Hosts face England and Ireland in World Twenty20 Group D
West Indies, England and Ireland are the teams drawn in Group A for the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, and just two of them can progress to the Super Eight stage of the competition. Here we assess their chances.
West Indies
Organisers have ensured the local fans aren’t priced out of attending the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, in a welcome improvement on the situation when the West Indies hosted the cricket World Cup in 2007. Now for the host team to give the locals something to cheer about.
The West Indies only late last year resolved the industrial dispute that left their 2009 in tatters, but did unearth some young talent. Now coach Ottis Gibson will be calling on the likes of captain Chris Gayle (pictured with the World Twenty20 trophy), the experienced Shivnarine Chanderpaul, all-rounder Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo to consistently harness their talents for the duration of the tournament.
The problem Gibson faces, is that there can be a vast difference between the West Indies at their best and at their worst, and while progressing past the group stage should in theory be straightforward for Gayle’s side, their Twenty20 International loss to Zimbabwe at home earlier this year indicates this might not be the case.
England
England reached the Super Eight stage of the 2009 World Twenty20 while hosting the tournament but will fancy their chances of improving on that this time around.
Kevin Pietersen hit form in the IPL, although the big concern is that the dangerous batsman will be back in Blighty for the birth of his first child if England reach the business end of the competition. Still, Paul Collingwood’s side shouldn’t be short on batting talent as new faces Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb seek to make an impact here. The selection of three spinners in the 15-man squad could prove to be a masterstroke on turning pitches or a chance for one of James Tredwell or Michael Yardy to work on their sun tans while the other assists Graeme Swann out in the middle.
England are building into a strong Twenty20 side, but the potential absence of Pietersen, who can be destructive with both bat and ball, cannot be adequately covered by just one man. It’s for that reason that England’s charge might well be halted in the Super Eight stage.
Ireland
Ireland have a track record of producing upsets on the big stage – think back to their 2007 World Cup defeats of Pakistan and Bangladesh – and William Porterfield’s team will be hoping to repeat those sorts of achievements in the Caribbean this year.
To that end, the West Indies almost provide an easy target. They may be the hosts but Gayle’s team is also vulnerable, especially if the captain doesn’t fire. If Porterfield can manufacture a captain’s knock in that match, then Ireland are in with a chance at moving past the group stage and equalling their 2009 World Twenty20 achievements.
Tags: