The quarter finals were all a bit disappointing, in that the favourites won fairly comfortably. Still, it has worked beautifully for the ICC with no semi-finalists having played each other in the group stages.
South Africa destroyed Sri Lanka’s batting line up early with pace, then the spinners, who were South Africa’s biggest concern, just kept picking up wickets.
South Africa’s body language said everything. They shook with excitement when a wicket fell, and Dale Steyn nearly popped a rib after taking his wicket.
When it was their turn to bat, Quinton de Kock finally stood up and smashed Sri Lanka out of contention. It was both sad, and delightful to see the respect South Africa gave to Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene in their last World Cup game.
The monkey is off the Proteas’ back, as far as knock-out World Cup cricket is concerned.
India calmly knocked up 300 with a nice century to Rohit Sharma against Bangladesh. They struggled a little, but were always going to get to 300.
India’s bowlers then professionally controlled the Bangladesh batting to record a comfortable win. Bangladesh will be frustrated that so many guys had a start, but not one batsman could get past 30.
Australia had the hardest battle, but ultimately won the game with 16 overs to spare. This was expected to be a battle of the bowlers, and so it turned out. Australia brought in Josh Hazlewood and he repaid the selectors with four wickets. Pakistan didn’t help their cause with reckless shots against Glenn Maxwell, but when you are trying to dominate there is always that risk.
Pakistan then had to bowl themselves to victory. They certainly gave it a good go, and Wahab Riaz’s spell will not be forgotten. He terminated Michael Clarke and should have had Shane Watson early, but Australia ensured victory by continually attacking. Maxwell may well be crazy, but unless he gets himself out, he takes the game from the bowlers so quickly.
New Zealand had their match won as soon as they batted. They pushed the pace from the start and Martin Guptill played the perfect anchor innings, before going ballistic in the last 15 overs, scoring a magnificent 237 not out.
The West Indies were not going to die wondering; Chris Gayle batted like he wanted his record back, and with the exception of Trent Boult the New Zealand attack copped a hiding.
Ultimately, and not surprisingly, the Windies just kept losing vital wickets and only batted out 30 overs.
So New Zealand play South Africa at Eden Park and Australia play India at the SCG.
New Zealand vs South Africa
With strong batting line-ups, clever pace attacks, and good spin options, these are two very similar teams.
One advantage New Zealand has is that they do not rely on one batsman. Brendon McCullum just goes for the bowling, and he isn’t afraid of getting out doing it. They have the class batsmen in Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson to right the ship and big hitters like Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi to finish.
Their two main pacemen, Tim Southee and Boult, are taking turns to decimate their opposition, and Dan Vettori can attack or defend according to the requirements of the time.
South Africa will be happy De Kock has come off at last. This is the last piece to their puzzle. They do rely tremendously on AB de Villiers, and if he fails, someone will have to step up.
Dale Steyn is their other trump card – if he fires they will go very close to winning.
This will be a test of nerves, as a final should. The Kiwis can hold theirs for longer, and with the home advantage they should win this one.
Australia vs India
Things have changed since the World Cup started. India were Australia’s bunnies all summer, but are now in the better form. They will have taken great heart from the Pakistani bowling, particularly how Wahab shook the middle order up.
Australia have a very long batting order. Aaron Finch needs to keep his powder dry while the ball is moving to set up a good start. Maxwell has been a revelation, and Australia is confident in him. If he doesn’t come off, James Faulkner and Brad Haddin are more than capable of closing out the innings in a frenzy.
Mitchell Starc is the obvious danger bowler. Mitchell Johnson has been quiet – like Steyn the big match might bring out his best. As per all games so far the Achilles heel is the slow option. Maxwell can jag wickets, but he can’t control the run rate.
India will be confident and unafraid of chasing, if that happens. They bat deep and all of their batsmen are carrying form. As I have mentioned previously, they still have MS Dhoni, who hasn’t needed to tee off yet.
Their pacemen have performed well all series. I expect they will try and use Umesh Yadav to intimidate the Aussies. This is a double-edged sword because if he is offline, he will be smashed. India has a very good spin duo, and they can sneak off overs quickly without leaking runs.
This will be a great atmosphere, with many Indian fans to help support the away team. Australia may just be mentally stronger in the big match atmosphere, but it will be a beauty to watch.
So, my tips for the semis are:
New Zealand to beat South Africa in Auckland, and Australia to beat India in Sydney for a final of New Zealand vs Australia in Melbourne.
What do you think Roarers?
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