Australia have scored the final runs against Pakistan and set up the biggest game of the tournament in Sydney against India. The match will be watched by millions around the world and three deserving teams have qualified for the semifinals in the form of South Africa, India and Australia.
Now we all wait for the game in Wellington, where New Zealand take on West Indies. It’s a similar contest like the game in Adelaide where Australia went past Pakistan, because the Kiwis have come into the knockout stages with as much good form as the Indians. They haven’t dropped a game and on paper are a much better side. New Zealand will also play the game in Wellington which they have made into a fortress in the last couple of years. They haven’t dropped a game here and that includes the mighty Aussies.
The West Indies have looked pretty ordinary. They have had a stop-start tournament and haven’t looked in rhythm at all, but to underestimate them would be a big mistake. They will be playing in the not too big grounds of New Zealand and if they get going, the grounds will not be big enough. It is time for Chris Gayle to stand up for the Windies. Other than the Zimbabwe game, he has looked out of sorts. West Indies have gone in with the extra bowler in the form of Kemar Roach in this competition and it could be an area they need to have a re-think as they might just need some quality at the top to relieve the pressure from Gayle.
The Kiwis, on the other hand, have no such worries. Their top order has been in great touch and their biggest strength like the Aussies is the depth in their batting. The New Zealand bowling has been amazing. Trent Boult and Tim Southee have used the conditions well and Boult will be a big threat to the Windies top order.