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World Cup Blogs: Gayle says I'm not leaving but is he talking about retirement or this bar?

March 23, 2015 11:54 IST

A selection of musings from around the cricket World Cup

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle in Sydney cafe. Photograph: Instagram

Chris Gayle has rejected speculation he will quit international cricket and confirmed he will target next year's World Twenty20 tournament despite persistent back problems.

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The West Indies opener posted 'I'm not leaving' alongside an Instagram video on himself singing along with an amused singer in Sydney on Sunday.

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Choke tag hangs over Black Caps and Proteas

Martin Guptill, left, and Brendon McCullum of New Zealand

Martin Guptill, left, and Brendon McCullum of New Zealand arrive for a New Zealand Black Caps training session at Eden Park. Photograph: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Let the mind games begin: This Cricket World Cup semi-final at a packed Eden Park may be decided not by a moment of brilliance but by who chokes last.

Will 'big' player Kohli stand up against Aussies in semis?

Like it or not, the c-word hangs heavily over Tuesday's knockout match where either New Zealand or South Africa will enter uncharted waters and reach their first final.

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Why World Cup feels a bigger deal in NZ

Corey Anderson of New Zealand celebrates

Corey Anderson of New Zealand celebrates the wicket of Darren Sammy of West Indies during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match at Wellington Regional Stadium. Photograph: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Throughout the World Cup, a television advertisement has featured Brendon McCullum telling his country to "dream big, New Zealand".

As the crowds streamed towards the stadium known as the Cake Tin on a gloriously sunny Saturday afternoon, it seemed like the message of the Black Caps captain was getting through.

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When batting crumbles, don't expect bowlers to bail out

Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq rehearses his shot after being caught

Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq rehearses his shot after being caught on the boundary as the Australian players celebrate. Photograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

If a team's batting lineup crumbles on a batting paradise, please don't expect bowlers to bail you out in big matches like an ICC Cricket World Cup quarter final. I wasn't expecting a miracle once Pakistan was bowled out, or rather I should say, caught out by Australia for 213 on the friendliest batting wicket in Australia.

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Rediff Sports Desk