<p><strong>South Asian teams favourites to win T20 World Cup: Kane Williamson – Cricket News Update</strong></p>
<p> New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has predicted that South Asian teams, particularly India, will be favourites to win the ICC World T20 2012, due to be hosted by Sri Lanka in September/October this year.</p>
<p>“The obvious favourites are India, although Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also strong contenders as they are familiar with the conditions,” observed Williamson. “But there are other great teams around too that will push the Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan
sides. Twenty20 cricket is just so unpredictable, who knows on the day - anything is literally possible.”</p>
<p>England are the defending champions of the World T20 title, but will be going into the 2012 edition without Kevin Pietersen, who recently retired from ODIs. The hard-hitting England batsman, who was the Player of the Tournament in the last World T20, has
expressed the desire to play in the upcoming competition – however, contracts with the England and Wales Cricket Board dictate that players who retire from ODIs automatically cannot play T20s either.</p>
<p>With Pietersen out of the mix, England’s chances are considerably diminished – however, India are clear favourites for the cup. The Men In Blue, who have been playing in the recently wrapped-up Indian Premier League, are in top shape for the format, and
are also the current reigning World Champions, after having won the ICC World Cup last year.</p>
<p>In addition to South Asian teams, the South African side are also strong contenders for the cup, with players such as AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, and Morne Morkel among their ranks – all cricketers who have played vital roles for their respective teams
in the IPL 5.</p>
<p>While 21-year-old Williamson admitted that it will be difficult to challenge the teams who will be playing in familiar conditions, he went on to add that the Kiwis also had the potential to perform well in the tournament.</p>
<p>“It’s going to be a difficult challenge for the non Asian sides in Sri Lanka. Having said that though I feel we have the players who can do well in those sorts of tournaments like we showed in the World Cup last year.”</p>
<p>New Zealand made it to the quarter finals of the World Cup last March, and succeeded in beating South Africa by 49 runs, to clinch a spot in the semi-finals. However, they were unable to progress further, conceding a 5-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in the first
semi-final at Colombo on March 29.</p>
<p>Whether they can make it through to the final in the upcoming WorldT20 tournament remains to be seen – the Black Caps are due to play their first match against Bangladesh on September 21 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.</p>
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