As we wrote earlier this week, the World T20 has left us a little bit cold so far. A combination of rain, ridiculous Duckworth Lewis results, an overkill of T20 after the IPL and the pointless preliminary group stage (why not just have two groups of six?) have all contributed to our state of disappointment. The only bright spot to date has been Afghanistan, and they deserved five not two matches in our opinion.
Anyway the business end of the tournament starts today with two Group E matches. First, England take on reigning champs Pakistan and then New Zealand face South Africa, with both matches taking place in Barbados. Indeed, the first two round of matches of each group takes place in Barbados, which if yesterday is anything to go on will see low scores and extreme pace to the fore.
So, who will make the semis? For what it's worth, here is our preview of Group E. Group F comprising of Australia, India, West Indies and Sri Lanka will be previewed later.
Pakistan
With Shahid Afridi captaining literally anything can happen. Will be pleased that they cannot face their bogey side Australia again until the semi-finals at least. Whether they implode or emulate their victory last year is anyone's guess.
Player to watch: Who else but Mr Afridi, sixes and controversy are never far away
Who else? Mohammed Aamer and Saeed Ajmal
Weaknesses Where do you start? Inconsistency, infighting and not exactly the shrewdest skipper in the World.
Prediction 4th in the group
England
In T20 England are nearly as inconsistent and unpredictable as Pakistan. We haven't really seen the bowling yet because of the rain, but the batting fired against West Indies and then limped against Ireland. Our prediction to win the tournament before it started, we don't feel so confident now.
Player to watch Eoin Morgan was brilliant against West Indies and Ireland, and his strength and unorthodoxy is perfect for T20.
Who else? Ryan Sidebottom - more for the tantrums then the wickets, and Kevin Pietersen who could leave at any minute to fly home to be at the birth of his first child. Also if Frank Duckworth makes an appearance, look out for Paul Collingwood and his 5lb bat.
Weaknesses Ryan Sidebottom again. How he gets into the side ahead of James Anderson, we will never know. The fledgling opening partnership is unproven and Tim Bresnan opens the bowling.
Prediction Group winners - we have to stick with our original prediction even if it is likely to mean a visit from the men with white coats.
South Africa
The move to pace friendly Barbados is likely to favour South Africa's Plan A; though the absence of a Plan B could still get them into trouble in the latter part of the tournament. A strong batting line-up also makes the Proteas favourites to progress.
Player to watch Dale Steyn, the world's best bowler
Who else? Steyn's partner in crime Morne Morkel plus Jacques Kallis who won't excite but can be counted on for runs.
Weaknesses No Plan B. Kallis may score runs but tends to get bogged down meaning hitters like Albie Morkel, AB De Villiers and JP Duminy are sometimes left in the hutch until too late.
Prediction 2nd in the group
New Zealand
The perennial dark horses have looked good so far. Super Dan is flying and his team of mostly journeymen generally rise to the occasion in these sort of events and normally punch above their weight.
Player to watch Scott Styris - runs, wickets but don't expect a smile from probably the ugliest man in cricket
Who else? Shane Bond should enjoy the Bridgetown pitches, Ross Taylor is one of the best T20 batsmen around and Super Dan seems to have an endless supply of krypton.
Weaknesses A heavy reliance on Super Dan and a lack of real quality means that if their opponents perform well then they usually lose. They also have a dreadful record against South Africa.
Prediction It's close, but 3rd in the group
Taylor's record in t/20 matches is nothing to write home about and failed in ipl 2010.
Posted by: greyblazer | Thursday, May 06, 2010 at 16:06
True, but he normally does well against England and that is what I probably remember!!
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Thursday, May 06, 2010 at 16:18