Roundup before T20 World Cup

The growing legitimacy of this form of the game, certainly envisages great matches to come. As the stage shifts from the displaced glamor league to the sedate surroundings of the early english summer, all the big guns are here. Without Gilchrist, Hayden, Kumble or Tendulkar.

Ponting has the greatest to prove. Having held the One-Day and Test leadership for so long, it seems fitting that he should have this crown too. Instant planning and game-changing tactics are forming new ways in which this game is played. On technique and form he has as good a team as any other. Can he make a winning combination out of them in the Instant Game too ?

The "Cool-Dude" returns to the championship that laid the way for his legendary run through the last year. His greatest opponent will be fatigue, of playing too much? But it will be hunger of the younger lot in Raina, the Pathans and the Sharmas that will have to see to the glory. The bowling will be key, as will his own form. His tendency, of late, to juggle his own position has not always yielded as desired. But, that was the league, he has of course been at his best as the Indian captain.

He is the hungriest for a major championship as their talent has faltered at the 11th hour. His star batting lineup can't be matched. Smith, Gibbs, Kallis, De Villiers, Duminy, Merckel and Boucher is literally a dream on paper. But can they finally deliver the goods ?

Vettori is the quintessential cricketer. His bowling seems to be the epitome of the T20 game. Tie the batsmen down to create a false stroke. from him. The thinking captain of our times, can be harmonize the excellent talents of McCullum, Ryder, Guptill, Taylor,Oram, Franklin and Styris ?
As a debutant captain he will have his hands full with the varied talents of the seniors and juniors. Blending the temperaments of Murlitharan, Malinga, Jayasuriya, Mahroof et al will be well worth watching. With Jayawardene in fine nick, the Lankans can present a strong challenge to any team ...id

The laid back captain of the Windies is a strong supporter of this form of the game. But his team seems a headless bunch at the moment. But they can pull offf a surprise on their day.

With lack of International play over the past year puts this team a quite an unknown. Lets hope this tornament can help Pakistan get its place back in cricket's elite. With astonishing performances by Afghanistan recently, it can take some pride in that role.


As minnows of the big-league, they are not expected to do much. But if Shakib, Tamim or Asharful himself can turn any match around ...