Tom H

Just remember who they played.... It was only Scotland. Had that been a Zimbabwe for example, then may be.

msi geek

South Africa's infamous history of choking when tagged favourites VERSUS Pakistan's heroics (e.g. 1992 World Cup) when completely written off.

Charismatic

Yeah...I'd expect England to win about 2 of every 3 games with Bangladesh even in current form so I do think an England win is probable but they're a lot more closely matched than Scotland.

I don't know if that abandoned match against 'staya will favour them or hinder them in having played less cricket. Lets just hope they've got their losing streak out the way and can put away a few wins now .

We can talk about statistics, averages and past performance all we like. The nice thing about a game of cricket is that it doesn't always boil down to numbers, a team with passion and determination can win even against overwhelming odds and talent. If a team really believes they can win and they are willing to take the necessary risks then...we've got ourselves a game .

Charismatic

Well done Pakistan, great bowling! Ireland look on track as well with Zimbabwe.

Charismatic

...and another great game!

msi geek

My Prediction:

England will win the next 3 ODI -

Bangladesh,
Afghanistan,
and the Quarter Final

Semi Final in Sydney or Auckland?

msi geek

If Scotland (with its modest batting) can score 318 against Bangladesh...England should try at least 400.

Charismatic

England did hit a lot of runs (though less than 400 IRRC) against Bangladesh once but that was about 10 years ago now and it's not all been pretty for the last couple of years .

Weird system though, New Zealand can eliminate England by standing around with their hands in their pockets when they play Bangladesh. Just saying it may be open to a little abuse.

Tom H

Very rarely does this kind of thing happen - there's been plenty of opportunities in tournament events where one can eliminate another by doing nothing but it doesn't materialize

And i'm sure the Kiwi camp would prefer England to go through as they'd see them as a far better bet to beat India than Bangladesh

However this Englander is not confident at all for todays game. I have a funny feeling Bangladesh will win by 4 wickets today. The sad thing is that we deserve to be knocked out anyway after such spineless fielding performances this world cup

Charismatic

That Jordan chap seems like a keeper if he can swing a stick . I know this is unorthodox but has it ever occurred to England to just...play their best players?

Anyway little run chase here but shouldn't be anything too taxing as long as England can bat confidently.

Blade Down Under

We were a bit better in the field. Restricting them to under 300 on that wicket is a good performance For a side with no confidence.

Let's hope we finish it off now. If we can't beat their target on that wicket, then we may as well pack up and go home.

TommyLuck

Afghanistan might well agree, given their chance of a QF spot has gone.

To steal a Monty Python quote; "Alriiight... Let's call it a draw".

chocolate cake

Hope I'm wrong but every chance we won't finish it off, 123-4 with two wickets down in that last over and the captain surending his wicket, & now needing another 153 to win.
If they do lose they don't deserve to play Afghanistan in the last game.

Charismatic

Great win Bangladesh.

England have to, have to go through a process of thinning out players and coaches here for non-performance go through a reselection process. Every position in the team has to be rethought. Every proper game England have come up short here.

Morgan is a perfect example, sure he may be captain but is he actually good enough to play cricket at international level?

msi geek

2015 World Cup may go down in history as the one where Ireland qualified for the knockout stage but England couldn't.

Ireland is playing so well - they can beat any country