BANGLADESH’s spirited chase of Scotland’s 318 means that the Scots are yet to register a win in three World Cup appearances in different parts of the world. Despite the fervent pleas and exhortations of the English commentators covering the game, the Scots were unable to produce that something extra that would have stopped Bangladesh and not just help register their first win in the World Cup while also making it easier for England to qualify for the quarter-finals.

As the tournament progresses, there are battles within battles. There is the obvious one of getting into the knockouts, and then there is the battle to prove that the associate members deserve to play in the World Cup. In that respect, a win over a Test playing nation is considered a huge boost for the associates. Ireland delivered one such by overhauling West Indies’ 300 plus total, and if Scotland had done that then the flag bearers of the associates would have had another big reason to wave their flags vigorously. Like any full member team in the competition, the associates will have the odd bad game like UAE had against India and Afghanistan against Australia, but the commitment and determination that they have shown is terrific to see.

As the qualification battle hots up, it is not simply about getting there but also finishing in a position where they do not have to play a strong team. So South Africa and Australia are keen to avoid each other till the final. South Africa’s game against Pakistan will be watched carefully, as it will give an indication as to which team will finish fourth in Pool ‘B’. Pakistan’s batting has been its main concern for it has been inconsistent, and it will be tested against the South African new ball attack. The South Africans, despite losing to India, still harbour hopes of finishing on top of the group and are waiting for India to slip somewhere.

In the other group too, Australia, having had a washout against Bangladesh and so sharing points with them, know they need to win all their games so as to avoid South Africa in the quarter-finals. They now play Sri Lanka who have played some sublime cricket. Kumar Sangakkara is finally getting the recognition as one of the greats of the game, and even though the subcontinent always knew that, it is good to see the blinkers being lifted off Australian eyes. Sri Lanka will depend on him once again, though another terrific player, Tillakaratne Dilshan, is also in tremendous form, and the talented Lahiru Thirimanne got a delightful hundred in the big chase against England. As with other teams, it’s the bowling that is the main worry for the Lankans.

These matches should be terrific watching, for there will not only be hard, competitive and top class cricket, but performances that will be great memories of this World Cup.

By Special Arrangement for Dawn

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2015

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