It’s been 5 days since the T20 World Cup started and we have already seen a few upsets. Netherlands beat England a few days before. West Indies thrashed Australia and then Sri Lanka sent the Aussies out of the tournament by beating them very convincingly. Pakistan barely managed to scratch into the super eights thanks to their 81 run over Netherlands today. As of now, I see five major teams vying for the trophy. Let’s have a look at each of the prospective winners.
South Africa: They have been the chokers for long. For many tournaments, the South Africans have blasted their ways to the finals only to falter when it mattered the most. Their strength lies in their dangerous batting order, which boasts of names such as Gibbs, AB De Villiers, Albie Morkel, and Smith. Jacque Kallis and Duminy can play the role of an accumulator very well. Their bowling also seems to be potent with Dale Steyn, Ntini, and Morkel. Their major weakness is their tendency to falter in most important matches.
New Zealand: I bet my money on the Kiwis to win the 2009 T20 World cup. This team consists of quality hitters like Brendon Mccullum, Ross Taylor, Oram, and Jesse Ryder. Their slow bowlers, especially Oram and Styris, are going to be difficult to score off. Considering their ability to notch up big totals, I consider them favorites to win the T20 World cup. However, their bowlers are shown to be vulnerable to quality batsman. Moreover, if they use Mccullum or Ross Taylor early, they easily lose hopes of scoring/chasing a big total.
Sri Lanka: They are strong contenders for the title. They possess quality batsman such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Dilshan, Jayawardane, and Sangakkara and a lethal bowling attack in the form of Malinga, Mendis, and Murali. Considering the slow nature of England pitches, they are gonna be a handful to handle. However, the batting form of Jayasuriya seems to be a big worry. If the opponents do manage to hit Mendis or Murali, then Sri Lanka are going to find it hard to win matches.
India: The so-called favorites to win the World cup. Their chances have already taken a big blow due to Sehwag’s withdrawal due to injury. But they still posses some big hitters such as Gambhir, Rohit, Dhoni, Raina, Yuvraj, Yusuf, and Irfan. Their biggest drawback is that their batting order sometimes tends to collapse like a pack of cards. If India desire to win the World Cup, they need to click consistently as a unit. Dhoni needs to improve his captaincy. Of late, he has been relying more on his instincts rather than on his resources. If India needs to lift the cup, they need to thoroughly analyze their opponents and play accordingly. But due to their tendency to be inconsistent, I would not consider them to be hot favorites. Yuvraj and Raina need to prove their batting prowess in sporting pitches against the likes of Mendis and Murali.
West Indies: They have been the most mercurial team of all time. They have a potent batting order which has the firepower to blast any bowling attack. But unfortunately, the batting unit seldom clicks. They have always been guilty of throwing away a good start and end up losing matches which could have been won easily. Their greatest strength is their batting courtesy Gayle, Adrian, Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Chanderpaul, and Sarwan. Their biggest weakness is their inability to click as a team.
Pakistan: They have just scratched their way into the super eights. But they cannot be written off because Pakistan have always had the ability to bounce back from a pathetic start and win tournaments. The best example being the World cup victory in 1992. But in order to do that, they need to improve upon their batting and fielding. Their major problem has been a laid-back attitude which makes them lose matches miserably. Their biggest strength lies in their bowling courtesy Umar Gul, Afridi, and Ajmal. Their laidback attitude and lack of match practice may cost them dear.
England: They have a very slim chance to lift the World Cup. England, as we all know, have always been relying heavily upon 2-3 batsmen or bowlers to deliver the odds. This factor has always proved detrimental to the team. Moreover, Pietersen is carrying an injury and Flintoff is unlikely to play much of the games. Considering this factors, it would be a miracle even if they manage to make the semis. But as they say, Cricket is an unpredictable game, so never say NEVER.
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