
Well the time has come where the shortest version of the game takes centre stage. Being the sports pundit I am (although not so successful), I have looked at the teams and come up with the following predictions for the tournament starting tonight.
Let’s hope the next couple of weeks are remembered for exciting, quality cricket, and not for drunken Aussie cricketers, glass smashing Jesse Ryder’s, or Pakistani players with
genital warts.
Group A - India, Bangladesh, Ireland
Current World T/20 Champions, India are arguably the most complete squad in the tournament. Easiest group so should go through without breaking a sweat. A real dog fight on the cards for second spot in the group, with Bangladesh just edging the Irish out.
Group B – Pakistan, England, Netherlands
With Pakistan and England being very evenly matched teams it’s hard to pick this one. Looking at individual talent within the team and bearing in mind they have home advantage, I have a feeling England will pip this one to take top spot, with Pakistan being the other team going through.
Group C – Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies
Easily the toughest group out of the four, the 2 top spots will be contested fiercely. Recent in-house problems, and loss of experience in the Australian camp could take their toll in this tournament and it’s hard to see them challenging the Sri Lankans for top spot. The Windies will push the boys from down-under close, but will fall just short courtesy of a Mitchell Johnson piece of magic.
Group D – New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland
South Africa has been the form team leading up to the start of the tournament and its hard imagine them not going all the way. However, NZ have produced the goods on more than one occasion against the Proteas on the world stage and with the likes of McCullum, Ryder, and Vettori hitting full stride, the Black Caps may pip this one to take out the group. South Africa to take second spot with Scotland back in the Highlands feasting on haggis by the end of next week.
Super 8’s – India, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa
The business end of the tournament with some key match ups. I predict India will ease through this stage to book themselves a semi-final spot, while Australia will hit some form to join them in the final 4. For England, the campaign will end here for them and their loyal Barmy Army. Pakistan will also go out at this stage due to a sudden outbreak of “itchy crotch”, along with Bangladesh who will be on the same flight in the direction of South Asia. New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be the other two semi-finalists, leaving the Safas to contemplate another failure on the world cricket stage and looking forward to a Braai in South Wimbledon.
Semi-Finals – India v New Zealand, Australia v Sri Lanka
New Zealand to continue their T/20 dominance over the Indians courtesy of a McCullum/Ryder special. Victory celebrations that follow will spiral out of control and big Jesse will be on the first flight back to the land of the long white cloud and into rehab.
Australia and Sri Lanka will meet for the second time in the tournament, but this time with the Aussies coming out victorious. Ponting to pull out of the final following a blow to the head from a surprise Murali bouncer!
Final - New Zealand v Australia
The dream final and the one we all expected. New Zealand to win by 10 wickets to send the Australian population into national mourning. Come on, you didn’t really think I would bet against the Kiwis did you?!?!?!.........Patriotic prediction!