T20 WC 2014 – GROUP 2 CONTENDERS – THE GROUP OF DEATH

This is one tournament where there is absolutely no clear favourite. And going by the past, this is a format in which being favourites has had no concrete repercussion. In Group 2 we have West Indies, India, Pakistan, Australia and Bangladesh (whose qualification is pretty much certain in the main draw). Remember only two of these teams can progress to the Semi Finals. With each of these teams having multiple match winners in their ranks, thus the “Death Group”.

1)      AUSTRALIA –  SPIRITED TO TRIUMPH

The ICC World T20 is the only trophy the Aussies have been deprived since its inception. The fifth edition of the event is here, and I believe this is Australia’s best chance to conquer this format. After comprehensively losing the Ashes during the last English summer, the Australian fortunes seemed to have reversed in the last few months. They have the strongest batting line up in the tournament, full of in-form potential match winners. The only regret is losing the red hot Mitchell Johnson who has been in the form of his life to an infected toe. The players who have not participated in the IPL could be short on experience in the sub-continent playing conditions.

Likely XI- 1) D Warner, 2) A Finch, 3) S Watson, 4) G Bailey, 5) G Maxwell, 6) B Hodge/C White, 7) B Haddin, 8) J Faulkner, 9) B Hogg, 10) M Starc, 11) N Coulter Nile  

 

2)     PAKISTAN  - SURPRISINGLY CONSISTENT

 This is one team which most cricket analysts and experts don’t associate the word “consistent” with. Make no mistake; Pakistan is the only team to have made it to top 4 in each of four previous editions of this format. Not playing in the IPL could be the ideal motivation for them to express themselves. With a blend of experience and youth, Pakistan has the right combination to go the distance this time around as well.

Likely XI – 1) S Khan, 2) K Akmal, 3) M Hafeez, 4) S Malik, 5) S Maqsood, 6) U Akmal, 7) S Afridi, 8) U Gul, 9) J Khan, 10) S Ajmal, 11) S Tanvir / B Bhatti / M Talha 
 

3)     WEST INDIES – DANCING CHAMPIONS
The defending champions have a number of match winners in their ranks. They have some big hitters and some very big hitters. They give us the impression that they are playing to have fun and are sure shot entertainers. This kind of approach could help maximize results in what could otherwise be high pressure cricket. They are well suited to playing in the sub-continent as we saw them lift the last T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. Their only and biggest concern is playing consistently and their ability to handle the defending champions tag. 

Likely XI – 1) D Smith, 2) C Gayle, 3) M Samuels, 4) L Simmons, 5) DJ Bravo, 6) D Ramdin, 7) D Sammy, 8) A Russell / R Rampaul, 9) S Narine, 10) S Badree, 11) K Santokie

4)     INDIA – STAR STUDDED MILLIONAIRES

Since the inaugural T20 World 2007 title, they have been under achievers in this format.  In all of the last 3 editions, India has failed to reach the TOP FOUR. They are entering this tournament on the back of a disappointing last 3 to 4 months (Asia Cup, NZ & RSA Tour). Despite having played a lot of IPL games they are still substantially short on T20I experience. The batsmen not being in the best of form are still dangerous and highly capable of beating the best in the world. The death bowling questions have been more or less permanent for an Indian fan. 

Likely XI – 1) S Dhawan, 2) R Sharma, 3) V Kohli, 4) S Raina, 5) Y Singh, 6) MS Dhoni, 7) R Jadeja,  8) R Ashwin, 9) B Kumar, 10) M Shami,  11) V Aaron / A Mishra

5)     BANGLADESH – FORMIDABLE HOSTS

Being the hosts and with one leg already into next stage, they will be anxious to make an impact in this tournament. They have showed glimpses of brilliance in the past but haven’t been able to pull off anything spectacular. Playing at home, they are a very dangerous side and can surely spring a surprise or two. If not making the party, they are more than capable of spoiling parties. Write them off at your own peril.

Likely XI 1) T Iqbal, 2) A Haque, 3) Shakib Al Hasan, 4) M Rahim, 5) S Rahman, 6) N Hossain, 7) Mahmudullah, 8) M Mortaza, 9) F Reza, 10) A Razzak, 11) Al-Amin Hossain

SOON TO FOLLOW :- T20 WC 2014 – GROUP 1 CONTENDERS