The group standings turned into a snake and ladder game. The ladder of points on victory and snake bite of run rate on defeat never allowed any team to move up the board.
The second week saw sky open many times and so did SKY raining runs. The nod and lift of bat over shoulder are the signs of runfall from SKY’s bat. Team India’s fielding saw Rahul’s real Brahmastra and Virat’s practice of Ballastra (inspired by Ranbir) caused a stir. Arshdeep’s first ball and last ball magic in cadence with Virat’s consistency with bat compliments each other by keeping Indian fans in Happy Place.
The Aussies had a bit of luck with wash out against England and Rashid Khan has put them at the edge of the cliff dangling to find a place in Semis. M and M from South Africa avoided a choke and applied brake to India’s progress. Kiwis freed themselves to semis and the remaining teams stay put in Pandora Box woven with thick layer of competitiveness. The one who break the shackles with courage and bravery will see the uplift for themselves. It is interestingly poised and nerve wracking for the fans.
On a lighter side, the Ex-England coach probably would give five star chocolates to Sri Lanka players (if you still don’t know why, watch the five star advert) 😀
My semis prediction:
India
New Zealand
South Africa
England