The 1st "Knock-Out"

The game between WI and SA later today is literally the first knock-out. Both teams need to win this one in order to keep their semi-final hopes alive. I have not worked out all possible combinations but for all practical purposes the loser today can start planning for the next world cup or probably for the 20-20 one later this year :-)

While WI have looked hopeless in the first 3 Super Eight games and can only improve from here, SA have no one else to blame but themselves for this situation. With due respect to the super duper Bangladesh team, SA should have won that match. As you all know (if you have read my previous posts on this blog), I will root for the hosts today. They have a very strong top order (at least on paper) and I hope it comes alive today. Their bowling attack is also pretty decent in my opinion. What they will be against is an equally strong and sometimes very aggressive batting capabilities of the South African team. For SA, a lot depends on the kind of start they get from Smith and DeVillers. With Gibbs doubtful for today's crucial game (or is it just a mind game?), a lot will depend on Kallis and Boucher. Their bowling is not too much of a worry.

As for the strategy, I would want WI to chase. SA, as we have seen in the recent past, can chase quite well (yeah I know they were chasing against Bangladesh but let us forget that for now). Also, while bowling I would like to see Gayle and Samuels bowling at least 15 overs between them. May the better team win today!