T20 world cup

Posted on 9 months ago

Cricket extravaganza of the fourth Twenty20 World Cup tournament kicks off on Tuesday in Sri Lanka and none of 12 participating teams can predict for sure which of them would lift the cup this time. Cricket is all about this most fascinating shortest version of the game but expectations from participants from all across the world are enormous. There will be 27 matches between Sept 18 and Oct 4 and the final will be played at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The hosts take on Zimbabwe in the first encounter. The International Cricket Council, the sponsors, have placed 12 participating teams in four groups. Pakistan is in the Group D along with New Zealand and Bangladesh. Two teams, Ireland and Afghanistan, went through qualifying rounds for selection. Other teams in the ICC T20 World Cup, include Australia, India, England, the West Indies and South Africa. Pakistan plays its first match against the newly overhauled New Zealand on Sept 23.
Pakistan’s outfit, which appears stronger than before by recalling Abdur Razzaq and Imran Nazir and have in Nasir Jamshed one of the most talented cricketers in the world a class opener. They also have remarkable help from spinning ace Saeed Ajmal and a battery of qucikies and spinners. Thus they must do better because the team appears the best so far. They will, however, have to go for the best combination of 11 players no matter which side they are playing. Another important thing is sending batsmen in their right place and make bowling changes suiting the condition of the pitch. For example, Captain Mohammad Hafeez will feel better if he does not open the innings and leave the job to Imran Nazir and Nasir Jamshed. Similarly, Umar Akmal should be sent in higher batting order preferably one wicket down. The inclusion of Razzaq is also a must against all sides whereas Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Sami should better be given rest in the presence of Umar Gul. One area of concern is the fitness and form of Shahid Afridi and should not play; his vacancy can be filled by Asad Shafiq to strengthen the batting line-up. Pakistan will have to show consistency in their performance to wash away the stigma that they are consistently the most inconsistent side of the world. For this, all Pakistani cricketers should be 100 per cent fit and mentally strong not to yield under pressure.
For the sake of record, India won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 cup staged in South Africa in 2007 beating Pakistan by five runs in the final at Johannesburg. The second event took place in England and Pakistan lifted the Cup by defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the final at Lord’s, London. The third tournament was hosted by the West Indies with England, who defeated Australia by seven wickets in the final at Kensington Oval, Barbados, emerging victorious. Thus England, which won any of the ICC tournaments for the first time, are the defending champions..
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