Martin Guptill has been one of New Zealand's all-time great ODI batsmen. Unfortunately, his inability to construct a meaningful innings has left much to be desired at the top of the order and has resulted in numerous paltry batting totals. NZ has missed his runs at the top dearly and will be hoping he can turn it around in the semi-final. But I think one positive from a NZ standpoint is that you can chalk a lot of his dismissals down to bad luck. Lets take a look at all of his dismissals throughout this tournament.
1) Bangladesh. Chasing a modest total of 240 odd with little pressure, NZ would've hoped to see their opening partnership blossom. Guptill gets off to a flyer initially with 19* (7) and things are looking relatively good for the opening duo. Guptill loses his brain for a second and lofts a rather innocuous delivery from Shakib that Guptill gets nowhere near the pitch of and loses his wicket. This particular dismissal isnt unlucky. Just poor cricket from Gup.
2) Afghanistan. This time NZ will be chasing 173. Another no-pressure situation for Guptill and a good opportunity to get runs under the belt. Guptill faces the first delivery of the innings which he inside edges onto his pads, but the ball balloons straight up into a fielder's hands on the off-side. Unlucky.
3) South Africa. NZ in pursuit of another smallish total albeit on a slower pitch and stronger bowling attack in South Africa. Guptill gets off to healthy start of 35 (58) and then proceeds to step on his own stumps.....Needless to say, unlucky.
4) West Indies. NZ get the opportunity to set a total this time. The first ball Guptill ends up facing is a searing in-swinging yorker from Cottrell of which he gets out to LBW. A fantastic delivery and unfortunately not one you can do much to. Golden duck #2 for Guptill. Unlucky again.
5) Pakistan. Guptill flashes at a wide innocuous Amir delivery. Inside edges it straight onto the stumps. Ball could've gone anywhere but unfortunately goes right back on the stumps. Unlucky.
6) Australia. Guptill misses a straight one from Behrendorrf by a mile. This dismissal in particular is the most worrying from a NZ standpoint as he was nowhere near the ball and gets out plumb LBW. Oh well. Move on.
7) England. The infamous strangle down the leg-side. This ones gotta be the most frustrating of the bunch. Oh well.
All in all, Gup has shown glimpses of his excellence which should inspire some confidence in NZ supporters, but I wouldn't be surprised if he got out handling the ball in the semi.
[link] [comments]
from Cricket https://ift.tt/2XUkxfe
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment