Cricket

2021 T20 World Cup Preview

by
Brendan 'Patchy' O'Connell
October 15, 2021

As we catch our breath for a few fleeting moments having just enjoyed the IPL in the UAE, with the final planned on Friday 15th October, we can look forward to the World Cup T20 which starts on Sunday 17th, co-hosted by both the UAE and Oman.

In the recent IPL we have noticed a strong tendency to bowl first or bat second whatever you prefer if you came up trumps with the toss. I feel that trend may continue until such time as the pitches prepared become a little more worn and as a result, we may see a reverse in that decision.

There are 16 teams that have qualified and after the initial group stages the tournament is trimmed to 12 sides, the Super 12’s then begin.

One lovely aspect of this World Cup is that the weather will be glorious and there will be no washed-out games nor games decided by the Duckworth Lewis system.

Team-by-team guide – 2021 T20 World Cup

West Indies

Defending Champions, the West Indies defeated England back in 2016 in India. They have named a decent side, well balanced in both batting and bowling. If anything, their top order can fail miserably at times or get off to fliers, especially if Gayle has his eye in. Their current odds of 12/1 looks about right and might be worth a small wager. Players to watch, Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell.

England

England will be expected to go close to winning and currently 33/10 in the markets. They boast a host of top-class players and many whom are quite used to these sorts of conditions. The have the ability to take away games early on, whilst their bowlers can frustrate the best of batsmen. I probably wouldn’t go steaming into the 3/1 but do feel they are the team to beat. Players to watch, Jason Roy and David Willey.

India

The current favourites, India, are who are priced up at 5/2. At first glance one would agree they should be favourites. However, at that price I would probably look elsewhere. They have an abundance of talent but can also flatter to deceive on occasions. Players to watch, Ishan Kishan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

New Zealand

The Silver Ferns have a young look to their squad and when they play as a collective group would have a bright chance at winning their first T20 title. However, despite having a decent bowling attack I feel their batting will let them down. Currently 6/1, but not for me. Players to watch, Martin Guptill and Ish Sodhi.

Australia

It’s been quite some time since Australia had consistent and classy sides in all formats of the game. They will be relying on several players who haven’t shown form in some time but are good enough to challenge the best if all the stars manage to align. They will be quite well used to these conditions and have the variety to make life difficult. The price of 13/2 doesn’t fill me with any feelings of value, but I probably wouldn’t scare you off having a nibble if you fancied them. Players to watch, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins.

Pakistan

Regarded as the perennial under achievers they have still managed to win one title and finish runners up in one other. Like India, they are blessed with a huge talent pool. With many security issues at home to deal with, Pakistan have become the nomads of world cricket. They’ll feel comfortable here, however, and at a price of 10/1 they might just be worth a few pounds’ worth of interest. Players to watch, Babar Azam and Imad Wazim.

Bangladesh

Not a bad dark horse but probably don’t have enough consistency to go all the way. However, in the conditions expected, they may pick up a few surprising wins. Even at 40/1 where you can’t get hurt, I’d rather spend the fiver on a pint down the corner. Players to watch, Shakib Al Hasan and Shoriful Islam.

South Africa

Known as the chokers, like Australia a team still in transition. Their strength lies in their bowling I’d say, with a number of batsmen battling for consistent knocks. South Africa have never made a final in this format, but I have a feeling that with the pressure off they might well be the value in the market. In and around the 12/1 mark I think you will enjoy a decent run with the side. Players to watch, Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje.

Sri Lanka

Long gone are those days of that golden age of Sri Lankan power hitters and spin bowlers. Sadly, they have been in a state of flux even longer than Australia. At a price of 40/1, not for me! Players to watch, Kusal Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga

Afghanistan

This could well be the last tournament for Afghanistan unless the new government looks kindly upon the sport. It’s unfortunate if they do disappear as they have made very good progress over the last few years. They have exactly zero chance of winning but have the ability to cause an upset enroute. Players to watch, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Ireland

Ireland will be as competitive as they possibly can be. A lack of high-quality opposition generally means they will continue to languish amongst the lower ranked countries. However, this is T20 and if one or two of the Irish batsmen make some runs there’s a chance they’ll pick up a few wins in the early stages. Ireland are 500/1, I wouldn’t take a 1000/1. Players to watch, Curtis Campher and Simi Singh

Namibia

The Namibians are a plucky outfit, there are no super stars in the squad but by all accounts, are a solid workmanlike team. I guess you could read between the diplomatic lines and say they are making up the numbers to be honest. You can name your price about them, but it should be a decent experience for them. Players to watch, Craig Williams in his swan song appearance and Bernard Scholtz.

Oman

One of the co-hosts, they combine a group of home grown and foreign players in their side. They’ll know the conditions, but will the task just be too much ? They obviously can’t go anywhere near to winning the tournament but may just surprise one of the minnows. Players to watch, Khawar Ali and Bilal Khan.

Netherlands

The Dutch have made good progress in recent years and despite the same problem in seldom playing quality opposition, they’re a better-than-expected side. They’ll make a good go of things in the group stages especially with their batting but would say if they make the Super 12’s they’ll find things far too hot to handle and fade away. Players to watch, Roelof van der Merwe and Ben Cooper.

Papua New Guinea

PNG are the surprise package, despite their proximity to Australia they are not really a renowned sporting nation. Having said that they’ll enjoy their time in the limelight, but I can’t see them winning a match. Players to watch, to be honest I have just not seen enough of them to suggest.

Scotland

The Scots are like a copy and paste of Ireland. On their day they could muster a challenge but have no chance of winning. They may battle with the conditions but at the same time could revel in them, so with that mind they will have a chance to win a game or two in the group stages. Players to watch, George Munsey and Mark Watt.