WC 2011 - Will England, WI, India qualify for the Quarter finals

The WC extravaganza is nearing its finale, we have another 6 matches – 3 in each group left.  Group A is more set on expected lines, but there are something left still in Group B

In yesterday’s match at Chennai England kept its nerve to keep their campaign alive with a 18 run win over Windies.  In Group B there are 3 more matches, the result of Ireland Vs Netherlands will be meaningless but something left in Bangla SA tie and India WI encounter at Chepauk on 20^th .  

There was some good pace bowling by the Windies as stumps were seen flying and atleast one good bouncer to the throat saw the ball ballooning to the keeper.  After a good bowling performance by unknown Russel, the leg spinner debutant Bishoo unleashed his art to finish with 3 wicket haul.  England could still set a target of 244  largely due to Trott (47) and Luke Wright’s 44.   Chris Gayle was on a leather hunt making a whirlwind 43 off 21 and getting out at 58.  Darren Sammy came up the order struck 3 sixers and scored 41.  but wickets kept tumbling and a rearguard fine 49 Russel was not good enough.  

ngland have played all their matches;  Ireland would most likely add two more points but still would only have 4.  Now a look at the possibilities :  If India beat WI, they get 9 points and SA 10 by beating Bangla.  England and WI would then qualify.

If Bangla defeat SA, they will move up with 8 points.  If WI beat India, WI will also get 8 points.  India and England will be with 7 points but India has a better NRR and would go down only if they lose very badly.

If India beat WI and Bangla manages to defeat SA – then it would be : SA 8; India 9; Bangla 8. WI would have only 6  and England would romp home with their 7.  

Whether India continue to persist with Munaf, Ashish Nehra and Piyush Chawla – keeping out Ashwin and Raina remains to be seen as there are already speculations of Board talking to Captain Dhoni on this……….

Regards – S. Sampathkumar.