[msdivy]

Ashwin played and heavens didn't break ! In fact he did fine. Though the Indian team have found their mojo back, unless there is a miracle (Afghanistan beating New Zealand), it is the end of the road for India.

It is quite amusing to hear ex-players highlighting the mistakes India made in their opening games, like team selection, line-up & captain's assessment after the game. RCBs fans have seen it before.

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

There is evidently some friction between Kohli & Ashwin or else quite difficult to comprehend latter's 4 years of hiatus from International T20.

If this is true, that is indeed an unprofessional act by Kohli, putting individual interest over team's. Can't believe Ashwin had to sit out the England tests.

[PPS]

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

There is evidently some friction between Kohli & Ashwin orelse quite difficult to comprehend latter's 4 years of hiatus from International T20.

Not sure about friction but both Jadeja & Ashwin were dropped from the white ball team after the Champions Trophy loss to Pakistan many years ago. Thereafter, Kuldeep & Chahal pretty much cemented their place in the team till England went berserk against them in the 2019 ODI WC. Ashwin was only selected in this T20WC due to Washington Sundar's injury as per the selectors word!

[Ananthang]

Originally Posted by msdivy

Ashwin played and heavens didn't break ! In fact he did fine. Though the Indian team have found their mojo back, unless there is a miracle (Afghanistan beating New Zealand), it is the end of the road for India.

It is quite amusing to hear ex-players highlighting the mistakes India made in their opening games, like team selection, line-up & captain's assessment after the game. RCBs fans have seen it before.
If this is true, that is indeed an unprofessional act by Kohli, putting individual interest over team's. Can't believe Ashwin had to sit out the England tests.

Jaddu has a lone spinner has not been effective in most matches. Either they have to sacrifice one batsman or a all rounder if they have play 2 spinners. He is bowling too fast which has been called out while world but he never has the confidence to slow it down. Ashwin in T20 May not be very effective against big teams but certainly need not be ignored and has the mind set to handle pressure

[petrogeek]

Originally Posted by landcruiser123

https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/s...22938193055749

Have to agree with Vaughan here. England and West Indies a template of new style of T20 cricket going to gung-ho from ball 1. Even RSA & Pakistan are doing this to some extent. India and Australia is relying on accumulators and accelerating at the end which is more suited for ODI cricket.

India needs some new thinking. Time for Kohli to move on captaincy for all limited overs and focus on contributing as a batsman over the next 4-5 years.

Totally agree. The T20 game has evolved while India's approach is now ineffective. Despite the IPL and India's bench strength, the problem has been India's mindset and approach to T20 under Kohli and his acolytes. Kohli himself saw the writing on the wall and stepped down prior. This World Cup is over for India. Interesting to see what The Wall's approach would be to T20 led by Rohit.

[AtheK]

Sorry, but couldn't refrain from posting this for giggles.

[Emvi]

Today it is going to be one of those rare days when a big chunk of world population will be rooting for Afghanistan to come out all guns blazing (no pun intended) against New Zealand!

[harry10]

Originally Posted by Emvi

Today it is going to be one of those rare days when a big chunk of world population will be rooting for Afghanistan to come out all guns blazing (no pun intended) against New Zealand!

Mujeeb is reportedly fit as he hit the gym yesterday.
So, there is hope although I am keeping expectations very low.

I feel for Afganistan.
If they play extraordinary cricket and beat NZ somehow, then India still has a chance to qualify over them due to RR scenario.

Afghanistan should bowl first if they win toss and restrict NZ till 150. Anything above and will be really tough for them.

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by harry10

Afghanistan should bowl first if they win toss and restrict NZ till 150. Anything above and will be really tough for them.

It's a day game and with no chance of dew, Afghanistan will stick to their plan of batting first and putting up at least 140 and then hoping that the spinners defend it.

[harry10]

Originally Posted by Eddy

It's a day game and with no chance of dew, Afghanistan will stick to their plan of batting first and putting up at least 140 and then hoping that the spinners defend it.

Only reason I mentioned bowling first is pressure of chase. Batting first NZ will have to give a good target so probability of losing wickets to their spin trio is better. If they are chasing 140-50 or less they can plan accordingly. Anyways, lesse what develops.

[jkrishnakj]

Both Scotland and Namibia put up a good show against NZ. Hopefully the Afghans can do it.

It’s a hope against hope that NZ crumble today. And if they indeed do falter, I’m celebrating Diwali again tonight.

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by jkrishnakj

Both Scotland and Namibia put up a good show against NZ. Hopefully the Afghans can do it.

It’s a hope against hope that NZ crumble today. And if they indeed do falter, I’m celebrating Diwali again tonight.

Does not look like Diwali will come again today! Kane Williamson is a glue and will be difficult to get him out. Such scenarios are feeding grounds for cricketers like Kane Williamson. Hoping against hope that he chops one on his stumps very soon.

[NPV]

New Zealand will win this easily and it's going to be curtains for the Indian team campaign in this world cup.

Anyways, it was only a mathematical/theoretical chance and that is unlikely to happen. We couldn't afford to lose 2 matches and once we lost them, it was end of the chances really. No point expecting a miracle for Afghanistan to defeat New Zealand and help us

Tomorrow's game against Namibia will be inconsequential so we might as well play the guys who haven't been given any chance yet and use the match practice.

Pak Vs England final very much likely and possibly a Pak win too to lift the T20 World Cup this time ? They've been the two most consistent and convincing teams so far.

[Emvi]

Well played New Zealand
Now that India is "officially" out of the World Cup, I honestly want the Kiwis to win the tournament. Their composure and cool demeanor is truly admirable.

[vibbs]

Originally Posted by NPV

Pak Vs England final very much likely and possibly a Pak win too to lift the T20 World Cup this time ? They've been the two most consistent and convincing teams so far.

I would not be too sure. Australia in the knockouts are in my eyes always strong favourites irrespective of how others have been playing.

I would not be surprised to see an England vs Australia final.

[narayans80]

In all honesty, India doesn't deserve to be in the semis. If they can't even give a decent contest against the test playing nations in Group 2, they would have probably be giving Bangladesh company if it were in the other group.