Now, then. What’s going on here? The warm-up matches have begun and there was almost an upset or three! What is the world is wrong with the World’s top-rated team? Perhaps Shane Warne was correct in assessing South Africa as “one-dimensional”.
Playing the minor might of Ireland, South Africa collapsed to 192 all out. Had it not been for Andrew Hall’s 67*, the may well have been shot out for less than 100. They were 91/8 at one stage. 69 runs from the top eight batsmen just doesn’t cut it. And the bowler’s weren’t the best either, now, were they? Langeveldt did pick up 4/31, but hey… Ireland managed 157 and the margin of victory was just 35 runs. Lots of introspection ahead.
England’s margin over Bermuda was substantial, though. A win by 241 runs is almost like saying an innings’ win in an ODI! But the batting desperately needs to tighten up. There were some starts, but a few big ones are needed. Sri Lanka too had a fairly easy time of it winning by 159 runs against Scotland. Everyone played their part, but Captain Mahela Jayawardene would feel he missed out scoring only 8. There is one more chance!
The West Indies, though, were run rather close by Kenya. A Marlon Samuels 100 saw them post 268 (which, if you ask us, is not good enough) and the only reason they won is because the opposition was Kenya and not New Zealand or worse, Australia! The bowling too left a lot to be desired… for all of Michael Holding’s talk about the minnows, the West Indies should have been able to skittle them for much less!
The initial performance by these three teams (Bermuda excluded) shows that the minnows can make a difference and offer interesting and exciting cricket. The question now is whether they can do so consistently. The odd off-day is allowed, but if this was a flash in the pan, Holding is correct. Else, he should maybe eat his hat. And we’ll join him!