World Twenty20 Preview

Firstly, I’d like to apologise for the lack of posts really. Considering the events that have happened since the last post including the resignation of Andy Flower and the sacking of Kevin Pietersen, I would wish to be more active on this site. Nevertheless, I will still be tweeting my opinions on many issues about world cricket so be sure to follow my twitter account @voicefromstands.

However, looking to the future, in under three weeks time, Bangladesh will host the first match of the ICC World Twenty20 competition. Many countries will have their eyes on silverware and lifting an international trophy and I will rate the chances of the Top 8 nations vying for the trophy.

England – 9/1

Having won the title back in 2010, England will want to regain the crown. However, having been on the wrong side of a 3-0 whitewash against Australia last month, they will be seeking to try and rebuild confidence in the series against West Indies before going into the competition. The sacking of Kevin Pietersen has left a hole in the middle order, but this squad is still very inexperienced and there are many candidates wishing to fill the hole albeit without the same calibre of KP.

Star Man – Eoin Morgan – Especially now without Kevin Pietersen, England’s middle order is very reliant on the exploits of Eoin Morgan. The Irish born left hander is definitely capable of  producing wonderful innings and was one of the few to be able to leave the Australia tour with his head held high. Although many are calling for a recall to the test team, T20 is his format and England will want him to deliver.

Chances – My one main concern for England is spin. In sub-continental conditions, it was shown in Sri Lanka last time that England lacked a quality spinner. James Tredwell can definitely do a good job for England and has proven that in the past but most teams will play two spinners and Stephen Parry is an unknown quantity. Prediction: Group Stage

South Africa – 6/1

They have a squad list that just oozes quality: Hashim Amla, AB De Villiers, Dale Steyn. However, under Twenty20 captain Faf du Plessis, they do not have someone who has had lots of experience captaining at international level. Will want to finally win some silverware and remove the tag of “chokers”. We know that they have a world class bowling line up so a lot will be needed from Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla to get the team off to a good start. However, still lack a world-class spinner. Imran Tahir has not developed into a front-line spinner so they may want many overs from JP Duminy. Prediction: Group Stage

India – 4/1

The bookies’ favourites and for a reason too. People know that they will be suited to the sub-continental conditions and have won the World T20 before. A similar squad to the victorious one of the Champions Trophy and the batting line-up is certainly impressive. Shikhar Dhawan adds a new dimension to the top of the order and Virat Kohli is a dependable player. Bowling line-up is still a little weak. Although improved with the addition of Mohammed Shami, the other pace bowlers can be wayward. Predictions: Semi Final

Pakistan – 13/2

A young squad with a lot of raw talent although a lack of recent success in international competitions. Pakistan seem to not know their strongest line up which may prove costly and although the opening batsman of Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad have had success domestically, it has not yet been fully converted into international cricket. The other problem they have is the group. India, West Indies and Australia may be difficult to surpass. Predictions: Group Stage

Australia – 9/2

Their odds have fallen dramatically following the rise of Mitchell Johnson from an inconsistent but quick bowler to a devastating destroyer. He will still be crucial to their success although it would be foolish to suggest that he will be unable to replicate that it sub-continent conditions as he proved in the recent Indian series. Australia come into the tournament in fine form and can thank the Darren Lehmann for changing the team from the laughing stock of cricket into world beaters in less than a year. Prediction: Final

Sri Lanka – 6/1

The underdogs and my favourite to win the title. They came so close to winning in home conditions last time and with similar pitches expected in Bangladesh they could be a real threat. They possess great spinners with Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath, useful fast bowlers in the conditions in Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara and it is impossible to ignore the batting of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. A really strong squad and know how to win Twenty20 matches. Prediction: Winners

West Indies – 13/2

Considering their status as reigning champions, you would expect shorter odds although their victory last time was a real shock. Their main problem lies from the fact that they are too reliant on Chris Gayle at the top of the order and although Sunil Narine is a special talent, the bowling is weak. Few batting line ups are going to be scared of having to face Darren Sammy for example. It’s a real shame that politics affects the West Indian team so much. Prediction: Group Stage

New Zealand – 10/1

Traditionally, New Zealand have also overperformed in international competitions and with their current squad I expect them to do that again. Their batting contains new hero Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, the new world record holder Corey Anderson and the extremely talented Kane Williamson. This is a team with very few weak links now. Their dominance over India in the recent series over all three formats shows that they are a force to be reckoned with and although they have not won an international trophy since the 2000 Champions Trophy, they are still a major force in world cricket and should not be ignored in the new ICC proposals. Predictions: Semi Finals