Does any one think ireland have got what it takes to progress after last nights dramatic draw against Zimbabwae.

__________________
Latest Result:


Torquay 2-1 Droylsden


We are 24th out of 24 teams.

Well i started a thread about Pakistan being under pressure as they have to win both matches.Who knows what may happen with Ireland as they proved before the tournament that last night wasn't a one off when they gave South Africa a fright.

To be honest if any minnow is going to qualify you would expect it to be either Bangladesh or Kenya but Ireland do have a chance.

As good as last night's match was - it could well have been a one off.

I will always wonder if Ireland would have won - had they NOT played a spinner in the final over, with Zimbawe needing 9 of 6???.

__________________
Ern

First of all, may I congratulate the Irish on a spectacular result.

But let's put this result in context:-

A tie with the worst Test-playing nation is not a reason to think that this Ireland team can beat the two giants in the group - Pakistan and West Indies - the fact is that theses two teams may be inconsistent, but they are very unlikely to lose to Ireland, no matter how badly they play.

I would like to be proved wrong, and as it is I feel that this group where a minnow is most likely to go through. I still feel that it will be a huge mountain to climb.

Ireland showed some canny play and should really have won the match I suppose, but well done to both teams. very exciting.

Zimbabwe probably have one eye on the situation back home wich must make it difficult and seem a very young side.

Ireland looked like they could bat (well one player can) but the bowling seemed a bit below par?

They dropped loads of catches. Against Pakistan or WI they cant do that. Still, nerves probably.

I think they need to score 50 more runs to be 'competitive ' ish and 100 to be 'top drawer'

They could beat WI and Pakistan if they have a bad day. But they probably wont do so.

Zimbabwe need to pull together now, or the next few matches could be really bad.

I listened to this and I thought Zimbabwe have won it, then I thought ireland have won it, and even down to the last ball.... Phew... it's a draw.

__________________
I have a dream.... (Martin Luther King)

Needing 15 from 36 balls with four wickets remaining the Zimbabweans really screwed up, no wonder Kevin Curran looked so unhappy at the end. What Gary Brent was doing when he batted I'll never know, as one of gthe more experienced members of the side he ought to have known how to see it through. The Irish got a big slice of luck with the run out of Brendan Taylor but then turned the screws on the Zimbos who looked like they'd never closed off a game before. I found it strange that none of numbers eight, nine or ten were actually out playing proper attacking shots, they all looked like startled rabbits. Felt so sorry to Matsikenyeri who has obvious talent.

Yes they probably won't, but if there is a chance of Ireland causing a major upset, I feel that it is more likely to be against the West Indies than Pakistan, despite the fact that the former won the major encounter. Pakistan are a bit more predictable, even when they are not playing to their full potential. Windies can be world beaters one day and play like immature schoolboys the next. The present team, with its 3 seniors and a bunch of talented but relatively inexperienced youngsters, has a touch of vulnerability about them. A couple of quick wickets - particularly if Lara is one of them - could easily cause them to implode.

Agreed, that Pakistan a bit more predictable but their bowling isnt even of international standards now. I am not comparing the two teams because this thread is about Ireland. I was watching the match last night ad I really loved the way Bray played, his timing was very much like Ganguly. I had even written an article (see link below) about his averages and some interesting fact about him. I really want Ireland to put up a good show.
Did you know that apart from India and Australia, Ireland is the only team with 4 batsmen having an average above 40.

__________________
BestBlogBasket.blogspot.com

• Cricket-Zone
• Reader-Zone
• Windows
• Blogger Tips-Hacks-Resources
• Anime-Zone

Lies, dam lies and statics....Ireland may have four players who average above 40, but who have they played?

Porterfield - average 65 - but the best team he has ever played against is Zimbabwe - and how many did he score
Bray - average 50 - he has played against England once and scored 22
Morgan - average 54 - see Porterfield
O'Brien (K) - average 40 - played against England and scored 35

Let them play some of the big boys more often before we see the real value in those stats...

You dont need to be so harsh to them. They might get beaten up hard playing against the big biys, but atleast they will get some worthy experience. They have played just 8 ODI games yet. Dont you think its unfair that some teams play 2000 odd ODIs and others have played single digit games. Somebody please give them exposure

__________________
BestBlogBasket.blogspot.com

• Cricket-Zone
• Reader-Zone
• Windows
• Blogger Tips-Hacks-Resources
• Anime-Zone