Godsmark's T20 World Cup Diary - Day Four Preview

By Mikey Godsmark

Scotland and Hong Kong were both eliminated yesterday having lost their first two games of the tournament, it's a cruel system, especially considering the lengths that the teams have to go, in order to get there

Oman v Netherlands
Nobody would have predicted Oman’s victory against Ireland on Wednesday,few would have even thought the match was worth watching. Fortunately I did watch the match and I was very impressed by Oman who I had previously only seen once at the World T20 Qualifying. This is a side that doesn't even play in the Intercontinental Cup or the Word Cricket League Championship, the highest level of associate cricket. This is the depth that world cricket has. If only we had the chance to see it more often.

We've already seen that Oman won't settle for a single shock, with their qualification was, so the Netherlands will have to be very wary, defeat will see them exit the competition. Zeeshan Maqsood got of to a decent start with 38 but for Oman’s breakthrough player recently he will be hoping for better considering his three 50s in his four innings before Wednesday. If he can reach his best Oman shall be a force to be reckoned with. Oman bowled quite well all round with bowlers either bowling cheaply or taking regular wickets. If Ansari can bowl less loose deliveries then he will be a very good T20 bowler.

It's going to be hard for the Netherlands to qualify from their current position, they will be relying on an Ireland who were poor against Oman, to beat Bangladesh who some are tipping to win the tournament. The Dutch bowled well enough to win the game, they had to chase just as much as Oman. The conditions suited the slightly more skidding action of the Dutch bowlers but I question why Seelaar didn't get a bowl in a game where it was the spinners, especially Shakib, who restricted the run rate and took regular wickets.

Verdict: Surely lightning can't strike twice. Netherlands Win but I hope I'm wrong

Ireland v Bangladesh

This match was touted as the group decider but for Ireland it’s now much more than that. Lose and they will be out, win and they will have every chance of progression, especially if they win well. Whatever happens it's sure to be a spectacle as many have been backing Bangladesh to win the tournament and Ireland will put everything on the line.

The Irish were quite simply let down by their bowling as, with everyone expect for Kevin O’Brien bowling far too many loose deliveries especially extras. It was Tim Murtagh’s over that went for 20 which allowed Oman back into the game, it was an over that contained three extra balls and all three of these were hit for four. If Ireland are to progress both in this tournament and in general they must eliminate these errors which can only be done by them being given more time in world tournaments. Their total was defendable but not amazing. Against an Omani bowling attack which is still learning at this level, they should have done better.

Bangladesh were efficient in the nature of their defeat of the Netherlands, restricting the batting effort of the Dutch by taking wickets at regular intervals. On a pitch that should have turn to help the spinners, they should be able to do the same with Shakib, who has been poor with the bat but good with ball recently, being important again with his experience of these conditions. A bit more resilience in the middle order, they could go far in this tournament.

Verdict: Bangladesh Win