world cup five-fer: day seven

Emotional times for Malachi Jones.

By Tristan Holme and Dave Tickner

1. Zimbabwe's youngsters
The demise of Zimbabwe's cricket team as a result of the terrible political situation has been tragic, but there does seem to be some real talent coming through.

Vusi Sibanda, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams have all impressed with the bat and given time they could emerge to make Zimbabwe competitive again.

Others such as Friday Kasteni look a lost cause but as long as selection is based on performances going forward, there is no doubt that young talent is becoming available.

While some of the other lesser sides at this tournament have too many older players, Zimbabwe at least seem to be genuinely building for the future.

2. Selection
It was same again for the Windies, but Zimbabwe made three changes which in hindsight were rather baffling and made it seem as if they were more intent on giving everyone a game than fielding their best eleven.

Kasteni got a ball that swung viciously for his golden, but the way he played it suggested he was all at sea and could hardly have been called a cricket shot.

The man he replaced was Terrence Duffin, who only made 13 in the first match against Ireland but at least he looked like a batsman.

Meanwhile despite Gary Brent being their most experienced bowler, Zimbabwe replaced him with Tawanda Mupariwa who was duly butchered by Chris Gayle.

With Wednesday's game against Pakistan being an all-or-nothing affair for Zim, it will be interesting to see who gets the nod in key areas.

3. West Indies
It bodes well for the hosts that they have achieved straightforward qualification for the Super Eights without playing their best cricket.

It was a routine victory over Zimbabwe for the Windies but they still bowled too many wides and several of their batsmen got out cheaply against average bowling.

If they can build on their performances thus far and use the game against Ireland to increase individual confidence then the West Indian people could well get the result out of this World Cup that they're all hoping for.

4. Sourav Ganguly
India amassed what could yet prove a crucial 413-5 against hapless Bermuda, but in a group that could easily come down to net run-rate, Ganguly's decision to give himself an extended net at the top of the order was baffling.

While each of his team-mates blazed away, Ganguly was content to nurdle his way to 89 from 114 balls, desperately pedestrian in the context of the innings.

5. Dwayne Leverock
True his bowling got pasted, but the 19st policeman's diving one-handed catch to remove Robin Uthappa will live long in the memory, while his team-mates celebrated as if Bermuda had just won the World Cup itself.

It was all too much for 17-year-old bowler Malachi Jones who, having snaffled a wicket with his first World Cup delivery, promptly did a lap of honour, burst into tears and proceeded to help Virender Sehwag back into form with a succession of half-volleys and long-hops.