Top 5 matches of the World Cup group stages
The crowds have cheered throughout, Sri Lankans loud, Indians louder. The Irish were full of joy, they could’ve been celebrating Christmas for all you know with their green hats and big mugs. The carnival didn’t abate, whether it were the massive grounds of Australia flooded with artificial light or the smaller, greener and enticing ovals of New Zealand, generally cloudy and windy.The format was a lazy one, designed for the TV broadcasters to make money, not so much for the TV viewers. Yet, like a movie expectedly dull turns a thriller with smart twists, the World Cup 2015 has managed to remain relevant, interesting, exciting even.Not until the last game was the quarter-final line-up decided. The broadcasters might have as well bought a few lottery tickets, for this has been nothing short of good luck. There have been some last over finishes, some last wicket finishes and some classy chases.While there have been some big innings, 400s and daddy 300s, it were the small total games that became the most exciting ones, giving audiences edge of the seat thrillers. The Scotland-Afghanistan game misses out from the list narrowly, although the last wicket win for Afghanistan, their first in World Cups was a classy thriller in its own right:
#5 UAE vs Ireland, Brisbane - Pool B
In one of their better batting campaigns in the tournament, UAE posted 278 against Ireland on the back of a Shaiman Anwar ton. The Irish players have repeatedly said that nothing short of quarter-finals would be satisfying for them. They almost messed up their chances descending to 97 for four during the chase. They were rescued by two brilliant partnerships, 64 for the fifth wicket and 72 for the sixth wicket, Gary Wilson playing a role in both, scoring 80 in the end.
Kevin O’ Brien stroked a whirlwind half-century in just 25 balls. Ireland stuttered in the late overs yet again, stumbling to 267 for eight in the 48th over. However, Alex Cusack and George Dockrell got the 12 runs required nervously, Ireland making it over the line in the last over. UAE missed several run-out chances during that tiny, but critical partnership losing their best opportunity of a win at the tournament.