Kiwi Game

[12th Man]

I think we should chase (bat second) that is what worked in '96 with the dew, remember ? The wicket problems seems to have been sorted out, I hear the ICC pitch expert has come to India and they are using an industrial glue to bind the pitch.It was tried in the last game and seems to have worked.
Playing bandara is essential at least from a psychological view as Kiwis face DIlhara type bowlers every day of the week !
I fear that Kapu will play instead of Dilhara thereby weakening the bowling without any justification.
Also why is this match being dubbed as a "do or die contest" ? As pointed out earlier if the Pakis' lose another game (going by their lack of consistency it is very likely) it may come down to run rates etc.
Let's just play well and not allow the Kiwis to beat us mentally which is the only way they can !

[Wanderer]

Well, batting second has proved to be the better option with the dew around. No grip on the ball, and fielding is difficult too.

It is also better to chase I think, because then you have a score to chase and can pace your innings.

About the pitch though, I am not so sure at all. This "glue" that they're spraying on the pitch in order to bind the surface together, may also play on the mind of the cricketers out there... 5 litres of glue mixed with 10 litres of water. Gives new meaning to the term: Sticky wicket (although it's a pva type glue anyway..)

Anyhow, Flemings wicket will be a key one for the Sri Lankans. I hope we see a good contest.

[sittingduck]

Flemings all ready come out today and said he'll bat first if he wins the toss. We have the bowlers to stifle a run chase, especially with two spinners, stops the ball coming onto the bat making the batsmen play harder at the ball increasing the chance of mistakes.

[Wanderer]

Okay then! So perhaps both teams will get what they want?

I see Ross Taylor was called up as a standby just in case Scott Styris' hamstring twinge remains a problem.

[sittingduck]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

Okay then! So perhaps both teams will get what they want?

I see Ross Taylor was called up as a standby just in case Scott Styris' hamstring twinge remains a problem.

Yeah I heard that too but now Styris has been named in the starting 11. Couldn't be soon enough Fulton was in poor form. Bond's back too but he'll probably get injured in his second over. He's got the durability of a paper plate.