Ready for the Semis?

Well there is no cricket today but this is your opportunity to really make some wise moves with your team. Lets recap yesterday: India had a strong showing in the opening inning of their game putting up an impressive 163 only giving up 5 wickets. Gambhir (41) and Raina (63) both gave great performances. So Sri Lanka had their work cut out for them. Sri Lankas two openers both went quickly and it didn't look good but then things turned around for them Starting with Dilshan (33)and Sangakarra (46) followed by Mathews (46) and Kapugedra (37). But things were tight right up until the end. With 5 overs left Sri Lanka needed the same number of runs that India had gotten in their last 5 overs. Then they needed 13 runs in the last over. Just 6 balls. 19.1 - 6! 19.2 - 1, 19.3 - 2, 19.4 - 1. Just three more needed. 19.5 - OUT! 3 needed from the last ball. Nehra to Kapugedera, SIX!!! Sri Lanka WINS advancing them to the Semis knocking India out.

The second match was no where near as exciting. I think it is best summed up by the freindly folks at cricinfo, "West Indies saved their worst for last as they were knocked out of their home tournament with a crushing six-wicket defeat by Australia. The hosts were in trouble as soon as the captain Chris Gayle fell second ball and flopped to 105, which their unbeaten opponents eased past in 16.2 overs." So Australia moves on to the Semis.

Here is the way things are: England will take on Sri Lanka on Thursday. Sri Lanka has been playing well but I have to say that England is on a serious rampage and my money is on them. Then On Friday Australia will take on defending champs Pakistan. Pakistan got through (climbing over the dead bodies of South Africa) but their play has been patchy so I think Australia is the team to beat here.

In our humble competition there are many questions to be answered: Will I hold first place? Can Missy and Katy S trust me to care for their teams? Will Catherine or Anna surprise Michael? Will Henry and James stop with do-si-do and make a move? Can Moira embrace Australia and finally get out of 10th place? Does anyone read this thing? What happened to Paul and Bob? I mean really Paul, you couldn't walk, surely you could have plotted cricket moves. Will Michael grace us with his worm?

So take your time, plan you moves, read the cricket news, gear up, harass Michael for a worm and I'll see you all tomorrow. Katy