Ireland and Zimbabwe tie: World Cup Day 3

If the media reaction is anything to go by, many people were surprised that Ireland tied with Zimbabwe at Kingston, Jamaica. To be sure, as Irish people might say, ties are rare in all forms of cricket but, given all the troubles which are corroding Zimbabwe , was this result (or an Ireland victory) really unexpected? Zimbabwe cricket's ranks have been thinned by departures of players, such as the Flower brothers and Henry Olonga, who have found themselves at odds with both cricketing and political officialdom (which appear to be almost synonymous). On the other hand Ireland has adopted a policy of inclusion, which was vindicated in this game when expat Australian Jeremy Bray batted through the innings for an undefeated 115/137b out of a total of 9/221 in 50 0vers. Zimbabwe made 10/221, also in 50 overs: for scorecard see here.

Both teams now have to play Pakistan and West Indies in their remaining Group D matches. It's hard to imagine another upset, so the moral uplift of third place on the group table may be decided on run rate, or whatever is used to determine these things (Reminder to myself: check it out).

In the other game, from Group B, Sri Lanka defeated Bermuda by 243 runs in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago . I've nothing further to say about this drubbing.