Cricket World Cup betting suggests they should do well.
Australia open their World Cup campaign against Zimbabwe and Lee will be looking to continue his impressive record in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, where he has taken 24 wickets in 21 games.
Lee claims Australia have a "terrifically well balanced squad" going into the cricket World Cup and they have a lot of "variation" among the bowling attack.
He told cricinfo.com he is excited about spearheading that attack, stating: "We all have our roles to play and my role is an attacking one, I want to be the enforcer of the group and be the leader of the attack.
"I will look to offer as much knowledge to the bowling group as possible."
However, not all the Cricket World Cup betting news has been good for the side.
Australia have drafted Jason Krejza and Callum Ferguson into their World Cup squad due to injuries to Nathan Hauritz and Mike Hussey, with chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch stating the duo are excellent replacements and should excel in the tournament.
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