It's a Tie!



In Jamiaca, Irish cricket came of age on the world stage today as Ireland snatched a thrilling tie from Test nation Zimbabwe. In front of rowdy supporters, some of whom dressed as Leprechauns and danced in a congo line as Zimbabwean wickets fell, the Irish lived up to their billing as a "minnow" to watch.

Jeremy Bray carried his bat for a masterful 115n.o that was the backbone of Ireland's 221/9. In reply Zimbabwe looked set for victory at 203/5 in the 44th over before a late clatter of wickets did them in. It was clear, however that the Irish players did not give up, and they fought their way back into the match. With each Zimbabwe wicket, the Irish crowd grew more energetic.

Zimbabwe entered the last over needing 9 to win with only 1 wicket in hand. Stuart Matsikenyeri, who top scored with 73n.o. and number 11 Ed Rainsford got 7 off the first 5 balls leding up to the climatic final delivery. Instead of trying to get a single, Matsikenyeri heaved a mighty blow, missed the ball, and stayed planted at his crease, while Rainsford ran down the pitch and was run out, leaving the scores level. It was the third tie in World Cup history and the result means that a loss by Pakistan against either of these teams will mean that the Pakistanis will be going home.


Big Dwayne Leverock

In Trinidad, Bermuda, despite their mauling today, losing by 243 runs, are becoming fan favourites. Leading the way for them is Dwayne Leverock, the policeman who weighs about 120kg (265 pounds) and it's not all muscle. Despite his girth, he proved to be quite nimble in the field and gave a jig when he took a wicket. The Bermudians took 3 outstanding catches, but dropped too many routine ones as Sri Lanka piled up 321/6. Lasith Malinga with his beach blonde locks, was impressive as he peppered the Bermudians with his 90+ mph deliveries. He wasn't quite as fast as Shaun Tait yesterday who got over 92 mph while Malinga topped out at about 91 mph. Malinga demolished the Bermudian top half with 3/10 as the Bermudians folded for 78.

Incidentally, this match replaces Australia's demolishing of Scotland yesterday as the second largest margin of defeat in a World Cup. Maybe those critics of the minnows being in the World Cup had a point.

Tomorrow will see a big match in St Lucia as New Zealand will battle England, while South Africa will play the Netherlands in St. Kitts.

(Croos Posted from Rain, No Play)

Labels: 2007 world cup, bermuda, ireland, sri lanka, world cup, zimbabwe