World Cup Q/F 4 - New Zealand v West Indies - March 21st

[Aidan11]

This one is a 01:00 GMT start time.

Considering WIs cricket is at an all-time low, they did make the Q/Fs whereas England....



However this is probably where it ends. NZ have shown in the group games why they are favourites and they should have no problems here.

[mikesiva]

I would expect Dwayne Smith to make way for Chris Gayle if he's fit, and Johnson Charles to keep his place....

I would also hope that a left-arm spinner, either Benn or Miller, should come in for Roach, who has been poor.

[Dilbert]

Can Gayle turn up his magic 1 last time? A 150 from his would be really interesting esp considering the small NZ grounds.

[shankycricket]

Can Gayle turn up his magic 1 last time? A 150 from his would be really interesting esp considering the small NZ grounds.

Gayle against Southee and Boult at the Cake Tin?

[andy]

NZ comfortably for me... if Gayle comes off they are in luck, but whatever he can do, so can McCullum..

[mikesiva]

"He is not the player you would pick to have a mini-tantrum but Darren Sammy was not impressed when he was taken off after just one over and seemed to drift into his own world as Dwayne Smith took over. Holder went to his former captain to try to explain the decision but Sammy wasn't buying it. They shared some choice words before Holder dispatched Sammy to the long-off boundary for an over and then brought him into the ring in the next over. The lesson had been learned as Sammy eagerly chased after everything that came his way, and even some that didn't."

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-cricket ... 50487.html

I hope this doesn't create further rifts in the team....

[GarlicJam]

It's a pity that NZ don't have a stronger opponent - as that itself would build the pressure on the national side. I can imagine that the situation iin New Zealand is building up to something their cricketers have not experienced before. (of course, they ahve earned the right to face the weaker of the Group B qualifiers).

Anything other than a strong NZ win will start calls of them not handling the pressure, a loss will see have SA having to hand over the ICC Chokers Mace.

[Durhamfootman]

Only a Gayle onslaught could derail NZ, but he's had his single IPL contract securing massive innings for this competition. Should be NZ, but I think I'd quite to see WI make the semi's.

besides........ For NZ to win the WC they'll have to win 9 consecutive matches. That's a tough ask

[andy]

"He is not the player you would pick to have a mini-tantrum but Darren Sammy was not impressed when he was taken off after just one over and seemed to drift into his own world as Dwayne Smith took over. Holder went to his former captain to try to explain the decision but Sammy wasn't buying it. They shared some choice words before Holder dispatched Sammy to the long-off boundary for an over and then brought him into the ring in the next over. The lesson had been learned as Sammy eagerly chased after everything that came his way, and even some that didn't."

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-cricket ... 50487.html

I hope this doesn't create further rifts in the team....

good to see Holder stamping his authority though, also Sammy isn't the type to hold a grudge, so im sure it will be fine

[bigfluffylemon]

WI still have that X factor, and despite six wins from six NZ have had areas where they have been less than convincing. In particular their bowling has made up for some batting that hasn't been all that brilliant, especially from the middle order. And Southee has been inconsistent - great when he's on song, but has a tendency to get carted when he isn't.

I can see an upset here if the WI batting fires.

[Making_Splinters]

If, and it's an obese elephant sized if, the West Indies batting fires they could turn over New Zealand who haven't really been put under the pump as of yet. In every other senario New Zealand should walk this.

[andy]

tonight's the night then...i read somewhere where the person writing the article questioned whether the windies would risk gayle if he wasn't 100% fit... Of course they do... Like it or not, that windies side feels more confident with Gayle in it, and if he is 75% fit, he plays

[yuppie]

Will this QF be close? will we finally see an upset?

Will NZ choke under the pressure of only being 3 games from being crowned World Champions.

[Aidan11]

Not a chance. NZ all the way.

[GarlicJam]

Will this QF be close? will we finally see an upset?

Will NZ choke under the pressure of only being 3 games from being crowned World Champions.

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