Babar out trying to cut - actually he was tring to sweep but that doesn't sound as funny. Asking rate goes up to 11, six down..
Some resistance from Khushdil but too much to do really . Didn’t realise NZ had 3 previous wins in a row v Pakistan.
You can never tell with Pakistan until you look at the patterns at the bookies. Unfortunately they are one of the most corrupt countries when it comes to match fixing. I used to work for a betting company and none of the management would take any cricketing bets from Asia because there were so many spread bets being asked for. Pakistan scoring less than 25 in their ten over power play must have been a popular bet yesterday. Anyway, today is another day and the Bangles have just won the toss and decided to give India a target to aim at.
Great comeback from the Bangles to get over 200 after being 30 odd for 5 and a great innings by Towhid Hridoy who, on 91 not out, has just collapsed in an exhausted heap, presumably tired from carrying his team for forty six overs
What drama! Hridoy is up and (kind of) running, using his bat like a walking stick in between wickets and he's just got his maiden century in ODI's. Brilliant entertainment. I should point out here I'm supposed to walking th estreets of Dublin house hunting but that can wait a bit..
Gill is on excellent form for India . Jamie Smlth in to bat at 3 v the Aussies . Champions Trophy 2025: Jamie Smith to bat at number three in England's opener against Australia
The second one-sided game of the tournament is being played out between South Africa and the Afghans. The saffers made 315-6 in their fifty overs, Afghanistan are not going to chase anywhere near that. Currently 90-5 off 22 overs..
England v Australia has just kicked off with the Baggies opting to bowl first, and if you can say anything about Phil Salt it's that he's consistent - consistently bad opening for England. One down early doors. Weird seeing this Aussie ODI team without Marsh, Hazelwood, Starc, Cummins and Stoinis (who has retired apparently).
WPL has been entertaining so far. Quite a few close games. Yesterday a 16 year old finished the game for my team. Mumbai, Bengaluru & Delhi continue to dominate. Sciver-Brunt came into the tournament lacking form. Currently she is leading the runs table. As always incredibly reliable that woman.
I saw Nat hit an unbeaten 80 odd that was all in vain the other day? Cream always floats to the top..
Jamie's gone, bit of a nothing shit to md on. And now we have Joe Root, who should (in my opinion) never come in to bat during the power play. He should be batting when the spinners come on in the middle overs to nurdle his ones and twos.
