World Cup S/F 1, NZ vs SA, March 24

[mikesiva]

Tue Mar 24 (50 ovs) 14:00 local (01:00 GMT)
1st Semi-Final - New Zealand v South Africa (Winner QF4 (NZ) v Winner QF1 (SA))
Eden Park, Auckland

[dan08]

NZ to win this. And the tournament for me.

[braveneutral]

SA could come good?

[Aidan11]

I've said NZ to win it from the start so I'm going with them.


Will SA's top order get a chance to make big runs though?

[shankycricket]

Strange feeling - even though both sides have their issues chasing, I actually think the side that bowls first will win this. Given how the matches have panned out at the Eden Park so far, with two quality bowling units, I can see the batting first being toppled for under 150 ala the 2007 Aus vs SA WC SF. And the chasing side will scrape through rather than coasting. Of course, if the side batting first posts anything over 270 it won't be easy to chase down in a WC SF under the lights against a quality swing bowling unit.

Fascinating game on the cards. I make SA slight favourites but if it gets close, expect McCullum's captaincy to tip it in NZ's favour.
On balance, SA a slightly better team.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I favoured a SAvAus final. But I think on home ground, I'm going to back NZ.

[yuppie]

First time for one of these teams to play in the final.

I think the pressure will get to NZ and thus i think SA will get through, after a few minor hiccups....

[ianp1970]

Close game in prospect, team batting first may be able to put enough pressure on the chasers

[Aidan11]

First time for one of these teams to play in the final.

New Zealand Bridesmaids v South Africa Chokers.

[Dr Cricket]

Read a funny tweet both teams should play for the chokers cup since the loser will be labelled a chocker.

NZ lose and everyone will probably say their chocked under home pressure since everyone in NZ expects them in the final now.
SA lose any game in World cups and it is labelled a choke.

[andy]

very tight and tough to call, but for me NZ take the victory

[Aidan11]

Is there a reserve day for the semis?

Just seems odd that there is a two-day gap between the two semis which suggests there might be reserve days.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Yes, but not the final.

[Aidan11]

What happens if there is no play in the final on the day then?

[andy]

they share the trophy