Coin flip could end Pakistan's chances at World Cup
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One toss of a coin could deal a fatal blow to Pakistan's erratic Cricket World Cup campaign.
Pakistan goes into its match against Bangladesh at Lord's on Friday knowing already that it is effectively out of contention for a semifinal spot.
New Zealand is fourth with 11 points at the end of its nine group games. Fifth-place Pakistan can draw level with the Black Caps on points if it beats Bangladesh — which can't qualify — but needs to win by 300-plus runs to advance. That's never been achieved before in ODI history.
Pakistan could see even those remote hopes end without a ball being bowled if it loses the toss and Bangladesh chooses to bat, eliminating any chance for Pakistan to radically improve its net run-rate.
This is used after number of wins to decide which team goes through to the last four if they share the same points. If Pakistan wins Friday, it will have five victories like New Zealand, which has a far superior net run-rate.
Also read: Imamul Haq vows no World Cup let-up from Pakistan
Former Pakistan test cricketers Ramiz Raja and Shoaib Akhtar were vocal in criticising the team's performance in the World Cup and held out little hope for Friday's game.
“It's like telling an individual that you have to climb Mount Everest without an oxygen mask. It's that much of a Herculean task,” former captain and TV commentator Raja said on his YouTube channel, adding “whether they (Pakistan) win or lose it doesn't matter.”
He called for changes after the tournament, saying: “We have to find batsmen, we have to find allrounders. That's the way you can make your future team.”
Akhtar was disappointed with the quality of cricket displayed by Pakistan.
“The mess was created by Pakistan themselves,” he said, “the way we lost heavily to West Indies in the first match, then rain washed out the game against Sri Lanka which was unfortunate.”
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On DawnNews
Comments (103) Closed
Jul 04, 2019 08:18pm
Stop blaming other teams for your own incompetence
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Jul 04, 2019 08:20pm
This format allows all teams to play against one another. Teams finish in the position they do ny their overall performances so no blame game.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:21pm
Let us accept that we failed because of our Captain. He had all along been hopelessly predicting some magical change in the performance of our team, every next game but, nothing changed. Game is performance based upon real honest efforts after selecting and training a winning combination of players. Dead horses never rise and run on any amount of prodding.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:22pm
So in my opinion, head to head matchup should be the first tie breaker then NRR. Pakistan won against NZ , Aus and Eng, yet didn’t make it to the semis.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:25pm
It is what it is and if it does happen then so be it.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:27pm
We need to off load the non performers and it starts with the Leadership, the captain needs to go.Be honest and just look at his performance he is a burden on the team.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:33pm
It is not the coin flip that could end Pakistan's chances in the WC, Pakistan don't have a chance either way. Pakistan need a miracle to even have a remote chance of being able to probably almost get close to nearly qualifying for the semis. Neither their batting is strong enough to put up a huge total, nor is their bowling strong enough to beat anyone by a huge margin. The needed a mini-miracle to even beat Afghanistan the last time they played.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:33pm
It is not the coin flip that could end Pakistan's chances in the WC, Pakistan don't have a chance either way. Pakistan need a miracle to even have a remote chance of being able to probably almost get close to nearly qualifying for the semis. Neither their batting is strong enough to put up a huge total, nor is their bowling strong enough to beat anyone by a huge margin. The needed a mini-miracle to even beat Afghanistan the last time they played.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:35pm
The Pakistan team had their chances just as the other teams did. It appears to be over until the next World Cup. Teams need to get off to a fast start if they wish to be champions.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:38pm
Not the end of the world for Pakistan.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:38pm
As if Pakistan wins the toss and qualify for Semis.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:39pm
Coin flip could end Pakistan's chances at World Cup.. Even coin flip is with pakistan then still they have score 315 and defeat bangladesh score not more than 84
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Jul 04, 2019 08:41pm
Practically no chance whatsoever! Start packing PAK team.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:43pm
Don't forget 5 games were abandoned due to rain during this World Cup. If it hadn't rained on the NZ v India match, do you think NZ would have qualified over Pakistan?
Pakistan are not entirely to blame, such things do happen at global tournaments. We have to have hope and focus on the next attempt. How many times did Tendulkar participate in a World Cup till his team finally won in 2011?
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Jul 04, 2019 08:43pm
Pakistan, already out of world cup semifinal and you are still keeping hope. It is like asking a dead, buried man to come home and eat dinner.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:46pm
If Pakistan wins the toss it would be winning WC as well. InshAllah.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:48pm
It Pakistan loses the toss it will be because of a conspiracy.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:49pm
One need to qualify on its own, instead of depending on others!!!
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Jul 04, 2019 08:55pm
@Haryanavi_chora, and one needs not to fix matches by losing in visible manners!
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Jul 04, 2019 08:57pm
India has put all teams in correct order, well done india.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:57pm
Do you think that the Net Run Rate calculation being shown is done is correct.
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Jul 04, 2019 08:58pm
What if Sarfraz elects to bowl first after winning the toss?
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Jul 04, 2019 08:59pm
Do you think that the "Net Run Rate" calculation is correct. At a glance the NRR of Newzealand is not correct.
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Jul 04, 2019 09:01pm
No words of wisdom from @karachiwala. They keep touting of conspiracy against Karachites. When they lose, they are no where to be seen criticizing their selected captain.
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Jul 04, 2019 09:01pm
@Surya Kant ,
You are right Ms Kant. There is not even a remote chance for Pakistan but tell that to AP.
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Jul 04, 2019 09:04pm
Past can't be changed. Nevertheless, future is yet in your hands.
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Jul 04, 2019 09:04pm
Captain Safaraz needs to improve his fitness or out of the team with mediocre WC performance with bat and keeping.
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Jul 04, 2019 09:05pm
And it will end surely. Fortune favours the brave!
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Jul 04, 2019 09:07pm
@Awaaz, Dream on! Or simply accept that the team does not have the qualities to be qualified...
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Jul 04, 2019 09:13pm
Pakistan cricket team have on occasions managed to achieve the impossible. You never know but of course lady luck needs to be on their side. If the toss is won then go after the bowlers from the very first ball. If the openers click then fine and if they get out cheaply then play as normal just to try and win the match. There is nothing to lose.
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Jul 04, 2019 09:14pm
Whatever happens with the coin toss, Pakistan should give their 100%. Ramiz Raja said in his youtube channel that it does matter now how Pakistan performs, I don’t agree with him and a renowned player like him should not be saying that. Pakistan has done a remarkable job of coming back and their trajectory has been outstanding but unfortunately the momentum came a little late. Well lets not lose hope and play positive cricket against Bangladesh. Please support Pakistan through thick and thin.
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Jul 04, 2019 09:14pm
Focus more on real economics, health and cricket. Mullah economics will certainly not work
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Jul 04, 2019 09:21pm
...still dreaming? It’s like NS & zardari still hoping to become prime ministers again ...
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Jul 04, 2019 09:26pm
Pakistan will lose to Bangladesh tomorrow!!
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Jul 04, 2019 09:33pm
So, who feels Bangladesh will be generous (or foolish) to allow Pakistan to bat first, if they were to win the toss ?
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Jul 04, 2019 09:34pm
For Pakistan to qualify:
Beat Bangladesh by 311 runs after scoring 350, Beat Bangladesh by 316 runs after scoring 400, Beat Bangladesh by 321 runs after scoring 450.
If Bangladesh opt to bat first on Friday, Pakistan stand eliminated even before a ball is bowled.
The party has already begun in India. :-)
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Jul 04, 2019 09:39pm
They need to stop depending on points and run rate. Only way you can lead is when you just focus on winning and give your all.
Rest are all excuses.
Whatever indians did its their character, they always did and they always will do.
Start focus on ur ownself dont rely on others
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Jul 04, 2019 09:43pm
Pakistan should still try to win against Bangladesh. Worldcup is just a tournament. Soon it will be over - out of sight - out of mind. Overall record matters more I think and each match is important for overall ratings. I still look forward to a good performance against Bangladesh.
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Jul 04, 2019 09:52pm
Coin will decide our fate? No....it was decided on the first game against West windies when we were all out cheaply....we didn't play like champion ....accept it......so sad....
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Jul 04, 2019 09:54pm
for those still expecting to qualify, please for once read and understand the Law of Probability.
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Jul 04, 2019 09:58pm
Even if pakistan goes to semis, Australia is waiting to send us back..... 1992 was different ....we are a weak team.....
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Jul 04, 2019 10:03pm
Pakistan has defeated England & News-land both , two big teams of this world cup , but News-land has not defeated any strong team yet but still qualifying!!! unfair with Pak team. You played well guys, we have great respect for you.
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Jul 04, 2019 10:04pm
@Adnan, that miracle is called umpire's help.
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Jul 04, 2019 10:12pm
@Dawn admirer, u understood wrong. Pak must win by 315 run. Means they have to make 315 plus 84 and then beat strong professional Bangladesh team with 315 run!
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Jul 04, 2019 10:12pm
Pakistan came to England much before others, played with England. All others were playing elsewhere or IPL in the summer heat. Pakistan did not included couple of top players and never learnt from the losses to England. If they have taken the lessons they would not have lost to Windies so badly. Yes, luck was not there with Pakistan this time, still they could have entered semis, if they were ready from the start.
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Jul 04, 2019 10:20pm
@Haryanavi_chora,
"One need to qualify on its own, instead of depending on others!!!"
Hindustan lost a game and had a game washed out. The only reason you're in the top four is because of the performance of the other teams around you. That's how league tables work, genius.
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Jul 04, 2019 10:25pm
As per Linearity Theorem comparing the data of 1992 and 2019 Pakistan still has a chance to win against BanglaDesh and finally win the WC. INSHALLAH. Go Pakistan Go
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Jul 04, 2019 10:31pm
@Awaaz, not true
you forget the beating they got from India?
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Jul 04, 2019 10:35pm
@OJ, In 1992 if england vs pakistan was not washout do you think pak can win world cup.
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Jul 04, 2019 10:38pm
Pakistani captain would be hoping that he loses toss. If they win the toss, crazy Pak fans would put unrealistic pressure on them to score big.
By the way kudos to that guy who showed day dream by comparing today with 92.
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Jul 04, 2019 10:49pm
It is ALL India's fault. They should have beaten EN without a problem like we did but they decided to throw the match. Then even NZ threw thier match. ICC should investigate all three teams - IN, NZ and EN to see if any hanky panky was involved.
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Jul 04, 2019 11:00pm
If Pakistan qualify to the semis , it would be 8th Wonder of the world.
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Jul 04, 2019 11:03pm
Our team generally looks disorganised and even disoriented from time to time but it is talented. We beat England, came very close to beating Australia, beat New Zealand.
As a nation we understandably get badly affected by our loss to India and that’s what causes a lot of negativity against our team.
Yes, we struggled against Afghanistan but so did India.
Well done Team Pakistan. You fought well and made us proud. Team with least resources but still keeps surprising the best.
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Jul 04, 2019 11:17pm
How much depends on a small fall of a coin.
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Jul 04, 2019 11:32pm
@OJ, some solace to the pain of the wound.. i can understand..please dont drag tendulkar into it.. u guys had reached england before all other teams yet u cant qualify..then its ur problem not India's.. even we lost a point as a match was washed out..
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Jul 04, 2019 11:42pm
Pakistan's chances in the WC are destined to end irrespective of whether they win the toss or not.They can only save some grace if they win this match.
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Jul 04, 2019 11:54pm
Pakistan cricket team please go home and take inzi with you
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Jul 04, 2019 11:56pm
Bangladesh will win without any doubt so these are just academic discussions.
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Jul 05, 2019 12:06am
@OJ, but u don’t have a Tendulkar to win a World Cup for u
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Jul 05, 2019 12:11am
Pakistan bounced back to show great sportsmanship.
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Jul 05, 2019 12:20am
Average cricketer and average commentator Ramiz criticize with no technical knowldge. Before Bangladesh match they have won 4 matches out of 7 played games. Out of 4 wins come against England and Newzealand. Both are in semis. Shoaib is also just ego boasting vocalist, never played any full series and criticize current players fitness. Of course we don't have fit players but we are not Australia either. They supposed to be role model but they just vent without any rationale.
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Jul 05, 2019 12:21am
Hopefully Pakistan themselves don't elect to field after winning the toss. Even if it's a bowler's paradise they should bat first and give it a go. Nobody thought 400 was possible in ODI cricket. Maybe Pakistan can show the world that 500 is possible? Just give it a go no matter what - win or lose shouldn't matter after that.
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Jul 05, 2019 12:26am
Chances
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Jul 05, 2019 12:35am
Our World Cup dream ended after the first match to West Indies - the question is why didn’t we apply a strategy when we knew this was an issue - we had another 8 matches to do something about it
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Jul 05, 2019 02:05am
I don't think it should be a matter of life and death for Pakistani Cricket Team to play semi-final match in the World Cup as Pakistani Cricket Team have already lost few matches and points as well.
If Pakistani Cricket Team is playing semi-final match its playing and if it is not playing its not playing.
Game and politics are now not two different things. Game is politics and politics is game and this is what Indian Cricket Team has done with Pakistani Cricket Team during the World Cup.
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Jul 05, 2019 02:08am
I am totally unable to understand this logic that if Pakistan bowls first they will be out without a ball being bowled!!!!
We are in this pathetic NRR situation because we scored only 105 against Windies and they chased it only in 13 overs or so, why can’t we get a chance if we bowl first and get them out for a low score and chase it in very few overs like Windies did???
I know it nearly impossible either way but how come the logic says that bowling first means out without a ball being bowled ?
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Jul 05, 2019 02:18am
@Haryanavi_chora, Most depends on other results. Even NZ and ENG depended on other results, would they have qualified over Pakistan if anyone of the Australia, India or Windies hadn’t defeated Pakistan? It’s just that Pakistan depended on other teams towards the end of the tournament. Just imagine if any of Windies or SA who came so close to defeating NZ would have won than what? Nobody would have been talking about dependency of Pakistan on other teams since it would have happened earlier!!!
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Jul 05, 2019 03:26am
Come on guys , it is all over. i see Australia / India in Final.....
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Jul 05, 2019 03:40am
@randomdesi, thank you brother
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Jul 05, 2019 04:39am
waiting for the good doc Sal .....WC in eng - wales and all....
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Jul 05, 2019 04:45am
it is not clear why everyone is talking about net run rate etc. It will come up provided Pakistan beats Bangladesh. At this stage, Bangladesh team appears to be the stronger of the two and likely to win the match. so do not worry too much about the "coin flip" because Pakistan may not be at par with NZ based on points even !!!
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Jul 05, 2019 05:26am
ICC should investigate all countries that conspired against Pakistan either by winning against Pakistan or by participating in other wins/losses that negatively affected Pakistan's chances.
Also ICC should award a replica world cup to Pakistan to compensate for all the conspiracies that took place against Pakistan in this world cup.
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Jul 05, 2019 05:39am
Pakistan's chances were gone with the first match against WI when they were all out for 105. Everything else is just a mirage !
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Jul 05, 2019 06:05am
All chances were gone when we lost to WI with an embarrassing margin and the India was the final nail in coffin. Rest of the act was put up to accept India kicked us out and to cover for their miserable performances.
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Jul 05, 2019 06:24am
Sarfraz must check coin carefully before match,I heard they have " sholay movie " s coin which have both side tail.
Don't make conspiracy theory if Bangladesh win today.
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Jul 05, 2019 06:26am
Pakistan had a chance until India’s free bee to England .
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Jul 05, 2019 07:33am
I can't believe we are still discussing Pakistan's chances for WC semi final. It is over for Pakistan. Stop contemplating the impossible possibilities.
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Jul 05, 2019 07:51am
Bangladesh would bowl if they win the tose. For sure, as they know world will ask them the question.
Any team would do this of it is the only hope left.
As Bangladesh is already out, they will do this choice, and fight.
They allow Pakistan to bat. Either way pak will bat 1st.
But Bangladesh will fight and will not give up just like that.
If my prediction is wrong then I will stop giving my opinion, cross to my heart.
Long live hindustan
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Jul 05, 2019 08:02am
Well, for me the coin flip doesn't matter. Even if Pakistan has to bat second, they can improve the run rate by scoring the required number of runs in say, ten overs, may be at the rate of 25 per over. The other realistic chance, I can think of, is that a meteorite strike, wipes out , one of the top four teams, then we are sure to play semi-finals.
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Jul 05, 2019 08:03am
It can perform miracles provided it is led by a dynamic Captain who can lead by example.Coaches should be changed immediately because they have not delivered.And old guards at every level should be shown the door.They have become rustic.Qualified Physical training instructor and nutritionist should be employed.Players with bulging tummy should never be included.Only 100% fit players should be included.Cricket is on a slippery slope,let’s pray that cricket is not forgotten as Hokey has been.
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Jul 05, 2019 08:13am
Meanwhile, party in India has already begun. :-)
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Jul 05, 2019 08:16am
Bangla tigers will thrash Pakistan today by a big margin to remove any remaining doubt in the minds of Pakistani fans.
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Jul 05, 2019 08:18am
Bengalis gave India a hard time, they are raring to beat Pakistan. Beware of overconfidence.
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Jul 05, 2019 08:25am
It matters least who wins the toss, Pakistan is weak on both bowling and batting. Therefore, expecting something out of nothing has never happened nor it will happen. So what is to be watched in this match is whether pakistan would be in a position to save defeat from Bangladesh.
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Jul 05, 2019 08:40am
Actually Bangladesh are favorites regardless of coin toss
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Jul 05, 2019 08:42am
Only chance is if coin lands on its edge with heads facing East and tails facing South
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Jul 05, 2019 08:47am
The score or margin never interested me, only the game... Green shirts have already crossed the line and still they pretend they are not on the other side.
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Jul 05, 2019 09:01am
Its best that Pakistan loses the toss, Bangladesh bats and Pakistan wins. Thats the only way to salvage the situation and return to the country with saving grace. Lets stop fooling ourselves and depending on prayers instead of players. This is a competitive game and only the best team will win in the end. That is cricket!!
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Jul 05, 2019 10:12am
If Bangladesh wins the toss and puts Pakistan into bat, then we can understand that there is a super plan :)
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Jul 05, 2019 10:14am
@Indian scientist, Read the comments by Shoaib Akhtar.
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Jul 05, 2019 10:33am
Our Afghan brothers stand ready at the boundaries to thrash the Pakistani team after their knockout of the CWC19.
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Jul 05, 2019 10:49am
Toss is the most important part of today's match. It will decide whether Pakistan will exit the Worldcup as 2 pm or 7 pm #PakvsBan
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Jul 05, 2019 10:50am
India won the games by mere fluke, unfortunate Pakistan was bit unlucky
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Jul 05, 2019 11:23am
After losing 5 matches in WC , you still blame toss for your loss. 1992 will not be repeated, today teams are better.
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Jul 05, 2019 11:39am
@Lone star,
'India has put all teams in correct order, well done india'
Sure, Australia is no: 1.
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Jul 05, 2019 11:57am
Hopefully, in trying to reach an impossible target they won't lose their wickets and the match.That would be a silly attempt.
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Jul 05, 2019 11:59am
@OJ, So you are saying Sarfaraz should be captain for 5 more world cups?
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Jul 05, 2019 12:01pm
It doesn't matter anymore, Pakistan team bunch of individuals not a team, winning BD will be a consolation after poor history against BD.. Stop believing in miracles and fluke never happens, it's not 1992. Winning against Afghanistan was turning into a herculean task, thanks to 18 runs fluke in 46th over, otherwise match was lost against the 10th team. Please learn winning techniques and presence of mind and working equations durung the matches
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Jul 05, 2019 12:11pm
Pakistan knew very well about their NRR, still they didn't improve it when they has the chance, while chasing less than 240 against New Zealand and Afghanistan. The odds would have been different, had they some how managed to chase that low target within 40 Overs.
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Jul 05, 2019 12:16pm
No Problem..we are ICC Champion winner.
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Jul 05, 2019 12:54pm
Still waiting for the Coin flip?
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Jul 05, 2019 01:12pm
Even though I am Indian Today if you beat Bangladesh by 300 plus run and qualified for semi , whole world and I would support you in all future matches
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Jul 05, 2019 02:14pm
Fourth position will be decided on net run rate. Pakistan can also qualify batting second if they win with margin of around 6.30 run rate difference.
If BD gets all-out for 100 runs only, it's run rate will be 2 only. Pakistan will have to score 101 in 12 overs to get into top four.
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