England 4-149 def. New Zealand 6-148 by 6 wickets with 7 balls remaining.
Summary:
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat. Their batting order was inconsistent early falling to 4-67 off 11.4 overs. Ross Taylor (22) and James Franklin (50) came to the crease and restored some stability. Steve Finn was the deadliest bowler for the English with 3/16 off 4 overs. The Kiwi's were only able to achieve a modest target of 6 for 148.
England had an almost identical start. They reached 50 runs in 54 balls, the same as New Zealand but, had one more wicket in hand than the Kiwi's. Luke Wright (76) and Eoin Morgan (30) posted an 89-run partnership to steer England to victory with 7 balls remaining.
Sri Lanka 130/1 (Jayawardene 65*, Sangakkara 39*) defeated West Indies 129/5 (Samuels 50, Bravo 40)
Summary:
A stifling performance by Sri Lanka's bowlers has all but assured the hosts a place in the semi-finals of the 2012 T20 World Cup. A varied attack of off and leg spin coupled with the cunning of pace bowlers Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasakera restricted the powerful West Indian batting line up to just 129 despite taking only five wickets. That set the scene for an easy run chase, the lowest at the Pallekele ground, spearheaded by veterans Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara who reached the total with 28 balls to spare.
Containment strategy:
Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene got a great read of the local conditions and used them to keep the West Indian line up off-guard. He regularly rotated his bowlers, often giving them just one over at a time to prevent batsmen adjusting to each bowler. His bowlers backed up his plan with a wide array of spinning deliveries, slower balls and yorkers to keep the West Indian batsmen in check. A victory for guile over strength.
Summary:
What an awesome decision by the West Indies to bat first. Johnson Charles (84) and Chris Gayle (58) blasted the English bowlers all over the ground. The opening partnership finished on 103 when Steven Finn redeemed himself by catching Chris Gayle in the deep after dropping Johnson Charles the previous ball. Unfortunately, besides the two openers, everyone else failed to fire with the bat. Despite this, the West Indies posted a respectable figure of 179.
England had a steep task ahead of them chasing down 179. It could not have been a worse start for the Poms with Craig Kieswetter making a duck before the English could get a run on the board. Luke Wright was gone the next ball leaving them 2-0. Ravi Rampaul collected both wickets in the first over and set the tone for the fielding side. Alex Hales (68) and Eoin Morgan (71*) steadied the Poms but it wasn't enough to win, falling short with 4-164.
West Indies won by 15 runs.
Sri Lanka 174/6 (Dilshan 76, Jayawardene 44) defeated New Zealand 174/7 (Nicol 58, Guptil 38) in a super over eliminator.
Summary:
A stifling super over from paceman Lasith Malinga has lifted Sri Lanka to victory in the best game of the T20 World Cup so far. After the scores were tied at the end of the Sri Lankan innings, both teams got to face one extra over to decide the outcome of the match. Sri Lanka took advantage of some wayward bowling from Kiwi Tim Southee (3 wides) to set New Zealand a target of 14 for victory. Malinga then produced a perfect example of death bowling to restrict the New Zealanders to just seven runs. This came after a dramatic finish to the end of the Sri Lankan innings. Needing just one run to win off the final ball Lahiru Thirimanne mis-hit the ball out to the point region, the return came in to Kiwi captain Ross Taylor, who fumbled the ball but deflected it onto the stumps, running out Thirimanne and forcing the super over.
That's what we're talking about:
After a fairly dreary opening week, this match has brought the tournament to life. This match had many twists and turns, with both teams having opportunities to seize the game by the scruff of the neck, only to be stymied by tenacious fight backs by the opposing side. New Zealand will be rueing the moderate finish it had to its innings, while Sri Lanka will be thankful they were still able to scrape a win after Tillakaratne Dilshan had seemingly set them on their way to victory in the regular 20 over period.
One of the biggest criticisms of Twenty20 cricket is that it is essentially meaningless, a hit-and-giggle game without the meaning attached to one-day internationals and especially Test cricket. With this criticism in mind, the International Cricket Council (ICC) should view the Twenty20 World Cup as an opportunity to debunk this idea by providing three weeks of exciting cricket packed full of important matches. But unfortunately what we have got so far in this tournament has been a week of mis-matches with predictable results.
By an odd quirk of the draw, the second Super Eight group features two past winners, the 2010 runner-up and the current No.1 ranked team. It also contains the four unbeaten teams in the tournament, none of whom were overly troubled during the group stage. India did what it had to do against Afghanistan before pummelling England, while Australia have been carried by some impressive performances from Shane Watson. Pakistan's top order has been firing in the group stage and South Africa has underlined it's number one ranking with two disciplined and clinical performances, even in farcical situations.
Who Progresses?
Pakistan looms as a real danger now that its top order, potentially a weak link, is up and running as they have a bowling line-up well suited to T20 cricket in the sub-continent. South Africa has been the most impressive team so far and would be favoured to go through, although it's getting close to the period when traditionally they struggle with a few mental demons. Australia needs it's top order to continue in the form that it showed in the group matches, as their middle order is potentially vulnerable, while India would hope for more of the conditions dished up against England, as their pace stocks look a little thin.
The end of the group stages has seen, somewhat predictably, the weakest four teams exit the tournament without threatening to upset the tournament heavyweights.
From here on in though the competition gets much tougher, with the remaining teams split into two groups, with the top two in each progressing to the knock-out semi finals.
GROUP 1:
This must be seen as the weaker group, both in terms of reputation and form. Defending champions England bullied Afghanistan in its opening game before being getting thrashed by India. New Zealand opened impressively against Bangladesh before going down to Pakistan, while both the West Indies and Sri Lanka have been hampered by the weather. The Lankan's could only take to the field for 14 overs in total in their loss to South Africa, while the West Indies second group match was washed out. This creates the curious scenario where the Windies have advanced to the Super Eights without winning a match.
Who progresses?
On form you would hesitantly pick hosts Sri Lanka and the under-rated New Zealand. Sri Lanka have the advantage of home support and conditions and have a good record in big tournaments. New Zealand have been more competitive and consistent then the other two teams in the group and have a good chance to spring a surprise to make it to the semi-finals. To progress from this group, England needs to show that its horrendous effort against spin was a one-off, while the West Indies' unpredictability could shape the outcome of this group.
Bangladesh 175/6 (Al Hasan 84, Arafat 3/25) lost to Pakistan 178/2 (Nazir 72, Hafeez 45)
Summary:
The pitch suggested it was a batter's paradise with Bangladesh jumping at the bit to bat first. Openers, Tamim Iqbal (24) and Mohammad Ashraful (14) got the scoreboard ticking over quickly before first drop batsman, Shakid Al Hasan came in to blow away a star-studded Pakistani bowling attack. Al Hasan finished with 11 fours and 2 sixes before being caught on 84 by Umar Akmal off Yasir Arafat's bowling. Bangladesh posted 6-175.
Pakistan were tasked with a difficult run chase but, the class came to the fore with Imran Nazir (72) and Mohammad Hafeez (45) delivering an opening partnership of 124 in 13 overs.The game was all Pakistan's from there and Nasir Jamshed (29*) and Kamran Akmal (22*) were left to finish the job with 8 balls remaining.
Stats Watch:
Bangladesh: Shakid Al Hasan made an outstanding 84 with the bat.
Pakistan: Imran Nazir set up the victory with his quickfire 72 including 9 fours and 3 sixes. Yasir Arafat was the lone shining light with the ball recording figures of 3 for 25.
Who's Hot:
The whole Pakistani batting lineup. I would be frightened if I were an opposition bowling attack. Beware of these guys in the Super Eight.
Shakid Al Hasan, but, unfortunately this game was his last for the tournament.
What it means:
Bangladesh is out of the Twenty20 World Cup.
Pakistan flies into the Super Eight group with super form. They will need to maintain every bit of it to achieve a victory over the South Africans on Friday though.
The Votes:
MVP:
3 - Shakid Al Hasan (Bangladesh) 84 runs in a losing team, impressive.
2 - Imran Nazir (Pakistan) a quick 72 with plenty of sixes.
1 - Yasir Arafat (Pakistan) the best bowler of either team.
Tucker Trophy:
3 - Mahmudullah (Bangladesh) a second ball duck guarantees a vote.
2 - Umar Gul (Pakistan) 43 runs from 3 overs with the ball, no wickets and a wide.
1 - Shafiul Islam (Bangladesh) blasted all around the park with the ball, 2 wides and no wickets.
India 170/4 (Sharma 55, Gambhir 45) defeated England 80 (Kieswtter 35, Singh 4/12)
Summary:
Harbhajan Singh marked his return from a year in the international cricketing wilderness with an off-spin masterclass to guide India past England. Singh claimed 4 for 12 while also bowling two maiden overs as England crumbled in the face of an Indian spin assault on a stereotypical sub-continental turning wicket. Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir had earlier played assured innings to set England a difficult target, as their bowlers struggled to make inroads into the Indian batting lineup. England's run chase never got going, with opener Craig Kieswetter providing the only resistance.
The pitch:
It is fair to say that the English team missed the mark in the read of the pitch, dropping their other frontline spinner, Samit Patel (who took 2/6 in their opening game), in favour of a more pace-oriented bowling attack. India on the other hand played two spinners who combined had the figures of eight overs, three maidens, 6/25. Not hard to see who played the conditions better.
Who's hot:
India: Harbhajan; a bit of a loose cannon, but when he's on form is one of the most dangerous spinners in international cricket. India's big name batsmen are also getting amongst the runs.
England: The team selectors will surely be getting a few queries headed their way given the total misread of the conditions. Off-spinner Graeme Swann was not surprisingly England's most dangerous and economical bowler.
What it means:
India: Goes into the Super Eight stage undefeated and in reasonable form. The bowling effort tonight may quieten a few of the doubters over the strength of the Indian attack.
England: Not all that much, as they still progress to the next stage. Some opposition teams may view this as a confirmation of England's vulnerability in sub-continental conditions.
The Votes:
MVP: 3- H Singh, 2- P Chawla (2/13, Harbhajan's foil), 1- R Sharma (top-scored with 55)
Tucker Trophy: 1- AB Dinda (went for 26 off two overs), 2- J Dernbach (bore the brunt of Sharma's assault), 3- J Bairstow (1 run, chewed up eight balls, looked decidedly uncomfortable against spin)
A solid performance from Pakistan's occasionally suspect top order laid the platform for a tight 13-run victory over a fast finishing New Zealand. Captain and opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez anchored the innings enabling others, including fifth gamer Nasir Jamshed, to play more aggressively. New Zealand opted to play it safe in early in the run chase, pushing heavy hitters Brendan McCullum, Jacob Oram and captain Ross Taylor down the order. The tactic nearly paid off too, if not for the crafty bowling of Saeed Ajmal and the run-out of Taylor to keep the Kiwi's from reaching the target of 178.
The game-within-a-game:
This match pitted the teams strengths against each other as well as their weaknesses. Pakistan won both of those contests, which led to them winning the match. Pakistan's slightly thin batting line-up was able to resist the efforts of a reasonably pedestrian Kiwi attack, while their bowlers were able to keep in check a potentially dangerous New Zealand batting order.
Who's hot:
Pakistan: Captain Mohammad Hafeez led from the front, backing his batsmen and then came on to bowl four economical overs. Spinner Ajmal held his nerve in the face of a Kiwi onslaught in the final overs.
New Zealand: Opener Rob Nicol looked fluent for his 33, while Ross Taylor was looking dangerous before a calamitous run-out. Spinner Daniel Vettori returned to form after a quiet opening match.
What it means:
Pakistan: Much less pressure on the final group game against Bangladesh. Pakistan can afford to lose by up to 36 runs and still qualify for the Super Eight stage.
New Zealand: The big opening win against Bangladesh ensured qualification for Super Eights, even if Bangladesh defeats Pakistan. The tactic of holding back until the final overs may need to be reviewed, it left too much for them to do in this match.
The Votes:
MVP: 3- N Jamshed (maiden T20 half-century in 5th game), 2- M Hafeez (43 with the bat and 0/15 off four overs), 1- S Ajmal (4 wickets halted NZ momentum) Tucker Trophy: 1- R Taylor (Kiwi tactics may have caused the loss), 2- K Akmal (only three runs coming in at No.4), 3- N McCullum (5 runs with the bat, conceded 23 off two overs with the ball)
West Indies 191/8 (Gayle 54, Samuels 50) lost to Australia 100/1 (Watson 41*, Hussey 28*)
Summary:
Australia advanced to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup with a 100% winning record thanks to another match-winning performance from Shane Watson, and the mathematical calculations of Messrs Duckworth and Lewis. In a match shortened by rain, the Australian bowlers endured a torrid time from the power-packed West Indian batting lineup led by opener Chris Gayle who top-scored with 54. In reply, Australia's top order got off to a blistering start, reaching 100 in the tenth over before heavy rain halted the match.
The rain:
The deluge that began at the mid-point of the Australian innings ruined what was a potentially thrilling finish. Australia required a further 92 runs off the last 65 balls to chase down what would have been the 4th highest run chase in T20 World Cup history. It also meant that the West Indies didn't get the chance to rectify a poor start to the defence of what was still a tough total to reach.
Who's hot:
West Indies: Chris Gayle threatened to remove any chance Australia had in the match before being deceived by a Watson slower ball. The middle order also provided valuable runs at a rapid rate of knots.
Australia: The top order fired again for Australia, reaching 100 in just 57 deliveries. Mitchell Starc continued his good start to the tournament with three wickets.
What it means:
West Indies: A potentially nervy must-win match against Ireland to progress to the Super Eights. The West Indian bowling attack was unthreatening and leaked runs, something they must look at before the next match.
Australia: Undefeated after two games, but with a worry about the bowling attack which copped a pasting. Lynchpins of the batting order in good form though.
The Votes:
MVP: 3- S Watson (41 and wickets of Gayle and Samuels), 2- C Gayle (games top-scorer), 1- M Samuels (took up attack after Gayle's dismissal).
Tucker Trophy: 1- G Maxwell (went or 17 off one over), 2- R Rampaul (conceded 23 in seven balls), 3- D Smith (made a duck and dropped Watson, which could have won the game for the West Indies).
South Africa 78/4 (de Villiers 30, Amla 16) defeated Sri Lanka 46/5 (Sangakkara 13, Steyn 2/10)
Summary:
A large crowd were forced to endure a nearly three hour rain delay before watching the hosts convincingly beaten by the top-ranked South Africans. With the match reduced to just seven overs per side, batsmen were given license to hit out or get out. Unfortunately for partisan crowd, Sri Lanka took the latter while South Africa the former. Captain A.B de Villiers crunched 30 off just 13 balls as South Africa scored at an impressive 11 runs per over. The Sri Lankan chase was over before it began, losing two wickets in the first two overs.
The farce:
This game was already meaningless as both teams had already progressed to the Super Eight stage after wins against Zimbabwe, but to make it a 14-over game bordered on ridiculous. Condensing what is already a condensed version of the game. This match was definitely not one for the cricketing purists.
Who's hot:
It's impossible to gauge who was running hot in this match due to its abbreviated nature. De Villiers top-scored with 30 although as he was doing what every other batsman was doing, coming to the crease and swinging with gay abandon, you could argue he was as lucky as he was in form. Who should come under heat are the World Cup and Sri Lankan officials who would not or could not reschedule the game or provide a refund for the 35,000 strong crowd.
What it means:
South Africa: Zilch
Sri Lanka: Nada
The Votes:
MVP: 3- A.B de Villiers (top scored), 2- D Steyn (menacing even in 6 ball bursts), 1-K Sangakkara (top scored for the Lankans and made a nice stumping)
Tucker Trophy: 1- M Jayawardene (made 4 with the bat and ran out opening partner Dilshan), 2- ICC referees and umpires (for not cancelling the game), 3- The weather (the root cause of the problem!)
English all-rounder Luke Wright fell agonisingly short of a maiden T20 century as England made Afghanistan the second team eliminated in the T20 World Cup. After Afghanistan made a great start to have England 0/1 after the first over, Wright came in at no.3 and batted through the innings to set an almost impossible target for the inexperienced Afghanis. The English bowlers then set about systematically destroying the Afghan batting line-up, reducing them to 26/8 before some lusty hitting by lower order batsman Gulbodin Naib ensured that the crowd at least got their money's worth.
The perfect game:
If you asked England captain Stuart Broad, or any captain for that matter, what the perfect game would look like it would be this. A top order batsman batting through the innings, with the other players feeding him the strike or hitting out themselves. Then the bowlers not taking the foot off the throat of the opposition batsmen for the entire 20 overs.
Who's hot:
England: Wright belied his modest T20 average of 18 to record the second best score of the tournament. The English bowling attack dismantled Afghanistan in a team effort, with no bowler taking more than two wickets.
Afghanistan: Pace bowler Shapoor Zadran start the match in a blaze of glory with a wicket maiden, while Naib bettered his highest score in T20 cricket by 27 runs.
What it means:
England: Tuned up for the clash with heavyweights India. Will go in with confidence and optimism following India's less than impressive showing against the same opposition.
Afghanistan: Disappointing but rather predictable end for Afghanistan who showed much promise against local rivals India but couldn't back it up. It's the lemonade and sars for Afghanistan in 2012.
The Votes:
MVP: 3- L Wright, 2- S Patel (2/6, pretty tidy figures), 1- S Broad (2/10 with a maiden).
Tucker Trophy: 1- Shaifqullah (finished the tournament with a grand total of 9 runs), 2- M Nabi (46 conceded with the ball, 1 scored with the bat), 3- I Dawlatzai (dropped a catch and went for an eye watering 18.66 runs an over).
New Zealand 191/3 (McCullum 123, Franklin 35) defeated Bangladesh 132/8 (Hossain 50, Southee 3/16)
Summary:
Wicketkeeper Brendan McCullum clubbed 123 off only 58 balls, the highest T20 score in an international match, as New Zealand recovered from a modest start to post the highest score of the tournament. Coming in in the fourth over with the score on 19, McCullum hit 11 fours and seven sixes before being dismissed with the final ball of the innings. Bangladesh were never in the hunt during the run chase losing wickets at regular intervals, beginning with key batsman Tamim Iqbal in the first over.
The centurion:
McCullum becomes the first batsman to score two T20 international hundreds, his first coming against Australia in 2010. He showed that in T20 cricket it is possible to play yourself in, scoring only nine runs from his first ten deliveries before cutting loose to record 50 off 29 balls and reaching a hundred off 51 deliveries. McCullum now also holds the record for the most fours and sixes in T20 internationals.
Who's hot:
New Zealand: McCullum obviously, although the Kiwi's will be happy with their bowling attack. Their fast men Kyle Mills, Tim Southee and Jacob Oram accounted for seven of the eight Bangladeshi wickets, despite slow bowling generally being the favoured option in T20 cricket.
Bangladesh: The fielding coach may come under a bit of heat after a lacklustre performance in the field. Nassir Hossain battled gamely with the bat, while Abdur Razzak was the pick of the bowlers.
What it means:
New Zealand: Confidence boost ahead of the game against Pakistan, with progression to the Super Eights virtually assured. With McCullum in this sort of form, New Zealand could pose a real threat in this tournament.
Bangladesh: A simple equation, they must win against Pakistan and then hope results go their way. Given the unpredictability of both teams anything is possible, although Bangladesh's abominable T20 World cup record (haven't won a match since 2007) would suggest they will shortly be making the quick flight back to Dhaka.
The Votes:
MVP 3- B McCullum, 2- T Southee (3 wickets while economical), 1- N Hossain (provided only Bangladeshi resistance)
Tucker Trophy: 1- E Sunny (bore the brunt of McCullum's attack), T Iqbal (soft dismissal set tone of innings), 3- M Rahim (captain didn't have a great day in the field or with the bat)
Zimbabwe 93/8 (Ervine 37, Kallis 4/15) lost to South Africa 94/0 (Levi 50*, Amla 32*)
Summary:
Zimbabwe are the first team out of the 2012 T20 World Cup after a crushing defeat to their African neighbours. They were bullied from the outset, with opening bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel going for just nine and 16 runs respectively for their four over spells, while also taking three wickets. Jacques Kallis then completed the job with four middle-order scalps. Richard Levi and Hashim Amla were then untroubled in the run chase, reaching the target with more than seven overs to spare.
Grim reading:
Only two players reached doubled figures for Zimbabwe with Craig Ervine responsible for more than a third of their run total.
In Zimbabwe's two group matches they were only able to take four wickets, three of which came from run-outs.
This was the first match of the T20 tournament where a spinner failed to take a wicket.
Who's Hot:
South Africa: Pretty much everyone. The pace bowlers were disciplined and intimidating while the opening batsmen looked rock solid. Alternatively you could say no-one got hot as it was such an easy game for the Proteas.
Zimbabwe: Hard to mount a case for anyone really, apart from Craig Ervine whose 37 runs came off 40 balls
What it means:
South Africa: Made the second group game against Sri Lanka a dead-rubber as both teams are already qualified. Clinical display bodes well for later in the tournament.
Zimbabwe: Were never likely to progress out of the group but the manner in which they went out is disappointing, with two pretty substantial losses. Key players failed to fire.
The Votes:
MVP: 3- J Kallis (4/15 with one maiden), 2- R Levi (2nd highest T20 score), 1- C Ervine (tried to right a sinking ship)
Tucker Trophy: 1- B Taylor (Zimbabwe needed much more from their captain), 2- B Vitori (went for 21 runs off two overs), 3- V Sibanda (total contribution a duck and a dropped catch)
Ireland 123/7 (K O'Brien 35, Watson 3/26) lost to Australia 125/3 (Watson 51, Warner 26)
Summary:
Australia avoided another embarrassing group stage defeat with a commanding performance against Ireland. Shane Watson set the tone removing Irish opener William Porterfield with the first ball of the game, as the Aussie attack took wickets at regular intervals to restrict Ireland to a low total. Watson and fellow opener Dave Warner ensured Australia were never troubled in the run chase.
All-round performance:
The match ended up being all about Shane Watson. Took three wickets with the ball including the key wicket of Irish top-scorer Kevin O'Brien, before notching the tournaments first fifty in a typically bludgeoning fashion. Was also involved in a bit of by-play on the field with the Irish player and the umpires.
Who's hot:
Australia: Watson aside, the Aussie will be encouraged by the performances of Mitchell Starc (2/20) with the ball and Cameron White (22 off 19) closing the innings. Captain George Bailey's move to open the bowling with Watson was inspired.
Ireland: The O'Brien brothers provided the most resistance to the Australians combining for 55 runs and a wicket. Opening bowler Rankin competed hard against without reward against Watson and Warner.
What it means:
Australia: Have shown that T20 rankings are pretty meaningless, as Australia have at times been ranked below Ireland. Can now concentrate on Super Eight stage without worrying about needing a result against the West Indies.
Ireland: Teams now take Ireland very seriously after their efforts at the last T20 World Cup. Will need to improve dramatically to challenge the West Indies.
The Votes:
MVP: 3- S Watson (pretty obvious), 2- K O'Brien (fought on with bat and ball), 1- M Starc (2 wickets and was economical)
Tucker Trophy: 1- P Stirling (made 7 off 12 and went for 13 off one over), 2- W Porterfield (golden duck as captain a bad look), 3- Australian uniform designers (hang your heads in shame)
Summary:
A scratchy performance for from India was enough to secure victory against minnows Afghanistan and virtually book their place in the Super Eight stage. India made the most of a sloppy Afghan performance in the field, which included four dropped catches. Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina both benefitted from those misses to top score for India. Afghanistan missed a chance to record a massive upset, losing 8/61 after a solid start.
The comeback:
It was a welcome return to an international tournament for India's Yuvraj Singh following his recovery from cancer treatment. Five years to the day since he took England's Stuart Broad for 36 off one over, he opened his account with a six and finished with 18 runs. Also chimed in with 3 wickets.
Who's hot:
India: Kohli looked ominous before holing out, as did skipper MS Dhoni who pushed India's total to 159 with some lusty blows at the end of the innings. India's spinners stopped the Afghani innings in its tracks.
Afghanistan: Fast bowler Shapoor Zadran troubled the Indian top order, beating them for pace. The Afghani top order looked solid and give them a chance at an unlikely victory.
What it means:
India: With an eye on the next round of the tournament, India will be looking for a marked improvement against England with both bat and ball.
Afghanistan: Will be confident of causing an upset against England while rueing missed opportunities. The four dropped catches cost them more than 50 runs, not to mention the 16 wides and no-balls they bowled. Pretty much the game right there.
The Votes:
MVP: 3- V Kohli (half-century anchored innings), 2- Y Singh (Runs and started the Afghan collapse), 1- M Nabi (top scored and contributed with the ball)
Tucker Trophy: 1- M Nabi (dropped a couple of sodas), 2- Z Khan (went for 32 off three overs), 3- S Shenwari (dropped Raina and conceded six runs in one play, out for 1 in a very tame manner)
T20 World ranking: 7th T20 World Cup record: 2007: Champions 2009: Super Eights 2010: Super Eights Coach: Duncan Fletcher India comes into the 2012 T20 World Cup under a bit of pressure to perform after not making it passed the Super Eight stage since it won the title in 2007. Strengths: The Indian squad is chock-full of talented players with loads of T20 experience thanks to both the Indian Premier League and the number of T20 internationals India plays. Captain MS Dhoni is one of the best finishers in the game. Weaknesses: There are questions over India's athleticism in the field, and the immense pressure to produce results, although nothing new for India, could weigh on the minds of the Indian team. With the tournament in neighbouring Sri Lanka, India gets the advantage of playing in almost home conditions but without the extra pressure of actually being the home team. India are infamous slow starters in tournaments, which is something they need to avoid to go deep in 2012.
T20 World ranking: 2nd T20 World Cup record: 2007: Super Eights 2009: Super Eights 2010: Champion Coach: Andy Flower The defending champions come into the tournament with a very different squad to the one that won the title, and are without 2010 Player of the Tournament Kevin Pietersen. Strengths: Belief, stemming from their positions as defending champions and from their recent performances against South Africa. They have a young but talented batting line-up to complement their more established and well-known bowlers. Weaknesses: English cricketers tend to be somewhat uneasy on sub-continental surfaces, and for some of England's younger brigade it will be the first time they have played under those conditions in an international tournament. The group match against India will be a good guide to how England will fare and how well they adapt to the conditions. They have proven domestic T20 players in their squad and have been a consistent T20 team for a few years now. Expect them to figure late in the tournament.
