The T20 World Cup tournament will start in a couple of days on 30th April and all the big boys of Cricket will try to go all out to win the coveted trophy. This is the third edition and India along with Pakistan have been the previous winners.
So who will win the trophy and become World T20 Champions?
I do not think it is fair to expect Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Ireland to have any real possibilities to become T20 Champs. It might be a miracle to see anyone of these teams to come up to the Semi-Finals.
So that leaves us with 8 teams and here is a analysis of their strengths and weakness.
Australia
Probably one of the most talented teams with great fielding. Australia has not one only one type of International event and that is the T20 World Cup. Knowing the proud Aussies they would be desperate to win. Their weakness could be a lot of youngsters led by a slightly inexperienced captain in Micheal Clarke. But then again MS Dhoni did lead a very young and inexperienced to T20 glory in 2007.
Player to watch out: Doug Bollinger especially after his fantastic performance for IPL champions Chennai Super Kings.
England
I feel England takes limited overs cricket not too seriously and they probably take T20 format even less seriously which of course hampers their ability to win big tournaments. So I would be very suprised to see them win, but then the T20 experiment did begin in England and their county cricketers are quite familiar with the format.
Player to watch out: Kevin Peiterson was very good during the Bangalore Royal Challengers and considering the great batsman he is I wont be surprised he wants to conquer this format.
India
India will be strong contenders with probably the most experianced T20 side thanks to IPL. MS Dhoni continues to be a very good captain but it still is a little weak in the bowling department. India will worry about Yuvraj Singh’s form with the bat.
Player to watch out: Suresh Raina has really blossomed into a big match player and world class fielder. It would be interesting to see Raina do wonders to stake his claim for ODI and Test squads.
New Zealand
New Zealand have always been the dark horses with limited talent but a very professional side. Many of them were with the IPL teams. Their strengths are their professionalism and fielding.
Player to watch out: Brendon McCullum will always be that spark of genius the Kiwis need but seem to be lacking to truly be a champion side.
Pakistan
Pakistan will struggle to defend their title. I feel their side will be depleted after so many players being dropped. Afridi is the captain but even he has earned bad publicity for biting the cricket ball to tamper with it. Pakistan still has incredible talent with in all probability cause some upsets but I doubt will have the consistency to become champions.
Player to watch out: Umar Gul can be dangerous as he showed during last years tournament that a quick burst of wickets can be match winning almost always.
West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa
All teams are strong but I still feel they lack the finesse to become champions in the T20 format. South Africa has struggled in T20 almost always and most of their players except Kallis did not have a great IPL. Sri Lanka are probably still rebuilding and look the most promising amongst the three.
West Indies will be playing at home and will be a force to reckon with considering they will have the likes of Keiron Pollard and Chris Gayle.
So who do you think will win the ICC T20 World Cup? I think Australia just might but truly do want India to win it. 😛
prediction6 india will won