Here are the points table with the Net Run rate and the number of matches each team has played in the ICC Champions Trophy 2009.
In the initial phase of Champions Trophy 2009 all eight teams is divided into two groups A and B. Australia, India, Pakistan and West Indies are placed in Group A and host South Africa, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are placed in Group B.
Each team will play with each other in their corresponding groups before top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage (Semi Finals of CT 2009). Then the winner of each semi finals will play the final on 5th of October 2009 at SuperSportsPark, Centurion.
Champions Trophy 2009 Points Table
Group A – India, Australia, Pakistan & West Indies
Group B – South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand & England
India will take on West Indies in a must win game at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg but the win will not do the trick for the Indians. Their fortunes depends on the game at Centurion first they need to pray for their arch-rivals Pakistan to win their game and then they need to beat West Indies by big margins to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy 2009.
India approach Wednesday's game against the West Indies with a prayer on the lips that Pakistan would somehow prevail over Australia by a big margin in the day's first game in Centurion. If it happens India will eye to lift their net run rate better of Australia to qualify for the Semi Finals of Champions Trophy.
At presently India have -1.08 NRR while Australia have +1.00 NRR, it happens because India lost their game by 54 runs and Australia win their game against West Indies by 50 runs. A difference of 2.08 in India and Australia's net run-rates looks huge on paper, but since it is based on the results of one match each it is not impossible to wipe out.
Here is the scenario: Suppose Australia loses their game against Pakistan by 25 runs then India either need to beat West Indies by 80 runs or they have to beat West Indies by 33.4 overs regardless of whatever target they were chasing to get better of Australia net run rate.
But all this to happen Pakistan have to beat Australia otherwise India have no chance to qualify for the semis. West Indies on the other hand has some advantage since they have played their last two games at Wanderers, Johannesburg they know the condition better than India.
So far they have performed exceptionally well in the tournament, scaring each team they have played. Against Pakistan they were bowled out for 134 but during Pakistan run chase they reduced the Pakistanis to 76/5 but thanks to Umar Akmal Pakistan manages to get through over line. In their second game, West Indies first had Australia on the back foot and later in the evening, they batted beyond their skins to give the world champions a true scare.
Indian bowlers who so far struggled in the tournament might enjoy bowling on such Wanderers wicket which assists help to the fats bowlers.
Watch out for
Pakistan v Australia Game at Centurion: Before watching India v West Indies game it will be interesting to watch the game happening at Centurion. Since the fate of India depends on the outcome of the game between Australia and Pakistan.
Kemar Roach: One of the promising pace bowler of West Indies who bowled his heart out against Australia at the same venue, the Wanderers, he bowled with pace and hostility, something India can do without in their current state of mind.
Pitch & Condition
India will be playing at Wanderers for the first time in the tournament however their bowlers will enjoy bowling on this wicket. West Indies on the other hand having played their last two games has some familiar condition than Indians. The day will be brighter with little cloud surrounding around.
Teams
It will be big time for M.S.Dhoni when he went out for toss, since his final playing XI depends on what happens in the first inning at centurion and then the toss at Wanderers. If India will bowl first then M.S.Dhoni would love to play with extra batsman to chase down the score as quickly as possible but if they bat first then they will play with same XI as against Australia in the rain washed game.
West Indies on the other hand is likely to include K.Powell in place of injured Dale Richards.
Likely Playing XI for both Teams (Match is Schedule to begin at 18:00 PM India Time)
India Squad: Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Suresh Raina, M.S.Dhoni (Captain & WK), Virat Kohli, Yusuf Pathan, Praveen Kumar, Amit Mishara, Ashish Nehra, Ishant Sharma.
West Indies Squad: Devon Smith, Andre Fletcher, Keiran Powell, Travis Dowlin, Floyd Reifer (Captain), David Bernard, Darren Sammy, Chadwick Walton (WK), Nikita Miller, Tino Best, Gavin Tonge.
Stats & Trivia
The Wanderers stadium has been a tough ground to chase as we have seen many team struggle to chase big totals but team like England, New Zealand and Pakistan chased down smaller total not with ease.
So far West Indies have played India twice in the Champions trophy and won on occasions, one in Dhaka and one in the Ahmedabad.
The match between Australia and Pakistan is now have so much relevance that many of the Indian fans will also keep an eye on the outcome of this game. A win for Pakistan in this game once again wide open the race between India and Australia for the semi final spots.
Pakistan who already qualified for the semi finals from Group A and New Zealand & England are other qualifiers from Group B. Only one spot is left from Group A which will be grabbed by either Australia or India.
Monday’s washout have thrown both India and Australia in a do-or-die situation, both teams need to win their game. However a win for Australia means India win over West Indies in their day/nigh encounter have no relevancy on this tournament and they have to go back home with another ICC major events disappointment in the space of three month time.
A resounding Pakistan victory over Australia will keep alive the hopes of MS Dhoni's men, but only if India can inflict a heavy defeat on the West Indians at the Wanderers the same day.
Australia have one advantage going into the game, Pakistan is thinking to rest some of their key players ahead of semi finals and that will be great news for the Aussie. Imran Nazir, Umar Gul and Rana Naved might get rest for this game.
That means pacer Md. Asif is all set to return to international arena also Misbah-ul-Haq who missed out last game against India is likely to be included in the playing XI.
Likely Playing XI for both Teams (Match is Schedule to begin at 13:00 PM India Time)
Australia Squad: Shane Watson, Tim Paine (WK), Ricky Ponting (Captain), Michael Hussey, Cameron White, Callum Ferguson, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle.
Pakistan Squad: Fawad Alam, Kamran Akmal, Younis Khan (Captain), Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf, Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Iftikhar Anjum, Mohammad Aamer, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Asif.
Pitch and Condition
After heavy rains on Monday it will be interesting to see how pitch will play, whether it continues to help spinners or give some assistant to pace bowlers. But with clear day at Centurion, team winning the toss would love to bowl first so that pitch will ease out until their turn. Team bowling first would love to restrict the opposition below 250 to give them fair chance of chasing down the target with ease.
Stats & Trivia
Australia edge Pakistan in terms of stats. In last 12 ODI’s against Pakistan, Australia manages to win 9 one day internationals.
Ricky Ponting is known for playing crucial innings in crunch game like this. He is also in supreme touch since arrival in South Africa with an average of 72 and two half-centuries under his belt.
New Zealand some how manages to win their last league game against England by 4 wickets to confirm their semi finals berth in ICC Champions Trophy 2009. Chasing alow total of 147 for win they got off to brilliant start by their openers M.Guptill (53 runs of 55 balls) and B.McCullum (48 runs of 39 balls). Both added 84 runs in just 78 balls to give New Zealand a flying start on a difficult wicket at Wanderers, Johannesburg.
But once both departed New Zealand lost four quick wickets in the space of 14 overs to give some hope to England but target was so less that New Zealand scampered home with four wickets in hand.
Stuart Broad was star for England with ball as he managed to take four wickets during his spell of eight overs.
England after put into bat manage just 146 runs allout in 43.1 overs with Paul Collingwood scoring 40 runs and R.Bopara scored 30 runs.
G.Elliot was declared Player of the Match for his superb spell of 8-0-31-4.
New Zealand will face another uphill task of beating inform England at New Wanderers, Johannesburg. A loss here for New Zealand will throw them out of the tournament as Sri Lanka have far better net run rate than the kiwis. However after seeing the performance of both teams against the tournament favorites it will be interesting to see which team will have better day in the office.
New Zealand after defeat by the hands of South Africans bounced back strongly to impose a huge 315 runs against Sri Lanka riding on their top order blistering form. B.McCullum, J.Ryder, M.Guptill and D.Vettori played exceptionally well in that game.
However, with Ryder ruled out of the squad due to a groin injury sustained on Sunday, New Zealand will have to sort out a new strategy. But his replacement Aaron Redmond has brought into the tournament in place of him and he is also an attacking player like Ryder but he has to perform on the field to show his talent.
In bowling department Shane Bon is main headache for the New Zealand skipper as he has conceded lots of runs in the game against Sri Lanka, rest of the bowling units is looking formidable and are in good form.
On the other hand England is very high on confidence after beating tournament two best team and one of which is already bounced out by the England but they can also help other team (Sri Lanka) if they manage to beat kiwis in crucial game at Johannesburg.
Pitch & Condition
Both teams have enjoyed their game at New Wanderers Stadium at Johannesburg, with both winning their last game they have played here. The pitch will assist the fast bowlers depending on the accuracy of the bowlers. Team winning the toss would love to bat first and put runs on the board.
Teams
M.Prior is still not fully fit that means Andrew Staruss will go with same XI that knocked out South Africa of the tournament.
New Zealand on the other hand few concerns with their opening combination as well as Darell Tuffey. Their replace opener has not arrived in the country yet but expected to reach on match day. Darell Tuffey who was hit on hand by ball during practice session is likely to be missed out the game. If that happens then Ian Butler will get a game.
Likely Playing XI for both Teams (Match is Schedule to begin at 18:00 PM India Time)
England Squad: Andrew Strauss (Captain), Joe Denly, Owais Shah, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan (WK), Ravi Boapra Luke Wright, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Graham Onions.
New Zealand Squad: Brendon McCullum, Aaron Redmond, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Neil Broom, Daniel Vettori (Captain), James Franklin, Kyle Mills, Shane Bond, Ian Butler.
Heavy rain at Centurion washout the game between India and Australia that means now India’s Champions Trophy fortunes will be decided after the game between Australia and Pakistan. Indians have to pray that Pakistan will come out better of Australia in the game on Wednesday and then they have to beat West Indies with better run rate to qualify for the semi finals.
However if Australia beat Pakistan then they will qualify for the Semi Finals of ICC Champions Trophy 2009.
When rain arrived to pour down at Centurion Australia were well placed at 234/4 in 42.3 overs to reach well over 300 runs score. Both teams India and Australia got one points each and Pakistan is qualified for the semi finals of ICC Champions Trophy.
Earlier Ricky Ponting has no hesitation in electing to bat first on a run-feast SuperSportsPark pitch. But Indian opening bowler Ashish Nehra has other ideas as they removed Shane Watson for second consecutive ducks. Indian opening bowlers Praveen Kumar and Ashish Nehra bowled exceptionally well and in eight overs they have bowled between them conceded just 23 runs to the Australians.
However the introduction of Ishant Sharma in the 9th over of Australians inning gave Australia a momentum they were looking for. Ishant Sharma conceded 16 rusn in that over and from there onwards it was all Australia till rain started to coming down at centurion.
Tim Paine (56 runs of 58 balls), Ricky Ponting (65 runs of 88 balls) and Mike Hussey (67 runs of 65 balls) set up Australia with quick-fire half-centuries. Cameron White (35 runs of 30 balls) and Callum Ferguson (2 runs of 7 balls) were at the crease for the defending champions when rain intervened.
Once again two of the Indian bowlers Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma look short of ideas as they given away too many runs. Harbhajan conceded 54 runs in his spell of 9 overs while Ishant conceded 53 runs of his 7 over spell.
Now both teams will play their next game on Wednesday. Their fortunes will be decided only after the outcome of Pakistan-Australia and India-West Indies game.
Indians have real jobs on their hand when they take on defending Champion Australia at Centurion. They have no other option than a win to advance further in the tournament after having lost their first game badly by 54 runs against Pakistan.
The 54-run loss to Pakistan on Saturday night has not just exposed the frailties of India's bowling and batting but has also put them in danger of crashing out of the event in case they lose on Monday.
Indian team whose some of the key players are suffering from injury but this is not an excuse at International level. They must perform or either be ready to pack their bags to fly back home.
The main concern of worry for the Indian captain is their bowling and fielding lapses in the field. Against Pakistan they have conceded too many runs in the last fifteen overs to be exact 135 in 15 overs. Their bowlers are short on confidence and only time will tell whether they deserve to be in a team which is close to be number one in the world. Their batsman also played some irresponsible shots to throw their wickets away at crucial phase of the game.
Batsman like Virat Kohli and Yusuf Pathan was the main culprit in the game against Pakistan. One question must be asked from Indian think tank how much chance Yusuf Pathan needs more to show his talent at International level. The main talent count when you perform under pressure and Yusuf has not done anything yet neither with ball nor with bat.
As Dhoni indicated during press conference, India is already thinking of playing with five regular bowlers against Australia and that will be great move if they do so. This move means India will play both Praveen Kumar and Amit Mishar, both players record against Australia is really amazing.
On the other hand Australia will heavily rely on their captain Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey for scoring runs for them. Rest of the batting looks fragile. In bowling department also they need to tighten their grip at start and in the later stage of the inning against faem Indian batting lineup.
There are all sorts of permutation and combination is going about which teams will qualify from Group A into the semi finals. But equation is simple if India loss the game against Australia then Australia and Pakistan are through to the semi finals and remainder of Group games will like a practice games. But if India wins then scenario became interesting. India will be upper hand since they will play their last Group games against weakened West Indies and Australia will take on unbeaten Pakistan. However, should India and Australia either both win or both lose their last group games, net run-rate will be required to determine the semi-finalists.
Watch out for
Gautam Gambhir: Gautam Gambhir played superbly against Pakistanis. An inning which looks like taking the game away from Pakistanis but due to misunderstanding in the middle he was ran out for well compiled 57 runs of 46 balls. Who forget that he has made his mark on the tour of Australia so it will be great contest between Gambhir and Brett Lee.
Ricky Ponting: A man who is looking in superb touch at the moment. He might have retired from Twenty20 internationals but Ricky Ponting remains Australia's most important player in ODI cricket. He was magnificent in compiling 79 against West Indies in difficult conditions and a big Ponting score can be the difference between mediocrity and dominance from Australia. It will be interesting to watch how he will approach against India.
Pitch & Condition
This will be fresh wickets the one used during South Africa and England game. The Pitch used so far where in the center of the ground now new pitch will shorten the ground a bit with leg side hit is only 68 meters away. Team winning the toss would love to bat first and put runs on the board. Any score in excess of 300 will be good total to defend.
Teams
After a big loss against Pakistan, M.S.Dhoni is already indicated during press conference that India will take field against Australia with quite a few changes. One change would be to bring Praveen Kumar in place of way-ward R.P.Singh and other possible change will be Amit Mishra in place of Yusuf Pathan. Yusuf Pathan has the talent but he has done nothing significant for his team in ODI’s. Amit Mishra is the man who won a game for India on debut against Australia at Mohali.
Australia will be hoping against hope that M.Clark should fit to play for this game but it’s unlikely to happen, that means Australia will go with Same Playing XI that played against West Indies.
Likely Playing XI for both Teams (Match is Schedule to begin at 18:00 PM India Time)
Australia Squad: Shane Watson, Tim Paine (WK), Ricky Ponting (Captain), Michael Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Cameron White, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle.
Stats & Trivia
India and Australia are playing after a long gap of eighteen months’ Last time they played in CB Series at Gabba when India vame out as winner to lift the CB Series.
India have won four of eight ODI’s they have played here at Centurion while Australia have manage to win four out of seven ODI’s they have played here.
Last time when these two teams played at this venue India has been thrashed by Australia by nine wickets.
Since 2003 World Cup, India have not won a single game in South Africa in between they have lost six games.
Both teams have lost their last two one day international match at Centurion.
Once again South Africa failed to rise on expectation and knocked out of ICC events. What we can call it bad-luck or choker’s. Chasing a massive target of 324 runs for victory at Centurion, England bowlers kept their nerves in the face of a supremely gutsy 141 runs from 134 balls from their habitual nemesis, Graeme Smith to guide England to semi finals of ICC Champions Trophy 2009.
South Africa chased down well despite of tough target set by England, they were in hunt till the 43rd over of the game. Needing 76 runs to win in last 9 overs with five wickets in hand and Graeme Smith and A.Morkel at the crease it was looked that something dramatic would happen at Centurion. But it was James Anderson impressive spell (10-0-42-3) that put the game in the bag of England.
Margin of win was so much that now South Africa have no other option than forget to win ICC Champions trophy 2009. Needing 324 runs to win and 314 runs to stay alive in the tournament (depending on the result of England, New Zealand game) they fell short by 22 runs of winning margin.
South Africa always known for loosing the crunch game and it happened once again. They always enter the tournament as firm favorite but somehow they loss the crunch game which cost them the Trophy. It happens so many times that now they carry choker’s tag with them.
Earlier England captain has no hesitation in electing to bat on fresh SuperSportsPark wicket. Despite of loosing two wickets for 59 runs, two English batsman Paul Collingwood (82 runs of 94 balls) and O.Shah (98 runs of 89 balls) hold their end together and put on aggressive 163 runs of 157 balls to set the launching pad for the batsman to follow. O.Shah showed more aggressiveness during his knock of 98 runs, hitting 6 huge sixes and 5 fours. He didn’t allowed South African spinners to settle down at all.
E.Morgan (An Engladn Yuvraj Singh) played a superb blistering knock of 67 runs of just 34 balls with four 4’s and five huge 6’s. It was his inning which took the game away from the South Africans. England added 61 runs in the last seven overs of their inning thank to E.Morgan cracking knock.
Owais Shah was declared Player of the Match for his brilliant knock of 98 runs of just 84 balls.
Match Summary (England won by 22 Runs)
England– 323/8 in 50 Overs
O.Shah- 98P.Collingwood– 82
W.Parnell– 10-2-60-3 J.Botha- 9-0-56-2
South Africa– 301/9 in 50 Overs
G.Smith- 141 AB Devilliers– 36
James Andersen– 10-0-42-3S.Broad- 10-0-67-3
South Africa v England Champions Trophy Highlights
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 38 runs
In the other game at Johannesburg New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 38 runs to keep their hopes alive of making through to the semi finals of ICC Champions Trophy. New Zealand put into bat scored 315/7 in reply Sri Lanka manage 277/10 in 46.4 overs.
England who is already through to the Semi Finals from Group B. Now the race for the second spot is between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Here is the scenario: If New Zealand win against England in their last game on 29th then New Zealand are through and Sri Lanka will be out of the tournament but if New Zealand loss that game then Sri Lanka will go through since they have better Net run Rate than South Africa and New Zealand.
