South Africa Back on Track!

I am too tired in the morning after watching the match between South Africa and West Indies last night but at the end of it, it is worth it. After de Villiers and Kallis laid a solid foundation, Gibbs and Boucher took the game away from West Indies even before they started batting. Chanderpaul again failed and Gayle, after a good start, failed to capitalize. I am very happy, at least Sarwan has regained his form but it is too late to help the cause of West Indies who are all but out of this World Cup semi-finals. With experienced bowlers in the line-up of South Africa, the writing was on the wall for the West Indies after Smith's boys rattled up 350-plus score. Some consolation it was for Lara and company that they did not fold up for less than 100 or 200!

Looking at today's match between England and Bangladesh will be interesting to watch. While the law of averages might at last catch up with Pietersen, it is Flintoff and Strauss who are overdue to shine with the bat. And Collingwood must also come good today, if England fancies its chances to beat the buoyant Bangladeshis. England and Bangladesh virtually have no chances of storming into the semi final line-up, though theoretically, anything is possible even now. This should make the tie today a even contest. Bangladesh has nothing to lose and England has a reputation to defend. After all, they beat Australia in the recent triangular tournament in Australia in the best-of-three finals, with one match to spare! I must catch up with sleep now so that I can keep myself awake in the night today to watch the match!