Saturday, April 14, 2007

New Zealand Vs South Africa


South Africa 193/7 (50 ov)
New Zealand 196/5 (48.2 ov)
New Zealand won by 5 wickets (with 10 balls remaining).
New Zealand beat South Africa by five wickets to seal their place in the crucial round coming up. They won the toss, and having come unstuck themselves batting first in St George's against Sri Lanka, opted to field first. It paid off on a difficult batting strip, as Bond and Franklin wasted little time with the new ball. McMillan stayed there til the end, unbeaten on 38 to add to his three key wickets. Gibbs and Prince added 76 in 17 overs, but it was the gamble of bringing on McMillan that hammered in South Africa's fate. Chasing 194, New Zealand were sluggish, but Fleming played a dour captain's innings and then that man Styris added another World Cup fifty.

McMillan is the Man of the Match. He's a happy bloke. Beaming, he says he's grateful to just be here and is glad New Zealand bounced back from the loss to Sri Lanka. Loved each of his three wickets, and says chasing 194 was tricky.

What's on the menu tomorrow?: The most ironical match of the tournament takes place - it was meant to be an India-Pakistan showcase on a weekend day, but instead it is...Ireland versus Bangladesh. It could be an entertaining game between two sided who play with enjoyment and enthusiasm. Bangladesh will be favorites, but the fast men of Ireland may fancy the conditions in Barbados, and could make it a competitive game.

Thats all I have for you, guys. Let me remind you of tomorrow's game again, a tussle between Ireland and Bangladesh at Bridgetown that will start at 13:30 GMT. I'll be bringing you the update again. Until then, Cheers!

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