ICC World Twenty20: Know your teams

In a short span of time, cricket’s not-so-old format – T20 Cricket – has garnered eyeballs from all around the globe. Some consider it good value-for-money for a 3-hour long match whilst others deny this format straight away in the first place.

Whether you like it or not, you just can’t ignore it. The bang-whang oriented T20 carnival has arrived, once again, to entertain its masses where the venue being Bangladesh as the hosts for the year 2014.

Fifth edition of the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 to begin from March 16 onwards in Bangladesh

Here look at the participating nations competing this year for the fifth edition of ICC World T20: starting from March 16 onwards.

Afghanistan – the emerging heroes: The 2009 T20 WC headline honchos are these days everywhere not just to be seen but to make it count. Their nothing-to-lose attitude could do wonders.
Australia – the hapless troops: New captain for each edition of the tournament, yet none have assured a title triumph. Though, Aussie has made it to three SFs where they lost in the final v England in 2009 under the reins of Michael Clarke. Perhaps, it’s the only team whose skipper announced retirement from T20 Cricket after the end of the tournament.
Bangladesh – the mighty warriors: After going through a lot, of late, Bangladesh will enter in the tournament with umpteen pressure. The team management has a lot to fix and figure out.
England – the not-so-late winners: Being the concept-creator of the game, England had the sour taste of been trophy-less until 2010. The then – Kevin Pietersen dominated – victory has a lot to consider but ECB has other plans for Poms ‘Future’!
Hong Kong – another toddler: Like Nepal, 2014 World T20 is first mega event for the Hong Kong cricket team. They are currently ranked as the 3^rd highest non-Test Asian team in ODIs.
India – an ‘over-rated’ champion: Except winning the inaugural edition, team India’s consistent failure has been a serious problem. Yet, they tend to begin as favourites. Nevertheless, they play most number of T20s comparatively!
Ireland – a possible danger: Amongst all minnows, Ireland is the most consistent team and till date has played in 6 major ICC World Cups. The most flashing sight of Irish team came during the 2011 World Cup where Kevin O’Brian scored fastest WC century off 50 balls.
Nepal – the wee baby: With this edition of World T20, Nepal is going to make its debut in International cricket. How they would utilise this, one has to watch for it.
Netherlands – the long runners: Like the UAE, the Dutch too participated in the 1996 Cricket WC and were once a significant side to beat. Playing in its 6^th ICC World Cup, Netherlands, placed in Group B, has the ability to spoil the party of others if nothing.
New Zealand – the perfect outfits: If T20 cricket is all about all-rounders show, Kiwis have a steep edge here. Their recent performance against West Indies and India has been immense and who knows what’s more in the store waiting.
Pakistan – the most consistent: In terms of prominent results, Pakistan is the most successful team of World T20: having made to all four SFs where they emerged as champions in 2009 before losing the final to India in 2007.
South Africa – the unified competitors: South Africa would be this year’s team to watch out for. Nevertheless, they have just once reached to SFs in 2009. How team will cope with Kallis’ all-round ability would be interesting to see.
Sri Lanka – the T20 chokers: Probably the most experienced side of the World Cup, Lankans, this time, have the best opportunity to celebrate trophy moments: considering the fact they missed it twice narrowly as the runners up for the years 2009 and 2012 respectively.
UAE – the yet unknowns: The recently concluded U19 WC hosts – UAE will be team to watch for many obvious reasons. It’s their 3^rd ICC World Cup whilst the first being 1996 Cricket World cup.
West Indies – the resurgent underdogs: The most watchable side of T20 cricket, the Caribbean team has a string of match winners. The defending champion tag could add a little pressure.
Zimbabwe – the glory seeker: A country better known for individual heroes rather a competitive team like they were once during late 1990s: Zimbabwe is likely to qualify from Group B in the first round.