High-profile clash shifted to Kolkata
Buttler are as destructive as any batsmen in world cricket, while the Kiwi pair of Martin Guptill and Corey Anderson should also provide some pyrotechnics.
As for the bowlers, they will probably be quite content just to contain the most destructive hitters. That said, India’s Ravi Ashwin could be the standout performer. Any key rules we should be aware of? A batsman has a free hit after a no-ball, which is handy in the first six overs, when no more than two fielders can be stationed outside the 30-yard circle. No more than five fielders can be on the leg side at any time, while after those initial six overs a maximum of five fielders can be outside the fielding circle. What shot is going to be one of the features of this World T20? “I’VE had a lot of batsmen in my academy here in Cape Town working on their reversesweep,” says Kirsten. “That was a real niche shot during my time, but now it’s a great way of scoring runs, particularly on sub-continent wickets. I think we’re going to see it a lot this time round.”
Traditionalists, meanwhile, should probably look away when the ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head is brought out. It’s not pretty, but in T20 it’s mightily effective. So who is going to win it? THERE have been five different winners in the five previous editions, with India, Pakistan, England, the West Indies and Sri Lanka all triumphing. Statistically, Sri Lanka have been the most consistent, reaching three finals and winning one. It would, though, be a surprise if they retained their crown.
“I think India will be very tough to beat on home soil,” says Kirsten.
“They’ve certainly got the talent to win it but this is a very, very hard tournament to call.
“I certainly wouldn’t discount England, South Africa or Australia either.”
T20 is also the strongest suit for Pakistan, the West Indies and New Zealand. This could be the most competitive World T20 in history. – The Independent PAKISTAN’S concerns over security at Dharamsala have led to shifting of their March 19 World Twenty20 match against hosts India from Dharamsala to Kolkata, organisers said yesterday.
“Safety and security of the event is of paramount importance to ICC,” said international Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson.
Pakistan had sent a delegation to review security at the northern Indian town of Dharamsala while delaying the departure of their men’s and women’s teams. – Reuters