After five grueling weeks of action in the Caribbean, the semi-final line up for
the cricket World Cup has now been finalised with New Zealand taking on Sri
Lanka and defending champions Australia clashing with South Africa.
New Zealand and Sri Lanka will face-off in the first semifinal
at Jamaica on April 24 while the two-time champion Australia will play South
Africa the next day in St. Lucia. The winners of the two matches will meet in
the final at Barbados on April 28.
Australia have emerged the top team with cent percent record
in their seven matches played in the Super Eight stage.
They have garnered 14 points with a net run rate of +2.40 to be the clear favourites
to win the coveted trophy for the third successive time.
Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, and New Zealand have
finished with an identical 10 points apiece after winning five of their seven
matches.
But the sub continental team under the leadership of Mahela
Jayawardene has a better net run rate of +1.48 against +0.25 of the Kiwis.
South Africa, who sneaked into the last four stage after defeating England,
have won four game and lost three to claim eight points. However, their run
rate is better than the New Zealanders at +0.31.
England, with just two wins from six matches, and the hosts
West Indies, having an equal 4 points, will meet today in an inconsequential
match at Bridgetown Barbados. The two teams have already missed the bus to advance
further in the tournament.
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