World T20 Champs, First Round, Oct 16-21

[Arthur Crabtree]

Probably going to have to overcome unbeaten NL to qualify though. And possibly rely on NRR.

[Durhamfootman]

West Indies collapsing in a heap!

Fantasy picks of WI players looking like a mistake...

I was a bit surprised to see quite a few WI selections, because their's looks like much the harder group. I wasn't surprised people went for SL players because their group looked like it ought to be a procession for them.... doesn't quite look that way now. Namibia look the side most certain to qualify, given that they have by far the best NRR with the weakest team still to play. NL will have to play well, because if they lose to SL they are the side most likely to miss out despite a 100% winning start and their top of the table position. They'll either finish top of the group having won 3 out of 3 or they'll go home. Stark choice

[bigfluffylemon]

I thought the UAE were out of it, but mathematically they can still qualify. Would need them to absolutely thrash Namibia and NL to thrash SL though, so it ain't happening.

I only picked one WI player, but I thought the upside of potentially having 3 extra games was worth the fairly low risk of them not making round 2. I still think they'll get through, but they've obviously got it all to do, and they could easily go out.

[bigfluffylemon]

Forecast looks set ok for tomorrow, but the weather could have the final say in Group B on Friday...

[bigfluffylemon]

Scotland heading for a solid total v Ireland. At least Ireland won't be chasing under lights, which can be tricky there.

Game on.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hard to see Ireland chasing these. Maybe 20 years ago.

[Durhamfootman]

did it easily with an over to spare

[Arthur Crabtree]

119 for no wicket in under 10 overs. Impressive.

[mikesiva]

West Indies limp to 153-7.

[Durhamfootman]

but get over the line

[Arthur Crabtree]

Basically a knockout in that group now.

[bigfluffylemon]

Zimbabwe manage the extraordinarily impressive feat of having a zero NRR after two games.

Scotland still go through if their game with Zimbabwe is a wash-out. West Indies go through if their game with Ireland is a wash-out. Scotland and Zimbabwe both qualify if both games rained out. And straight knockout if there is a result.

[Arthur Crabtree]

So SL are through. Namibia just need to beat UAE to join them.

Format works well.

[Durhamfootman]

NL will be disappointed

the group will come down to who beats UAE by the biggest margin.... although Namibia are busy doing some early stumbling atm

[bigfluffylemon]

Not a forgone conclusion for Namibia...