The ICC World Cup is quickly coming to a close, we’re already in the Quarterfinals! You probably don’t even know what cricket is....here is a quick overview/terminology
Over - A over is a set of balls that can be pitched. There are 6 balls in an over. As the game has been changed to allow for quicker matches, there is a maximum of 50 overs in a game, which means a maximum of 300 balls can be pitched.
Run - A run is quite self-explanatory. After making contact with the ball, you must run to the opposite side. There are two batters at all times located on both sides. If both make it, one run is completed and added to the score. If the ball is thrown by a fielder into the stumps, a wicket is counted and the player is out.
Wicket - A wicket is an out. You can get a wicket be getting a run-out (where the ball hits the stumps before you get to the stumps; like when you don’t get to the base in time in baseball) or when the ball is caught in the air). After 10 wickets are accumulated on your team, your team is done batting and the other team must get a higher score within 10 wickets to lose.
Bowler - The pitcher
Batsmen - The batter
Boundary - A run that is worth either a 4 or 6. When you get a four it means the ball has just made it to the boundary, if you get a six it means the ball has gone over the boundary.
Stumps - Stumps are located at either end of the pitch (the area where the bowler pitches the ball), if the ball hits them during a pitch it is a wicket, also if there isn’t a player in the crease (The box near the stumps ; like a base in baseball) during a play, the batter is out.
Field is 400% bigger than a baseball field
Field is in an oval shape.
Bat has a bigger “Sweet Spot” than as Baseball bat.
The ICC World Cup has seen 8 teams advance into the knockout stages, here are the following matches for the Quarterfinal
Sri Lanka vs South Africa
India vs Bangladesh
Australia vs Pakistan
New Zealand vs West Indies
Preview Sri Lanka vs South Africa:
South Africa is one of the best All-Around teams in the league, however Sri Lanka has some of the best batsmen in the tournament. Kumar Sangakkara is the leader in runs among all players in the tournament, both Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan lead among all players in runs worth 4. AB de Villiers has been fantastic for South Africa, he is without question the best player on the South African squad. Imran Tahir has also been a very good bowler, putting up very good numbers in terms of wickets. The match takes place on Wednesday March 18th Australian time, for us in the US it will be happening overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. SRI LANKA FTW!!!! :)
Preview India vs Bangladesh
India is expected to win this match by a lot, India is by far the best team in the tournament, ahead of New Zealand. India was undefeated in Pool Play, along with New Zealand. India has many star players led by Virat Kohli. India might be heavily favored to win this matchup, but you should never underestimate Bangladesh. They may not have the long history and the famous players, but they have pulled off some nice wins so far including one to England. This match happens overnight from Wednesday to Thursday (Eastern Time).
Preview Australia vs Pakistan
Australia, like South Africa, is a very good all around team, Australia also has a very big bonus that no other teams (Other than New Zealand) have, the fans. Australia is the host country of the World Cup this year, so it will be like they have an extra guy on the field Friday. THey are led by James Faulkner and Glenn Maxwell. Pakistan, however, is a team on a mad streak, leaving all opponents in a trail of dust. This match happens overnight Thursday - Friday (Eastern Time)
Preview New Zealand vs West Indies
New Zealand was outstanding in Pool Play finishing as the second best team overall, just behind India (They were first in their pool, they were in Pool A, and India was in B). The West Indies are led by superb batsmen Chris Gayle and bowlers Jason Holder and Andre Russell. Like Australia, New Zealand has the advantage of the crowd in this matchup. This matchup occurs overnight from Friday to Saturday (Eastern Time)