World T-20: A preview

As the intensity of T-20 cricket grips the world cricketing audience, the focus shifts from South Africa to cricket’s spiritual home, England. After a tremendous IPL, players from different nations will fight it out for the biggest prize in T-20 cricket – the World Cup.

Ever since the inaugural World Cup two years back in South Africa, the cricketing world has seen dramatic changes both on and off the field. The IPL has made millionaires of unknown cricketers and has made T-20 cricket the game’s hottest reincarnation. The first World Cup was played at a time when T-20 cricket was beginning to take shape. But in these two years, especially after two IPL seasons, T-20 cricket is suddenly everywhere. Teams are now playing T-20 matches more methodically – it’s no longer simply hit and miss cricket. So this World Cup promises to be a cracker.

Here’s a look at the chances of the major teams in the running:

India: M.S. Dhoni’s biggest test as India captain comes now. In the first edition, no one expected India to win. Now to live up to that win is what will determine whether they are a great team, or just a good one. Australia and the West Indies have shown us how to defend World Cups. It remains to be seen whether this strong Indian line up can live up to its potential.

The consistency of Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma and Yousuf Pathan would be a crucial factor in deciding India’s fate. Injuries to Sehwag and Zaheer Khan could be cause for concern. It also remains to be seen if the fatigue factor comes into play.

Australia: Although their T-20 record has not been impressive, they would be desperate to add this World Cup to their glittering cricket history. The team will be bolstered by the inclusion of Symonds, Shane Watson and latest sensation David Warner. This is the team to beat in this World Cup. In Nathan Bracken, Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson, Australia has perhaps the best bowling attack of the tournament. Ponting’s form could be crucial in their progress.

South Africa: One of the most balanced sides in this World Cup, it remains to be seen whether they can shed their chokers tag this time around. With Gibbs, Smith, De Villiers and Duminy in top form and with all-rounders like Kallis and the Morkel brothers, the Proteas are one of the pre-tournament favourites. The IPL has unearthed a gem for them –Yousuf Abdullah, who along with Dale Steyn can be devastating for opposition batsmen.

England: Home conditions will provide them a head start. England, like South Africa has faltered at the big stages. However, under new captain Paul Collingwood, they have, at least on paper, a side capable of making inroads deep into the tournament. The absence of talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff would be a big blow to their aspirations. An inexperienced bowling attack might well be their undoing.

Sri Lanka: A team that’s got a new lease of life after the heinous terror attacks in Pakistan, the Lankans have a new captain in Kumara Sangakkara. Sri Lanka has very potent batting and bowling attack and the potential of playing into the final stages of the tournament. With Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralidharan and Ajantha Mendis to complement their strong batting line up, this team would be a hard nut to crack.

Pakistan: They were just one stroke away from glory last year when Misbah went from hero to zero in the blink of an eye. Revenge must be on their minds. Plagued by lack of cricket due to terrorism and an unstable democracy, most of their players are fresh. Here’s a team that thrives on unpredictability. They have a talented bunch of new players like Ahmad Shamzad and Mohaamad Aamir who can very well spring a surprise. However, Shoaib’s absence might prove to be their Achilles heel.

West Indies: Consistency is their biggest enemy. A miserable tour of England has dented their confidence. But again, you never know what to expect from this team. In Chris Gayle, they have one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket at the moment. Andre Fletcher, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo can complement their captain but the bowling remains a constant cause of concern.

New Zealand: The Kiwis are a team in good T-20 form, having beaten India 2-0 earlier this year. With players like McCullum, Ross Taylor, Jesse Ryder and Jacob Oram they form a great T-20 side. Moreover, Vettori’s spin might prove to be the undoing for many teams. Shane Bond’s absence is still felt, however.

The remaining four teams - Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands and Ireland - should be easy prey for their illustrious counterparts. However, given the nature of T-20 cricket, upsets cannot be ruled out. Dirk Nannes, star of the Delhi Daredevils, should emerge as the mainstay for an otherwise depleted Netherlands side.

With just a day to go before the World Cup kicks off, the warm up matches are in play. One thing is for sure: no matter which team wins the tournament, we are in for a month full of entertainment.