Summary
The Super 10 stage gets underway today, with hosts India taking on New Zealand. Here, I look at all ten teams and rank them in order of the likelihood of them lifting the trophy, in my opinion.
10) Afghanistan
The only Associate nation in the Super Ten stage, Afghanistan are out to prove themselves amongst the elite. Zimbabwe, Scotland and Hong Kong stood in the way of Afghanistan reaching the Super Ten. Having seen off Scotland and Hong Kong, the final game saw a winner-takes-all tie between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The Asian side motored to 186-6 off their 20 overs with contributions from Mohammad Shahzad (40), Samiullah Shenwari (43) and Mohammad Nabi (52). In response, Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals and were never able to put together a partnership to even remotely threaten the target. The star performers with the ball for Afghanistan were Rashid Khan (4-0-11-3) and Hamid Hassan (3-0-11-2).
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| Mohammad Shahzad provides quick starts for Afghanistan at the top of the order (PHOTO: Christopher Lee-IDI) |
On paper, Afghanistan have the easier of the two Super Ten groups and so could see themselves with a realistic chance of getting close to the semi-finals. It is, however, unlikely that Afghanistan will be able to produce the quality of cricket that will see them challenge Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa and England over the four games.
Key players: Mohammad Shahzad, Mohammad Nabi, Hamid Hassan
One to watch: Rashid Khan
9) Sri Lanka
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| This tournament could well be Dilshan's swansong (PHOTO: Hannah Peters) |
Despite being holders, Sri Lanka are heading towards somewhat of a new era, following the recent retirements of stalwarts Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. Tillakaratne Dilshan is approaching 40 and it is likely this will be his final international tournament. Lasith Malinga is another member of the golden generation who is getting older - he is 33 in August. Malinga has suffered injury problems in the last 12-18 months and, while he is still an extremely dangerous bowler, it seems he may be on a decline in terms of consistent performances.
Experienced heads still remain, however, with Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Thisara Perera, Rangana Herath and Nuwan Kulasekera all still representing Sri Lanka. Lahiru Thirmanne, Suranga Lakmal, Sachithra Senanayake and Dinesh Chandimal are also within the setup and will be for the coming years.
For now, the new crop of Sri Lankan internationals will look to step up and prove themselves for a team with a proud World t20 record.
Key players: Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga
One to watch: Dasun Shanaka
8) Pakistan
There always seems to be some sort of cloud hanging over the Pakistan national team. This time it was the threat that they would not participate in the tournament over security fears - fears that have now been reassured by the Indian government. Shahid Afridi also found himself in hot water with Pakistan fans after saying cricketers from his country are loved more in India.
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| Umar Akmal will hope to bring his Pakistan Super League form in to the World t20 (PHOTO: Phil Walter) |
On the pitch, Pakistan have struggled in t20Is recently, having won just three out of their last 10. Like Sri Lanka, Pakistan have a good record in the World t20 but will have to produce some of their best cricket to be in with a chance of progressing this year.
They have a potentially potent attack including Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz and Shahid Afridi along with a potentially explosive batting lineup with Afridi, Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad all capable of taking the game away from the opposition. Pakistan will need to gel all aspects, including fielding, together if they are to make an impact at the World t20 this year.
Key players: Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Umar Akmal
One to watch: Mohammad Nawaz
7) Bangladesh
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| Sabbir Rahman is one of a wave of new talent in the Bangladesh side (PHOTO: Munir uz Zaman) |
An emerging force, Bangladesh saw off Pakistan and Sri Lanka to reach the Asia Cup final, only to be beaten by India. A number of young, talented players have joined the experiecned members of the team and have in turn created a force to be reckoned with. Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar and Mustafizur Rahman are just a few names who have come into the side within the last two years and have set Bangladesh off on a new trajectory.
Those names join players such as Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza and Mahmuddullah who have served Bangladeshi cricket for close to a decade. With the injection of new talent, the Bangladeshi team came through their qualification group with ease and will be setting their sights on upsetting a tough group involving Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia and hosts India. It is a difficult group, arguably the tightest out of the two, but Bangladesh will be confident of running the favourites close.
Key players: Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim
One to watch: Mustafizur Rahman
6) West Indies
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| Sunil Narine, the number 1 ranked t20 bowler, will be a big miss for the West Indies (PHOTO: Graham Crouch-IDI) |
Following their poor record in Test matches over the past 18 months, the t20 format is arguably made for the West Indies. They have some of the best and most dangerous players in t20 cricket. Despite the high-profile withdrawals of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Lendl Simmons, there are still a significant number of quality player within the Windies' squad.
Chris Gayle holds a huge amount of batting records in the t20 format and is one of the best and dangerous players in the world. All-rounder Andre Russell is an exceptional hitter and has the ability to take apart any attack in the world, along with fellow all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. Jason Holder and Darren Sammy also have similar qualities, as well as being able to bowl their four overs. Having so many all-rounders is somewhat of a blessing for the West Indies, with their bowling looking a little light. Samuel Badree, ranked number 1 two years ago, is a quality bowler and will go some way to make up for the absence of current number 1 - Narine.
Key players: Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo
One to watch: Carlos Brathwaite
5) England
England's last two major international tournaments, last year's World Cup and the 2014 World t20, have ended in embarrassing failures. In the previous World t20, England lost to the Netherlands and their only victory came against eventual winners Sri Lanka. This time around, however, expectations are backed up by evidence. Since the World Cup disaster this time last year, England's limited overs sides have gone in a new, exciting direction.
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| Adil Rashid could be crucial for England in Indian conditions (PHOTO: Gareth Copley) |
Jason Roy and Alex Hales have formed an attacking partnership at the start of the innings, with Joe Root able to come in and stabilise the innings if required at number three. Captain Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are able to provide middle order firepower along with Moeen Ali. Like the West Indies, England have a number of bowling all-rounders to come in at the end of an innings, including David Willey, Chris Jordan and Adil Rashid.
Liam Dawson was a shock pick that came from nowhere, but he will offer another spin option along with Ali, Rashid and possibly Root. Rashid could well play a key part in England's tournament with his leg spin, along with Ali, who will need to control the flow of runs.
Key players: Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler
One to watch: Ben Stokes
4) New Zealand
Another exciting side, albeit now one without one of the best players to have played t20 cricket. Following the retirement of Brendon McCullum, New Zealand have motored on with their attacking approach. Kane Williamson has been promoted to replace McCullum in the opening slot alongside Martin Guptill. Colin Munro has seemingly replaced McCullum in terms of providing brutal, six-laden cameos.
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| Can Munro match McCullum's aggressive innings? (PHOTO: Hagen Hopkins) |
The emergence of players such as Corey Anderson, Henry Nicholls and Trent Boult have allowed New Zealand to continue their quest to be the best in the world. The Blackcaps' bowling attack is a huge strength, although it arguably lacks a top class spinner since the retirement of Daniel Vettori. Boult, Tim Southee, Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne lead a pace-heavy attack with Anderson and Grant Elliott providing more than useful seam options.
Key players: Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult
One to watch: Mitchell Santner
3) Australia
Australia haven't really grasped the t20 format as of yet, but that doesn't stop them being amongst the favourites. They have several world-class exponents of the t20 format - namely David Warner, Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner. Steve Smith, Shane Watson and Aaron Finch are all top class players and will make up a very intimidating top order. The sheer quality of the top order means in-form Usman Khawaja may well miss out.
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| The loss of Mitchell Starc could well be the difference between Australia winning the tournament and not (PHOTO: Ryan Pierse - CA) |
The bowling does, however, look a little light on top class options. Josh Hazelwood took a hat-trick in a warm-up game against the West Indies but the jury is still out on him at t20 level. All-rounders Mitchell Marsh and John Hastings offer good options, as do Nathan Coulter-Nile and Andrew Tye. The absence of Mitchell Starc is huge and may well be the difference for Australia in terms of winning their first World t20.
Like New Zealand, the spin options are relatively limited for Australia. The inexperienced Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar will be the two to compete if the Australians feel the need for a frontline spinner to go with Maxwell and possibly Smith.
Key players: Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, David Warner
One to watch: Ashton Agar
2) South Africa
They are the traditional 'chokers' in international tournaments, but is this the year for South Africa? They look supremely balanced throughout, with power hitters and quality bowlers making up a great-looking side. Any team with AB de Villiers featured in the XI has a chance and the back-up for ABD is not bad. Quinton de Kock is in sublime form, while JP Duminy and Faf du Plessis possess fantastic game awareness - they are able to dig in or accelerate dependent on the situation.
In David Miller, South Africa have one of the best finishers in world cricket - some of Miller's IPL innings beggar belief. The Proteas also have three very useful seam bowling all rounders in Farhaan Behardien, David Wiese and Chris Morris. Morris in particular has shown recently his talent with the bat at the end of an innings.
The South African attack looks well-balanced, with the aforementioned Behardien, Wiese and Morris supplying seam options as well as Duminy providing an off spin option. Imran Tahir is, on his day, one of the best leg spinners in the world and has had prosperous seasons in the IPL. The pace duo of Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada has potential to be the best in the tournament.
Key players: AB de Villiers, Imran Tahir, Dale Steyn
One to watch: Quinton de Kock
1) India
The favourites. India are an elite t20 team in any case and the considerable advantage of hosting the tournament may well nudge the title into their hands. A considerable batting lineup boasting some of the best runscorers in t20 cricket, in particular in the IPL, sees them as firm favourites as well as carrying a fear factor to the opposition.
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| Ravichandran Ashwin is a dangerous competitor (PHOTO: Paul Kane) |
A right-left hand combination at the top in Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan is followed by the incredible Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and the experienced Yuvraj Singh. If that top five wasn't enough, one of the best in the business, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is still to come. Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya complete what is a frightening lineup.
Ravi Ashwin is a huge weapon for India, especially in Indian conditions. Arguably the best spinner in the world at the moment, Ashwin is very difficult to score off and in turn creates chances through frustration and the need to score. Jadeja provides another healthy option for Dhoni, with his left arm off spin often underrated. Yuvraj and Raina are also able to turn their arm and Pandya is a fine seam option.
The one weakness may be the fast bowling, with the experienced 36-year-old Ashish Nehra and inexperienced 22-year-old Jasprit Bumrah opening the bowling. However, both have performed well for India in recent matches and their knowledge of Indian conditions will be more than useful.
Key players: Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Ravi Ashwin
One to watch: Hardik Pandya
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