There is a huge hype about England and Pakistan being the teams to beat in this edition on the T20 World Cup. There is no doubt that these teams are very strong and tournament favorites, both having an unbeaten run in the tournament so far.
While acknowledging both team’s strengths, Let’s just look at one aspect that is obviously assisting the teams in UAE : Chasing.
In the super 12 stage, only 2 matches have been won by the team batting first – Afghanistan against Scotland and when West Indies beat Bangladesh. It’s a vital stat in a world tournament, but not so surprising when you consider the historical stats of these three venues.
Remarkably, England and Pakistan have bowled first in each of the three games that they have played & won. It’s not to undermine both these teams, who look very strong and formidable anyway, but to look at an aspect of the game which both these teams didn’t have to contend with – setting up a target.
Talking about strong teams, Australia looked a very strong side in their wins against South Africa and Sri Lanka. They restricted Sri Lanka to 154, which everyone thought was about 15 runs short.
However, the way Aussies dominated the game with the bat, suggests that Sri Lanka were perhaps 30 runs short. Man of the match Adam Zampa very modestly accepted that there was much turn and assistance to the spinners in the first innings than the second and also the dew made batting much easier in the second innings.
In last night’s game batting first, Australia looked way below par. Yes we need to give credit to the Englishmen, but Australia clearly lacked conviction in their batting and bowling departments – Batting first for the fist time in the tournament, Australia could not put up a challenge to mighty England.
With Group -1 teams having played 3 games each and one of the tournament favorites Pakistan too having played as many games, England and Pakistan already look like they’ve booked a place in the semi finals.
They haven’t been challenged so far by their opponents and also significantly, they haven’t had to set a target – which all teams have struggled to do so far in the tournament.
Sri Lanka take on England on Monday. Yes it sounds like a one way affair even before a ball is balled, but let’s not forget the toss will be very critical on that day. If by any chance England are made to bat first, it will give the spectators a chance to witness a very good game and a real chance to gauge how strong England really are.