Teams ready to advance to the semi-finals.
Super 12 round of 2021 T20 World Cup begins on Saturday South Africa’s match against Australia Abu Dhabi and England facing West Indies In the first of what promises to be an exciting 30 before the top four move to the semi-finals in Dubai.
Namibia joins Afghanistan, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Scotland in group 2. Bangladesh Group 1 included Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka.
Defending champion West Indies will be one of the favourites. But its form in the warm-up – both matches it lost – is flattering to deceive. Chris Gayle’s recent fall in form has raised questions about his place. Sunil Narine’s absence is obvious.
Meanwhile, England captain Eoin Morgan’s runs have also dried up. England will also miss Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer.
The pace of Mark Wood and Tymal Mills should give it the edge. Jos Buttler, Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow added to the batting. Moeen Ali could be crucial considering his exploits with CSK in IPL 2021. The number 3 position suits him but he can also be a death knell. England are looking to become the first team to win 50 and 20 over titles at the same time.
New Zealand, who won the World Test Championship in June, are eyeing a second world title this year. There were concerns about skipper Kane Williamson’s fitness but he is likely to be match-ready. Most Kiwi players have enough playing time through IPL, CPL and Hundred.
All the big names are back for Australia. But middle-order issues as well as uncertainty about the bowling structure could spoil its title bid.
dark horses
Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, will seek to shine its trading potential in the United Arab Emirates, which has been away from home for the subcontinental nation over the past decade. Pakistan’s blockbuster match against India is to be held in Dubai on October 24.
South Africa entered the event by winning three consecutive T20I series. Fast attack from Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Enrique Nortje will be one of its strengths. The team starts out as a dark horse.
Waves can be expected from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Scotland and Namibia, who defeated a Test nation (Ireland) to advance to the next stage, would also like to make a mark.
Pitches in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be equally of interest as they have been used extensively since the start of the pandemic.
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