[Match Thread] UAE v Zimbabwe (World Cup Pool B)

[jaybro]

Irish are very beatable, UAE made so many fielding errors Ireland were blessed to win ......

Can't wait to play these guys and beat them, even if we don't go through I'd hate to see them go through .....

[CrimsonAvenger]

Gets difficult for us from here on, really, UAE should have won this looking at the state of the match after 90 overs.

[Kriterion_BD]

Irish are very beatable, UAE made so many fielding errors Ireland were blessed to win ......

Can't wait to play these guys and beat them, even if we don't go through I'd hate to see them go through .....

An understandable sentiment, however, if there is a silver lining, it is that the success of the Associates will have a trickle up effect on the lowest ranked Test sides (BD and ZIM). If Ireland makes the quarters - they've got a great chance here as their NRR is far superior to PAK's at this stage - and AFG/SCO/UAE continue to impress, it might force a rethink at the ICC table to keep the WC to 14 teams, or compromise and make it 12 so that at least 2 Associates are guaranteed a spot.

Secondly, if the likes of AFG and IRE can get regular fixtures against Test sides and play BD/ZIM/WI/PAK regularly, it can only stand to benefit us. I feel one of the reasons BD cricket stagnated was because from 2006-2010 we didn't get the opportunity to play competitive tests vs ZIM. Actually we didn't play many Tests at all period. But competitive matches amongst similar ranked sides allows a level of development not possible by simply getting thrashed by top dogs or pounding rank minnows.

Thirdly, an expanded WC is essential to ensuring that ZIM doesn't miss out. If the next WC is only a 10 team affair, what is the guarantee that Ireland won't knock ZIM over in Bangladesh conditions come 2018?

I am rooting for the Associates (except for the UAE, but even them just to weaken the big 3's tyranny over the ICC) in this world cup all the way. We need as many of them to knock off as many of the established sides as possible to send a strong message to the ICC.

[jaybro]

I can't see the ICC changing their minds about the 10 team WC, obviously India don't want to play the associates because they don't earn as much cash from TV rights as they would playing Pakistan, England or Aus ......

Don't worry about Ireland progressing to the quarters or convincing the ICC, you need to convince India ......

[Kriterion_BD]

The current WC supposed to be a 10 team event, but after beating ENG, the Irish (+ other associates) complained and the ICC said OK. Less likely to happen this time, but there is hope. I don't think the financials are affected if there is 10 teams or 12. The money maker is in the top 3-4 countries and they're in it either way.

[jaybro]

The current WC supposed to be a 10 team event, but after beating ENG, the Irish (+ other associates) complained and the ICC said OK. Less likely to happen this time, but there is hope. I don't think the financials are affected if there is 10 teams or 12. The money maker is in the top 3-4 countries and they're in it either way.

Yeah but for India they'd rather play Australia twice then having play the associate nation, everything is about money it's plain and simple the associates are stronger then ever why would the ICC want to reduce the teams now ??? The answer is money its always money .......

[grant]

these uae batsmen clearly can't handle anything 140+ (kph)

[grant]

i wonder why we didn't try any of that short stuff against them..... they've clearly been struggling against bouncers (even those delivered at 130 kph)

[totoro]

i wonder why we didn't try any of that short stuff against them..... they've clearly been struggling against bouncers (even those delivered at 130 kph)

This is being played at Perth.

[grant]

i wonder why we didn't try any of that short stuff against them..... they've clearly been struggling against bouncers (even those delivered at 130 kph)

This is being played at Perth.

i see what you mean - it's WACA