Saturday, March 19, 2011

Cricket World Cup Wrapup - Day 26

Bangladesh needed a win to move into the top 4 of Group B, but you wouldn't have known that had you been watching them play today. Matched up against the South Africans, Bangladesh put up little resistance and fell 284-78 leaving the co-hosts in 5th place and missing the cut to advance. Bangladesh only had 1 of their 11 batsmen in double figures (Shakib Al Hasan with 30 runs off 49 balls), and otherwise they were completely ineffective against South Africa's bowlers. Lonwabo Tsotsobe was named the man of the match for taking 3 wickets in 5 overs and only allowing 14 runs. The honors could have just as easily gone to Robin Peterson who took 4 wickets in 7 overs and only allowed 12 runs. With the win, South Africa clinches first place in Group B. India and the West Indies will play the final Group B match to determine who gets seeds 2 through 4. England is guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals with Bangladesh's loss.

Photo Courtesy: zimbio.com

The Australians were dealt their first loss of the tournament as Pakistan edged them out 178-176 by 4 wickets with 54 balls remaining. The win catapults Pakistan (5-1) into first place in Group A while the Australians will finish in third in the group. Umar Akmal was named the man of the match as he produced 44 runs off 59 balls for the Pakistanis. Pakistan also got strong bowling from Mohammad Hafeez who held the Aussies to just 26 runs in his 10 overs. Brad Haddin led Australia with 42 runs, but it took him 80 balls to do it. So the top 4 spots in Group A are now set with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand all advancing with Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya all going home. Zimbabwe and Kenya will play in the final Group A match tomorrow.

Photo Courtesy: zimbio.com

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