Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

[Diable Rouge]

Will the benedictions of our patron saint help Ireland to victory in tomorrow's winner-takes-all clash with Zimbabwe? The group winner will play Sri Lanka, South Africa and New Zealand, before a handy tie against England to conclude. Segregating associate qualifiers from the top eight Test nations may be controversial, but Ireland did make most progress from a similar format in '07, so here's hoping they can repeat the Patrick's Day heroics of the past.

[Diable Rouge]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

In the other preliminary group, Afghanistan could only score 72, the hosts cruising past that target by the 12th over, while Nepal scored 149 in response to Hong Kong's 69.

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Disappointing for Afghanistan after having beaten Bangladesh in the Asia cup. They only really bat down to 4 against test attacks, so early wickets are always a problem for them.

Delighted that Nepal beat Hong Kong.

[Diable Rouge]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Well, it wouldn't be Ireland if they didn't make a seemingly straightforward target difficult for themselves, but they escape to victory in the final ball of the final over. Provided they don't take their fellow associates for granted, they should now qualify for the Super 10s.

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Well, the Dutch have just become significantly stronger after effectively bumping Gruijters off the team to allow Tom Cooper back in. Who knows what it will have done for morale, but Cooper is a class player. If Ten Doeschate could be smuggled in somehow I'd make the Dutch favourites.

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Tom Cooper will have to be at his best against Zim though. The Dutch have hit the self-destruct button and are 35-4. So all down to Tom and Mini Cooper (as his younger brother must surely be known).

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Tom Cooper shows he's a class apart at this level with 72* to steer the Dutch to 140. Probably not enough, this Zimbabwe side is a better batting side, and the Dutch bowling isn't great.

In a warm-up match, Finch and Warner absolutely blitzed New Zealand, scoring 107 in 7 overs. They took mercy on the bowlers and both retired then, and the rest of the Aussie batsmen could only get to 200. New Zealand actually look like they will win the match, but I don't think that would have happened if the openers had stayed in. Frightening hitting.

[Diable Rouge]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Zimbabwe were looking certs for defeat, but have moved onto 126 after 18 overs - are we looking at Monday in reverse?

[Diable Rouge]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

It proved so, the scores tied until the final ball, but the Dutch defeat eases Irish nerves slightly.

[Duncan Gardner]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Diable Rouge wrote: It proved so, the scores tied until the final ball, but the Dutch defeat eases Irish nerves slightly

I doubt that, as it keeps Zim in contention and overall they're a bit better than the Dutch. Assuming Ireland and Zim both beat the Emirates, you could end up with three teams tied with two wins.

Anyway, onto the battle of the representative non-national teams

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Afghanistan in serious danger of losing to Nepal. Been a very disappointing tournament for the Afghans, after the optimism created by beating Bangladesh in the Asia Cup.

But a very promising one for Nepal, who continue their upward profile - and great to see another country where cricket makes the front page.

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Afghanistan need 24 off the last over. They make it interesting with 14 off the first 4 balls, before Stanikzai gets out off the 5th. Great win for Nepal.

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Bangladesh now attempting to contrive a defeat against Hong Kong. 96-6 after 13. Their NRR is so superior to Nepal that it won't matter, but it's quite embarrassing all the same.

[ursus arctos]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

101 for 8 now.

Nizakat Khan on a hat trick.

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

107/9. I think HK would have to chase the runs in about 12 overs to eliminate Bangladesh. Not beyond the possible, if Atkinson gets going.

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

108 all out. Where's my calculator.

[ursus arctos]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Twitter consensus seems to be 13.1 overs to put Bangladesh out.

[San Bernardhinault]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Finally, a day with some upsets/risk of upsets.

Although I have to say that with little else to go on, I am so far basing my support for associate teams on whether their team is largely home-grown. It's fairly disappointing to look at the Netherlands, UAE, Hong Kong teams and see mostly Pakistani, Indian and Antipodean places of birth.

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

"Finally, a day with some upsets/risk of upsets."

Bit harsh. Nepal against Hong Kong was a win for lower-ranked opponents, if not quite an upset. And Netherlands took Zimbabwe to the last ball.

Agree with the rationale on teams to support, mind. It's fine to have some Pakistani immigrants or second gen Aussie/Saffers, but you want some evidence of a domestic game too.

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Fantastic permutation tidbit from Cricinfo:

If Hong Kong hit a six with the scores level, then they can take up to 14 overs to knock out Bangladesh.

But a win for HK over Bangladesh would be huge for them, can't think they'll risk losing it to do Nepal a favour.

[Diable Rouge]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Hong Kong might well get the win, but on 21 after 4.1 overs, looks like Bangladesh will be through regardless. Now 35 after 5, still shy of UA's benchmark, but Katmandu will be hopeful.

[Etienne]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Depends whether Shakib is bowling (3-0-6-1) or the rest of the team (3-0-30-0)

[Duncan Gardner]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

La Lanterne Rouge wrote:
Although I have to say that with little else to go on, I am so far basing my support for associate teams on whether their team is largely home-grown. It's fairly disappointing to look at the Netherlands, UAE, Hong Kong teams and see mostly Pakistani, Indian and Antipodean places of birth

Northern Ireland 7
Irish Republic 4
England 2
Australia 1
South Africa 1

[Gangster Octopus]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Is that England's team?

[Duncan Gardner]

Irish Dhaka Rally? T20 World Cup

Ha! HK see off the 'Desh with two wickets and two balls to spare. The winning runs a rather impressive maximum over extra cover