Two big matches on day 8. First was the match between unpredictables Pakistan and West Indies in which the most unpredictable side won. The other was between the mighty Aussies and Bangladesh in which rain played its part. Let me put some drops of light on both the matches.
Game 10: Pakistan vs West Indies
Pakistan put West Indies to bat. Misbah playing on his strength thinking of taking few wickets early and put West Indies under pressure. Smith started the innings with a four and looked in sublime touch. Misbah's plan started working in 5th over first Smith's catch was dropped in third man region but Gayle was caught next ball trying to pull Irfan. It is not easy to pull tallest bowler in the world. Moreover Gayle is not even good puller of cricket ball thus he paid the price. In 8th over Sohail Khan's 4th stump line produced edge of Smith's bat and it straight away went into the hands of second slip. The goal of opting field first after winning the toss was accomplished as Pakistan picked up two wickets under 30 runs. Now they just had to keep the momentum with them.
Bravo and Samuels started building the innings. Both of them batted really well and took the total to 100 run mark in 24th over. Seeing the partnership building well Misbah brought part time bowler Harris Sohail in to the attack and he proved to be a man with golden arm as he removed Samuels on the first ball he bowled. Ramdin and Bravo started accelerating the innings as they added 49 runs together in 40 odd balls. Then Bravo pulled his leg muscle and left the field as he wasn't even able to stand on the field. Simmons hit a 100 against Ireland hence he came in this match with some sort of form and he carried on with that form. He was involved in three cruicial partnerships first with Ramdin who made quick fire half century and then with Sammy and Russell. Simmons played the anchor role. He played through out the fifty overs.
He made the half century playing around Ramdin, Sammy and Russell. Russell made 42 runs of just 13 balls. He smashed Pakistani bowlers all over the park. West Indies' lower middle order took the team total to 310 at the end of 50 overs. It was a huge total on the board after the kind of start West Indies got. West Indies' lower middle order is on fire in this world cup. It has been successful to bring its team out of the trouble in both the matches. Simmons is key in that middle order. He is the kind of batsman who can bat at any number in the batting order and his form is blessing in disguise for West Indies. Moreover Sammy and Russell are finishing the innings in the best possible manner. Now if the openers start getting runs then West Indies won't be considered as unpredictable anymore.
It looked like it was West Indies' day as Pakistan was off to worst start in the history of ODI cricket. Taylor in first over sent Jamshed and Younis back to the pavilion then he trapped Harris Sohail on the last ball of the third over. On the very next i.e on the first ball of the fourth over Holder picked up Shehzad and Pakistan was in all sorts of trouble at 1/4 which is the worst start in the history of ODI cricket. Jerome Taylor fired in his first spell. He got the confidence which he lacked against Ireland and once he got his rygthm we all know how dangerous he can be.
Misbah and Maqsood carried on till 10th over but Gayle took a good catch to dismiss Misbah in the 11th over. It was almost over for Pakistan but Akmal and Maqsood raised some hopes as they started building a base to chase such a big total. Pakistan reached to 100 run mark in 25th over which means both Maqsood and Akmal were scoring at good rate. Maqsood gave it away after reaching to his half century. He should have made it big as he had the opportunity to become a hero for his country. It was curtains for Pakistan then. As after that Akmal lost his way and was shown way back to pavilion on 139. Afridi holded one end but no one gave support to him. As a result Pakistan's innings was wraped up on the total of 160 and West Indies was off the mark on the pool table.
Game 11: Australia vs Bangladesh
It was pouring down in Brisbane. Hence this match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
What a day! One unpredictable side tormented the other unpredictable side and loosing side is almost out of the world cup. While the other match was washed away. Day 9 features India vs South Africa in which South Africa has the upper hand and Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan which should be a cake walk for Sri Lanka. Eagerly looking forward to it.
#CWC day 9
#CWC day 9
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