Today the Group F matches will reach the half way stage. Our stand on Sri Lanka has been vindicated. They have moved closer to clinching the semi final berth by their victory over Pakistan. If the Pakistani bowling did not trouble the Sri Lankans, except for Younis khan and to some extent Misbah ul Haq, Pakistan could not attack Sri Lankan bowling. Bit it was the finger licking Muttaih Muralidharan who turned the tide for Sri Lankans and not the magic wand of Ajantha Mendis.

The chink in Sri Lankan batting tends to get exposed if both Jayawardhane and Sangakkara get out and one of them is unable to finish the game. Tilaka Ratne DIlshan is easily the back bone of the Sri Lankan team and he is in wonderful form. He is carrying on where he is left off with the Delhi Dare Devils.

The youngsters in the side have to rise to the occasion especially Mubarak Jehan to make a meaningful contribution in the end.

The advantage Sri Lanka have is that they can play themselves in and get ready for the battle ahead.

Time and opportunity is on their side before stepping on to the main stage.

So firends here you can Watch Ireland vs Pakistan Online ICC T20 World Cup:Live & High Lights The match between Ireland and Pakistan, both in Group F will be played on Monday. Ireland will only be too happy to be part of these super 8 matches. It will be richer in experience and carry those memories home. What strikes about the Irish team is the way they huddle across when their national anthem is being played. What strikes you about the Indians is the way the crowd joins in when the national anthem is being played. What strikes us about the Pakistan TV is that the commentators of Pakistan ask would the Indian crowds cheer the team the way Pakistani crowds do ? We guess it’s a question “mere crowds jyada safed than tumhara crowds”

About the match unlike what we’ve called England, the punching bag of group E we would not ascribe similar epithets to the Irish for they should first upgrade their skills. It is a foregone conclusion that Pakistan will win and even aspects like run rate may come into play. Remember that is the way Pakistan have got into the super eight and a similar situation may arise in group E also.

The problem with Pakistan batting line up is after Younis khan Misbah ul Haq there is nobody to carry on with the batting and Shahid Afridi is being of no help in the batting department to Pakistan

If we have to choose between New Zealand and Pakistan for the spot in the semi final we will wager our bet on New Zealand. This will become clear once Sri Lanka have a face off with New Zealand. That match will probably decide who will top Group F. The unlikely scenario that Pakistan will be hoping for would be is that Pakistan beats New Zealand and Sri lanka would lose to New Zealand. Even if the latter were true we doubt if the former can happen.

Well its T20 is’nt it?

The second of the group F matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played today at the Oval at 2200 hrs IST. The group F matches are predictable barring a memorable performance from Pakistan.
Pakistan although the winner from its group has won only one match and has made it to this group by virtue of its run rate. New Zealand also has lost a match to South Africa and having stood second in its group has made it to Group F in the super eight. Except for Sri Lanka which seems to be assured of a berth in semi final from this group because it has the cushion of an extra win, this match will be crucial for both New Zealand and Pakistan.
New Zealand seems to have the edge in batting line up and Abdul Razzaq has been recalled by Pakistan to add some sting to its bowling attack. The New Zealand team is more cohesive and appear to be more determined than Pakistan. Much will depend on the performance of Brendon Mc Cullum and Jesse Ryder. It will also be test for the Black Caps as to how they will tackle the spin of the Pakistanis more than their pace.
It will be a do or die battle for Pakistan and when it has its back to the wall Pakistan can be a dangerous opponent.
More than the excitement this match can generate it is the importance of this match for which it cannot be missed.

This will be the second match of the Group E in the super eight stage. This will be played at Lord’s on the 12th of June. Lot of water has flown under the bridge for the groupings to have come to this. Each of the six matches in this group are important and will be followed with interest. Most probably one of the teams that qualify to go to the semi final will eventually win this tournament.
This undoubtedly is an important match for India. It is the first in the super eight stage and West Indies is a temperamental opponent. The absence of Sehwag will no doubt be felt. Much will depend on the tempo that the openers provide whether India bats first or chases a total. Strategies will have to be evolved to maintain the correct run rate required If Chris Gayle erupts in the match. India will no doubt prefer to bat second if it wins the toss. If India is put in to bat first the openers must go hammer and tongs at the West Indian bowling attack. Rohit Sharma will no doubt play a crucial role and the batting depth of India will no doubt be tested in this match.
Much will depend on how much Chris Gayle values his wicket. But then given the law of averages he has to fail in some matches. Another interesting fact to be seen is if Chris Gayle can pace his innings and play a long innings while chasing a total.