There's something really weird in the world, when I REALLY want Australia to win tomorrow.
It would be so satisfying to see India knocked out, plus it would mean the final would be held in Pakistan, the host country.
I would totally agree with you if it weren't for the fact that my head, or should I say my pocket, is dictating otherwise. I had two bets before the tournament began - SA @ 9.2 on the Betfair exchange to win the tournament and a sort of "saver" on that with an India v South Africa final (we all know SA's reputation for bottling it and I needed both teams to win their groups for that to happen) @ 15/2 on the Betfair sportsbook. It's not life changing amounts so I wouldn't be that disappointed if my heart wins and Australia are victorious tomorrow.
Australia won the toss and have elected to bat. Matt Short is injured and is replaced by Cooper Connolly and Tanveer Sangha comes in for Spencer Johnson. India are unchanged with their four spinners on their "home" surface.
This surface looks very challenging with just one off the bat in the first three overs and Connolly just out caught behind. If the likes of Head and Connolly can't lay bat on ball, let alone smack it, then you know it's going to be hard going. But then, unlike India, they haven't played and trained on it for the duration.
Only by the winner of this match losing in the final. For the game it would be better if Australia to win if only for the final to be in Pakistan.
Weirdly I think I'd rather Australia win here. Feels dirty saying that but India fans would be unbearable if they won this tournament after also winning the T20s.
Obviously then want Australia to lose in the final.
Only by the winner of this match losing in the final. For the game it would be better if Australia to win if only for the final to be in Pakistan.
Weirdly I think I'd rather Australia win here. Feels dirty saying that but India fans would be unbearable if they won this tournament after also winning the T20s.
Obviously then want Australia to lose in the final.
Not weird at all. I think any non-Indian would rather Australia win this.
Whole tournament has been a farce because of India only playing in Dubai. They haven't been affected by the weather, only team to play all games in the same city so they've not had to travel back and forth and have obviously played on the same pitch every game so are used to it. It couldn't be more set up for an India win.
And as soon as I type that Inglis gives his wicket up. Smith needs to bat for the duration, take it deep with Carey and allow Maxwell the freedom to tee off in the final 10 overs.
Only by the winner of this match losing in the final. For the game it would be better if Australia to win if only for the final to be in Pakistan.
Weirdly I think I'd rather Australia win here. Feels dirty saying that but India fans would be unbearable if they won this tournament after also winning the T20s.
Obviously then want Australia to lose in the final.
Not weird at all. I think any non-Indian would rather Australia win this.
Whole tournament has been a farce because of India only playing in Dubai. They haven't been affected by the weather, only team to play all games in the same city so they've not had to travel back and forth and have obviously played on the same pitch every game so are used to it. It couldn't be more set up for an India win.
Yeah, just... it's Australia. Feels very wrong ever wanting them to win!
Smith charging and playing over one meant that Maxwell was coming in earlier than necessary given the lack of batting behind him. That said, Maxwell himself went too early which has left Carey to do all the work in the final dozen overs or so.
Australia (and specifically Smith and Maxwell) have only themselves to blame for not getting another 20-30 or so runs. If they bowl well, though and can put some pressure on India's batters, then this might still be enough.
Only by the winner of this match losing in the final. For the game it would be better if Australia to win if only for the final to be in Pakistan.
Weirdly I think I'd rather Australia win here. Feels dirty saying that but India fans would be unbearable if they won this tournament after also winning the T20s.
Obviously then want Australia to lose in the final.
Not weird at all. I think any non-Indian would rather Australia win this.
Whole tournament has been a farce because of India only playing in Dubai. They haven't been affected by the weather, only team to play all games in the same city so they've not had to travel back and forth and have obviously played on the same pitch every game so are used to it. It couldn't be more set up for an India win.
Yeah, just... it's Australia. Feels very wrong ever wanting them to win!
The great thing about Australia-India games is that one of them's going to lose.
Excellent bowling change from Smith. Connolly, who contributed nothing with the bat and had dropped a catch, is brought on in the power play in the knowledge that Rohit will not be able to resist having a go at him. Connolly traps him LBW.
Comments
So the semis will be:
Tuesday - Australia v India (Dubai)
Wednesday - New Zealand v South Africa (Lahore)
It would be so satisfying to see India knocked out, plus it would mean the final would be held in Pakistan, the host country.
Kind of crazy eyes, pointy beard.
Obviously then want Australia to lose in the final.
Whole tournament has been a farce because of India only playing in Dubai. They haven't been affected by the weather, only team to play all games in the same city so they've not had to travel back and forth and have obviously played on the same pitch every game so are used to it. It couldn't be more set up for an India win.
249-8 (47.1)
Australia (and specifically Smith and Maxwell) have only themselves to blame for not getting another 20-30 or so runs. If they bowl well, though and can put some pressure on India's batters, then this might still be enough.
Maxwell and Smith wickets swung it massively.
Australia probably 40 short of where they looked like being. Scored just 29 off the last 5 overs.
30-1 (5)
43-2 (7.5)
134-3 (26.2)