Cricket World Cup Wrapup - Days 7 and 8

The Aussies knocked off previously unbeaten New Zealand 207-206 by 7 wickets with 96 balls remaining yesterday. Shane Watson (62 runs off 61 balls) and Brad Haddin (55 runs off 50 balls) did the bulk of the damage on offense from the top two spots and man of the match Mitchell Johnson took 4 wickets in 9.1 overs to lead the defense for the defending World Cup champions. New Zealand was led by Nathan McCullum who had 52 runs out of the 8 spot.

Photo Courtesy: zimbio.com

Bangladesh got their first run of the World Cup yesterday defeating Ireland 205-178 in Group B action. The hosts were once again led by their vice captain Tamim Iqbal who led all batsman in this one with 44 runs off 43 balls including seven fours and 21 year old bowler Shafiul Islam took 4 wickets in 8 overs conceding just 21 runs. Ireland, playing their first game of the tournament, got strong bowling from 18 year old George Dockrell who gave up 23 runs in 10 overs while taking a pair of wickets. Kevin and Niall O'Brien combined for 75 runs to lead the Irish attack. Iqbal was the named the man of the match.

Photo Courtesy: zimbio.com

Sri Lanka and Pakistan each put up over 300 runs in their first matches of the World Cup on their way to blow out wins over Canada and Kenya respectively. This game would be a lot more competitive with Pakistan taking the win 277-266 and moving atop Group A alongside Australia. Pakistan got significant contributions from the middle of its order as Younis Khan (72 runs off 76 balls) and Misbah-ul-Haq (83 runs off 91 balls) combined for over half their offense. Pakistan's defense stifled Sri Lanka's vice captain Mahela Jayawardene who had 100 runs in their opening match, limiting him to just 2 runs off 10 balls. Chamara Silva led Sri Lanka's offense with 57 runs off 78 balls. Pakistan's captain Shahid Afridi was named the man of the match after taking 4 wickets in 10 overs.

Photo Courtesy: zimbio.com

Cricket term of the day: Drinks

Sort of like intermission, drinks are a short break in play, generally taken in the middle of a session when refreshments are brought out to the players and umpires by the 12th men of each side. Drinks breaks do not always take place, but they are not abnormal, particularly in hot countries.