[Series Thread] World Cup 2019

[jaybro]

Going into the tournament everyone was talking about England Australia & even to a lessor extent the Windies, but India are showing they’re still No.1

No one who seriously understands cricket would have been talking about the West Indies going into the tournament. They have always been a bunch of T20 mercenaries. Gayle is past his prime and it will take time for Hope and Hetmyer to lead the side.

Not seriously about winning the competition but they were gathering more press than India. They’ve gone under the radar as mush as an Indian team could

[jaybro]

Am I the only one who doesn't think this game is as big as they make it out to be? Like I understand the rivalry between these countries and these teams, but overall, I don't think its the 'greatest rivalry' out there.

Its a pity they both can't lose.

I was hoping for another washout.

[foreignfield]

There's still a lot of cricket to be played for sure and things can happen, but I was looking at the table last night and couldn't help thinking that the semi-finalists are already pretty much certainties. As someone said earlier, this format was bound to produce lots of dead rubbers anyway.

[jaybro]

There's still a lot of cricket to be played for sure and things can happen, but I was looking at the table last night and couldn't help thinking that the semi-finalists are already pretty much certainties. As someone said earlier, this format was bound to produce lots of dead rubbers anyway.

And less chance of an underdog having a good run !!!

World Cups in all sports for me have been about participation, under dogs & the winners. This version is lacking of the first two

[zimbos_05]

No one takes warmups that seriously anyways. West Indies absolutely thrashed NZ in the warmup match, and NZ are now topping the table. I think teams only go at 50% in a warm up to avoid injuries. Its more of the equivalent to a pre warmup stretch.

All the more reason. In this instance it didn't even have to be the other national teams. Could have been county sides. These are opportunities for ICC to grow the game and truly capture the whole world cup spirit and feeling.

It's missed opportunities and archaic ideas.

[Andybligzz]

I still love any form of cricket on any stage with any teams . It’s only once every 4 years you get to see this magic , but I do agree about it lacking the “ world “ cup feel . I just would love to see The likes of , zim , Ireland ,Scotland , the uae , USA , Namibia, Netherlands ,Hong Kong ect actually having 18-20 teams play off instead of 10. It’s way more likely to grow the game and get the world talking .

[eugene]

The format isn't at fault for the numebr of dead rubbers. It is more a case of the top four being so much better than everyone else. I think Australia are the most vulnerable of the top four and might slip up allowing South Africa or maybe West Indies to sneak in to the semis. A lot has to happen, but with a few upsets and a couple of washouts it is possible.

This format is the best as it ensures a real champion is found. Imagine if a team like Sri Lanka snuck through into the playoffs under one of the old formats and then got on a hot streak for a couple of knockout games and won the whole thing?! Everyone would know they still weren't the best team.

[Googly]

The whole world is obsessed with soccer and that’s how that game works, in a one off game you’d may as well throw a dart at a board. I’m still head butting my dustbin daily at this ten team format.

[Kriterion_BD]

The format isn't at fault for the numebr of dead rubbers. It is more a case of the top four being so much better than everyone else. I think Australia are the most vulnerable of the top four and might slip up allowing South Africa or maybe West Indies to sneak in to the semis. A lot has to happen, but with a few upsets and a couple of washouts it is possible.

This format is the best as it ensures a real champion is found. Imagine if a team like Sri Lanka snuck through into the playoffs under one of the old formats and then got on a hot streak for a couple of knockout games and won the whole thing?! Everyone would know they still weren't the best team.

Agreed about the format. But SA were out once they lost their first 3 games on the trot.

[Kriterion_BD]

The format isn't at fault for the numebr of dead rubbers. It is more a case of the top four being so much better than everyone else. I think Australia are the most vulnerable of the top four and might slip up allowing South Africa or maybe West Indies to sneak in to the semis. A lot has to happen, but with a few upsets and a couple of washouts it is possible.

No idea how SA and WI are coming into your equation based on the current table. They haven't won any meaningful games yet. There are only 2 teams with a shot at crashing the semifinal party: Bangladesh and Pakistan. Pakistan's net run rate effectively rules them out unless they get more wins than BD. Right now, BD and PAK bascially have the same exact record in terms of wins, losses, and no results (both vs SL).

Its also unfair on the tournament format to say that all the remaining games are "dead rubbers".

BD vs PAK is a potential quarterfinal knockout match. BD/PAK vs NZ could also be knockout matches, if NZ fails to win any games against IND, AUS, and ENG.

Lots of permutations and combinations left.

The World Cup is very much alive.