One Day, Two Games - CWC'19 Memories

Exactly an year ago, on this day, two matches have been played and surprisingly both the games were held quite comfortably without any abandoning due to rain. But, the common similarity in between these two matches is that both have been ended as a one sided game. One game ended in batting side while other game ended in chasing side. Both games have seen all outs and both were sheer dominance by the powerful team over the weaker team. Also bowlers played a crucial role.

Austalia vs Sri Lanka, The Oval

The Mighty Aussie Team met patchy Sri Lankan team. On a flat track, Sri Lanka have won the toss and decided to field first. Aaron finch was in his full flow on this day, with smacking the balls all around the park right from the start. He was in his range, taking advantage of friendly batting pitch and also the used perfectly to the fact that pace won't work here at all. He was continuing his innings where he left against Pakistan. Also, against Pakistan he missed a well deserved century, whereas here, he scored his century with dominating completely. On the other end, David Warner has some struggling which he didn't got into his rhythm and Sri Lankan bowlers used it perfectly and dismissed him for just 26 runs. In few minutes, Usman Khawaja has also lost his wicket. But, Aaron Fich was in a mood that whatever might occur, I will play in my own full swing. Particularly that Inside Out shot sixer through the long off direction where so tough to play and he did it so easily. He scored 153 runs off 131 balls, and finally lost his wicket at 43rd over. Steve Smith, coming at No.4, placed his innings and scored another half century. He was consistent in his performances and again he delivered. But, Sri Lankan bowlers and fielders at the back end of the overs restricted Australians for 334/7 runs. At one stage, they were in a verge of scoring minimum 370-380 runs, but the slower ones done the work perfectly. Even though, they have restricted, a quick fire cameo from Maxwell, scoring 46 off just 25 balls, helped Australia to reach atleast 334/7 in a batting surface.

Sri Lankans came into the bat. During last match, their middle order collapsed and got bowled out against Afghanistan. Here, the Sri lankan are so keen on improvising much on their batting, as the bowling did some job at the deck end. Openers Dimuth Karunaratane and Kushal Perara were off to a great start, with both being in a full fledged role. They targeted the main heads of Aussies and playing fine shots all across the ground. Both got to their half centuries. The scored 100 runs at just 14 overs, which meant that they were in the chase and would finish it perfectly. But, Finch had hid Mitchell Starc and made regular bowlers to bowl. Sri Lanka lost its first wicket at 115 runs in 15.3 overs. From there, only a slider. Again a collapse, and again a batting fall. Dimuth Karunaratane scored 97 runs and unfortunately got out. But, other than these openers, none were in the business and as I mentioned earlier, Starc had dismissed with his brilliant deliveries. Sri Lanka got all out for mere 247 runs at just 40 overs have completely done.

Man of the Match award was given to Aaron Finch for his brilliant 153 off 131 balls.

South Africa vs Afghanistan, Cardiff

South Africa and Afghanistan met at Cardiff. Both were winless till now in the tournament. South Africa have won the toss and decided to field first. Afghanistan were brilliant in their start, even though losing 2 wickets earlier in the match. Both the openers play slowly but still was able to find some runs in the gaps. During 20th over, rain had occurred which affected 80 minutes of the game. Afghanistan were 69/2. After rain went off, the game was revised for 48 overs. Also after rain went off, Afghanistan were in desperate collapse and fell hard. Imran Tahir, Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, three off them were so crucial and hit hard back to Afghanistan. At the deck end, even Rashid Khan scored quick 35 runs, they weren't in the game showing that South Africa have completely taken over control. Imran Tahir topped the bowling chart with picking up 4 wickets. Afghanistan were bowled out for 125 runs at the end of 34 overs.

South Africa came into the bat. There isn't much to say about South Africa's batting as they finished the game quite comfortably with 9 wickets and as many as balls remaining. The problem in the match was Afghanistan's mere sow batting. Usually, they tend to bat slow but the lower end batsmen will play some good cricket which help them post some decent runs on the board. But, every time, this idea won't work as this idea may also lead to collapse. Afghanistan should have shown some aggression while batting. 

Imran Tahir received his Man of the Match Award and South Africa received their first win in this World Cup.