The World Cup swung into some serious action these past few days – excitement, surprises and some super lative performances from lesser known teams.
Pak Crash Out of the World Cup: Pak was the first casualty as it literally drove itself out of the super-8 stage by losing to both WI and Ireland. Hats off to the Irish for their stupendous effort. Its understatement to say that Pak was well below par. But then, I think Pak had it coming (check out Pak Must Look Beyond Inzy from Feb last year). Besides, without Shoaib, Asif and Razzack, Pak was too depleted a side and the results speak for itself.
Bangladesh Excels: Bangladesh rocked the star studded Indian team. Slow starters India, suffered a severe wake up call. There is no question that Bangladesh put up a superb show. Their fielding was outstanding and their bowlers did a superb job of restricting India’s stroke makers. Their batting was very impressive. India’s leader bowler, Zaheer Khan was belted around the park like he were a club level bowler. Munaf and Agrarkar did no better.
Bangladesh fully deserved to win. However, they are capable pulling off a “West Indies” and slumping to the other extreme. Dav Whatmore was perfectly right when he down played the victory that it was “just one match”.
The British are Drinkin‘: Flintoff and co. were in deep trouble for a drinking binge. Flintoff might have escaped this incident for now, but when England is out of the World Cup, there is bound to be a resurgence of attacks on the man for this incident. With Michael Vaughan’s fitness being an eternal issue and Andrew Strauss hopelessly out of form, it will e interesting to see who would step in to lead if needed.
Pakora Korner 