The 2015 World Cup has served up so many batting records I'm losing count. With Gayle's 200, AB De Villiers' fastest 150, all the 400+ totals and record partnerships, the statistics are mounting up to suggest in some people's minds that this competition is the best ever. No, it's just the tournament with the worst balance of bat and ball.
All the records seem to be made by batsmen. I'm not denying that crowds enjoy watching the likes of world superstars Brendan McCullum, David Warner and Kumar Sangakkara strike fours and sixes around the park but it seems like innings of 300 of becoming the norm and 400 is no longer the rarity it was even four years ago. Personally I'd rather see a 250-250 thriller than one side set a target of 400 which even the top teams would struggle to approach. That means bowlers taking wickets and it's not only Broad and Anderson failing to do so with disappointing regularity.
Economy rates are also affected by the constant tinkering of rules, bat and ball technology and the apparent shrinking of playing areas towards the square itself. Watching highlights of previous World Cups reminded me that the boundary used to be the advertising boards immediately in front of Row A. Now the 'rope' is routinely placed about 5 metres beyond spectators and don't tell me it's for the fielders' safety.
So far there have been only seven five-fors, which makes Tim Southee's 7-33 against England and Mitch Starc's 6-28 against the Black Caps even more outstanding. Even Steve Finn's five wickets against the Aussies came at the expense of 71 runs, hardly something to celebrate.
Anyway, some batting performances are to be applauded. Yesterday's magnificent 156 was not only a personal List A career best for Kyle Coetzer but also out-did any previous innings by an Associate nation player. Such a shame that Scotland could not capitalise on their best total and register that elusive first World Cup victory. That they failed was on account of a wonderful run chase by Bangladesh.
I was surprised that Tamim Iqbal's 95 was Bangladesh's highest in a World Cup but further swift fifties by Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib al Hasan took them across the 319 target line with eleven balls to spare at Nelson. Suddenly it's not impossible that Bangladesh could reach the quarter-finals. If they do, it will almost certainly be at the expense of England, who must beat them on Monday to remain in the hunt.
And then there's Australia. The hosts and pre-tournament favourites will want to beat Sri Lanka because if Bangladesh triumph at Adelaide next week they will have to beat the Scots to progress. Defeat is unthinkable but the ultimate shock would thrill millions. Ireland were brought down to earth this week and if they lose to Zimbabwe at the weekend, the prospects of another Associate side reaching the knock-outs will recede further. They will need to overcome Pakistan to give themselves a chance, unless the West Indies fail to beat UAE. Even if they win, it could be down to net run rate.
The Windies' plunge down the rankings saddens me but for the good of global cricket I'd love it if one of the non-Test nations makes the last eight. In reality that means Ireland. Ah, a man can dream...!
