Zimbabwe Cricket Online: Letters

There is lack of clarity in the rules for the current world cup on how `forfeited matches' will be scored for computing net run rate. There is a serious flaw which could seriously impact Zimbabwe's chances of qualifying for super six which the Zimbabwe Cricket Association should take up with ICC.

Currently the way Net Run Rate is being reported, for the forfeited match both the teams are credited with 0 runs and 0 overs. Hence the Net Run Rate for England (after 6 matches) is 0.82 and the Net Run Rate for Zimbabwe (after 5 matches) is 0.50.

However this appears unfair because apart from an opportunity to defeat England (which is remedied by awarding full points to Zimbabwe) the forfeit also deprived Zimbabwe an opportunity to improve its run rate.

ICC's Rule in this regard is very unclear.

I believe that the correct solution is to treat that score for the forfeited match as 0 runs in 50 overs for England and 0 runs in 0 overs for Zimbabwe. This is also intuitively appealing because while Zimbabwe was ready to bowl at England there were no England batters to face them and vice versa.

If this method is followed then the Net Run Rate for the two teams will be -0.02 for England and +1.56 for Zimbabwe. Pakistan currently has a net run rate of 0.21.

If the methodology I have suggested is followed then Zimbabwe's task for qualification for Super Six becomes very easy, even if they were to lose to Pakistan. e.g., if Pakistan bats first and score 250 runs then Zimbabwe will need to score only 112 runs to qualify. If Zimbabwe bats first and scores 250 in 50 overs, then all Zimbabwe has to do is to ensure that Pakistan does not get to this score in less than 18 overs.

Wishing Zimbabwe the very best.

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THOSE LUCKY BOYS IN RED!

Now that's something: Zim in the Super Sixes - again!

Maybe they haven't really earned their place, beating no other Test nation. But neither did Pakistan. And as for England . . .

In contrast to the last World Cup they have no pressure now. They start from the bottom of the group. Nobody expects them to go to the semi-finals. First of all, they should beat Kenya. Realistically, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are much stronger sides, but in this World Cup you should take nothing for granted.

I hope the players have learned enough about the inswinging yorker (Vaas) and Murali's magic on the last tour to Sri Lanka. And if they can survive against a certain Mr. Bond, they might just make it.

The Flowers in reasonable form, Blignaut clubbing another couple of quick fifties, the bowlers hopefully getting their radar right, and then anything is possible!

It's sad the World Cup has been influenced so much by the weather and the forfeited games. But in a way it's great to see the rain gods haven't forgotten Zim after all. And maybe someone up there has take a liking to players who have taken such a brave stand. How about the selectors following suit?

Finally, some questions:

Is Travis Friend injured? Otherwise I'd be mildly surprised the selectors picked Ervine ahead of him against Pakistan. Also, Blignaut didn't bowl against Pak; is he injured too? On the BBC website they keep going on about Andy Flower retiring from international cricket after he allegedly signed to play in Australia. Do you have any news on that?

Good luck in the Super Sixes Zim!

Reply: Travis Friend was fit, but the selectors preferred Sean Ervine, who has plenty of potential but hasn't yet lived up to it. Andy Flower refuses to comment on his future plans.

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THE SUPER SIXES

Well, Zim are through to the Super Sixes and unfortunately I cannot feel sorry for England for missing out. They had numerous chances to play in Harare and in the end it has come back to bite them. I was cheering every drop of rain that came down in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

Although it is a very very slim chance of Zim progressing any further, the pressure should be off the boys now and they should be able to play the entertaining and attacking cricket which we all know they are capable of. It is a great effort for Zimbabwe to make the Super Sixes of the last two World Cups and they have definitely showed up a few of the other so-called better nations.

Go, Zim and Andy Flower during his last few games for Zim, hopefully his international career will end in a fairytale.