ICC World Cup 2015: Short notes - February 20

England players looking dejected after losing against New Zealand

The World Cup is rolling along at its own slow pace. Two games have happened since the last shorties were posted.

1. Is the entire country of New Zealand one gigantic Lord of the Rings set? Certainly that is the impression one gets from watching the cricket.
2. Zimbabwe and UAE produced the first competitive game of the tournament with Zimbabwe winning with 2 overs to spare. The chase was tighter than expected, but UAE basically ran out of steam.
3. Meanwhile, the Kiwis have taken full flight (cliche). 3 wins in 3 games including Sri Lanka and England. The Kiwis have bowled well and batted with the sole aim of improving their net run rate as much as possible which may come into the picture for deciding the group placings.
4. Also a time to compare the relative performances of Scotland and England against New Zealand. Who are the minnows now?
5. Breaking off for lunch with 12 runs required, ICC where is your common sense. Obviously, commercial interests (increasing TV time as much as possible) have taken over practical action. What if it had rained during and after the break. New Zealand would have been robbed given that 20 overs had not been completed?
6. England have lost 2 out of 2. They still should qualify but the game against Bangladesh assumes crucial status. If the weather forecast stays true, Bangladesh may get away with a point against Australia which will be more trouble for the English.
7. Stats - UAE get their highest ODI Total, Tim Southee - best ever ODI bowling figures for New Zealand, Brendon McCullum scores the fastest World Cup 50.
8. Prediction Time - Pakistan to prevail in the game of unpredictables against the West Indies, while Australia should win weather permitting.