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T20 World Cup 2021 Prediction Results, Statistics, and Team of The Tournament

Time for the T20 World Cup 2021 Prediction Results! We first present the categories and winners as well as the specific points. Scroll down to the bottom for our Team of the Tournament and let us know what you thought!

Also Read: All 16 Team By Team Reviews: Complete Review of the 2021 T20 World Cup

The Categories

We had asked our Twitter followers and fellow friends to reply back with their predictions to these categories and we recorded them here at the start of the tournament.

Fast forward a few weeks, and now Australia are the T20 World Cup Champions and New Zealand are the runners up! Neither of them were even in the Top 5 choices for title contenders.

Since lot has not gone according to expectations, we expanded the opportunities to get more guesses right on the #BCDPredictions. We will accept top 3-4 for Most Runs/Most Wickets and have a few different options for the other categories.

#Winner

  • Australia

#Top4

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Pakistan
  • England

#BestAssociates

  • Namibia
  • Scotland

#PlayeroftheWorldCup

  • David Warner

#MostRuns

  • Babar Azam (303)
  • David Warner (289)
  • Mohamad Rizwan (281)
  • Jos Buttler (269)

#MostWickets

  • Wanindu Hasaranga (16)
  • Adam Zampa, Trent Boult (13)
  • Shakib Al Hasan, Josh Hazlewood (11)

#BestCatch

  • Akeal Hosein
  • Devon Conway
  • Sam Billings-Jonny Bairstow
  • Kane Williamson
  • Aiden Markram

#Surprise

  • Australia winning/Aus & NZ in the semis
  • Namibia’s lovely story/ Trumpelmann/Wiese’s tournament to remember
  • Scotland surprise Bangladesh
  • Asif Ali/Shoaib Malik surprise even their own fanbase
  • Mark Watt, Imad Wasim, and R Ashwin’s accuracy in the middle overs

#BrokenDream

  • Ryan Ten Doeschate, Dwayne Bravo, & Asghar Afghan retire. Chris Gayle semi-retires
  • South Africa fail to go to the semis despite 4/5 wins, a win against England, and only a close loss
  • Pakistan, England, & NZ losing in the semi finals/finals after a brilliant tournament
  • Tymal Mills, Obed McCoy, Devon Conway, Jason Roy suffer freak injuries
  • Virat Kohli bows out T20 captaincy career with a loss
  • Bangladesh lose 5 out 5 in the Super 12s

The Winners

And the winners are….Wisdom with 7/12 correct! Wow! 🥇

From our twitter crowd, Short Leg Cricket emerges as victorious with 6/12. 🥈

CONGRATULATIONS!!

I myself had a decent run with 5/12, along with Chalupa.

Overall lots of 4/12 and good scores nevertheless. Good job everybody! We are improving 😊

Prediction Results

– 12 is the maximum score (Top 4 – you will get a point for each correctly identified semi-finalist)

WinnerTop 4Best AssociatesPlayer of the WCMost RunsMost WicketsBest CatchSurpriseBroken Dream
Me
(5/12)

WIWI
England✔
Pakistan✔
India
NetherlandsJadeja/ChaseButtler✔ShamsiFabian AllenNamibia✔
Afghanistan
Malik/
Sarfaraz/
Gayle/
Bravo/ ✔
Morgan/
Nabi retire
Veer 🏏 (@CricCrazyVeer)

(4/12)
IndiaWI
England✔
NZ✔
India
Ire/NethJadejaRizwan✔ShamsiFabian AllenScotland✔, AfghanistanHafeez retires
Mohd Shamir Ansari (@ShamirMohd)

(3/12) +1 (quote below) = (4/12)
IndiaIndia
WI
England✔ NZ✔
Oman JadejaRohit SharmaIsh SodhiGlenn MaxwellAfghanistanGayle and Bravo retire ✔

Sourabh Sanyal

(4/12)
IndiaWI
England✔
Pakistan✔ India
Scotland✔ Boom (Bumrah)KL RahulStarcJaddu/KohliAfghanistanBangladesh✔
Anand

(2/12)
WIIndia
WI
Australia✔ NZ✔
Afghanistan KL RahulKL Rahul Varun ChakravarthyJadejaAfghanistan
Sourabh Negi

(2/10)+1 (quote below) = (3/12)
IndiaIndia
WI
Australia✔ NZ✔
AfghanistanKL RahulKL RahulS Thakur/ Rashid KhanFabian Allen/JadejaAfghanistan
Paras

(4/12)
Hard to Say✔India
Pak/NZ✔ Aus/Eng✔ WI
Rohit
Starc
Namibia✔
Afghanistan
Deepak Kumar Panda
(3/12)
+1 (quote) = (4/12)
IndiaWI
England✔
Pakistan✔ India
NetherlandsRahul/JadejaRahulTymal MillsJadejaAfghanistanBravo and Gayle retire✔
Kickit Wicket

(4/12)
IndiaNZ✔
WI
Australia✔ India
NetherlandsJadejaMaxwellShamsiWilliamson✔NZ✔Morgan duck in final innings
𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙮𝙪𝙨𝙝

(2/12)
EnglandWI
England✔
NZ✔
India
NetherlandsMaxwellKL RahulNortjeJadejaAfghanistan/Scotland✔Malik/Morgan retire
Wisdom
(7/12)
PakistanAustralia✔
England✔
Pakistan✔ NZ✔
Scotland✔
Ireland
Babar AzamBabar Azam✔SoutheeFabian AllenFabian AllenVirat Kohli✔
Chalupa
(5/12)
IndiaAustralia✔
NZ✔
WI
India
Scotland✔Kane WilliamsonVirat KohliBumrahJadejaScotland✔Pakistan✔
Vandit
(3/12)
IndiaIndia
Pakistan✔ England✔ WI
NetherlandsKL RahulKL RahulAdil RashidShimron HetmyerR Ashwin✔Sri Lanka or Bangladesh might not make it to the Super 12s
Short Leg Cricket
(6/12)
PakistanWI
England✔ Pakistan✔ India
Scotland✔MaxiBabar✔RabadaJordanNZ✔Virat Kohli✔
Wow
(3/12)
NZNZ✔
WI
Ban
Afg
Scotland✔Rashid KhanKL RahulShardul ThakurGlenn MaxwellIndia winNZ out✔
Harrison
(3/12)
IndiaIndia
England✔ Pakistan✔ WI
IrelandKL RahulGlenn MaxwellAdil RashidFabian AllenBangladeshEngland & being double white ball champions✔
CRICKET 2021

(3/12)
India
WI
England✔
NZ✔ (without a doubt)
Buttler✔ (may not be an Indian, cannot rule QDK too)
T20 World Cup 2021 Review – Prediction Results

Sourabh

Quote Predictions

“If India want to win India’s top three form is very crucial.” ✔

Sourabh

Unfortunately that did not happen in the first couple of games

“Yes surely looking at great spin condition in UAE. [Sodhi] is definitely going to have a good impact in this WC for NZ…” ✔

Mohd Shamir Ansari

He surely did! When Sodhi played well, NZ won. When he did not….

“Seeing how the pitches played out in most games in IPL, expect Tymal’s variations to come in handy.” ✔

Deepak Kumar Panda

Tymal Mills was a revelation. Unfortunately he suffered another injury

“The problem with NZ might be the UAE conditions. Guptill couldn’t bat UAE conditions in the second leg of PSL.” ❌

Asad Ali

Guptill’s final apart, he was decent including a 93 in tough conditions.

“Namibia or PNG may qualify for the main draw. Afghanistan may eliminate one of the Asian teams and reach semis. It can be an #IndvNZ final.” ❌

The Falling Sweep

Namibia did qualify for the main draw, but PNG, Afghanistan, and India were below par.

“With Faf, Morris, & Tahir not in team, it is a huge task for SA.” ❌

Bhagyesh Joshi

Interestingly enough, South Africa were one of the most improved teams of the tournament.

“India are the perpetual bottle jobs.”

Matt Gray

Yep that happened again…although in the Group Stage itself.

BCD’s 2021 T20 World Cup Team of The Tournament

Based on all the final tournament statistics and how the World Cup progressed, here is my team of the tournament. Note, players will only be considered for the positions they actually played in unless they played as a floater. For example, Mitchell Marsh & Charith Asalanka will only be considered for the #3 position.

T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament

  1. Jos Buttler (WK)
  2. Babar Azam (C)
  3. Charith Asalanka
  4. Aiden Markram
  5. Moeen Ali
  6. Najibullah Zadran/David Wiese
  7. Wanindu Hasaranga
  8. Anrich Nortje
  9. Adam Zampa
  10. Josh Hazlewood
  11. Trent Boult

Honorable Mentions: David Warner (needed a captain so Babar was preferred), Mohammad Rizwan, Daryl Mitchell, Haris Rauf, Tymal Mills, Bhanuka Rajapaksa

1 left arm pacer, 2 right arm fast medium, 2 leg spinners, 1 off-spinner, and a Markram (+Wiese if chosen at 6). Not a bad all-round attack. What do you think? Comment Your XI Below?

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Strongest Team in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup ? All 16 Complete Team Reviews

2021 T20 World Cup Team Review Time. Here is the complete dissection of every team. The best moments, analysis, stats, and what changes need to be made for each team to succeed in the upcoming 2022 T20 World Cup. Comment below on your favorite moment of this T20 World Cup and what you think about their prospects in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

Table of Contents

1. Australia 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

Australia—a name so synonymous to Cricket World Cups it is not even a surprise they somehow managed to win this one. Unlike most times, though, they were not even in Top 5 Favorites this time around. Even Bangladesh & Afghanistan were fancied more since Australia has lost their last 4 T20I bilateral series and were hammered 4-1 in Bangladesh.

Lots of good stories for Justin Langer’s group. A group of lovely characters, marked by Stoinis, Zampa, Wade, Maxwell combined with their star power in Warner-Smith-Cummins-Hazlewood-Starc deliver unlikely victory. Hazlewood’s accuracy, Zampa’s wicket-taking abilities, Warner’s consistency, Mitchell Marsh’s coming of age, Steve Smith’s boundary catching, and Stoinis-Wade’s finishing combined to make this a dangerous T20 side.

Now Australia has won everything—Women’s ODI & T20I World Cups, U-19 World Cups, Men’s ODI & T20 World Cups & Champions Trophy. Looks like life is all good for Australia and free of Paine…

Australia’s World Cup In a Nutshell

ResultWinners (1st)
Wins/Losses6/1
Best MatchSemi-Finals Vs Pakistan
(Feat Wade’s 3 consecutive sixes to Shaheen Afridi)
Highest Run ScorersDavid Warner (289)
Highest Wicket TakersAdam Zampa (13), Josh Hazlewood (13)
X FactorsMitchell Marsh’s Dream Final, Matthew Wade-Marcus Stoinis Partnership, Cummins at the Death
Luck Factor
(Or the Lack of)
Aaron Finch Wins All the Tosses
Broken DreamsStarc 4-0-60-0 in the Final. Does he merit a place in the 2022 T20 World Cup Squad?

What Does Australia Need to Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

Home World Cup, expectations on them. No team has won two consecutive T20 World Cups or a T20 World Cup at home. Now, they have a good T20 core group from which they can challenge the rest of the world. The real question here is—Can Australia continue playing the same brand of cricket?

2. New Zealand 2021 T20 World Cup

New Zealand are the best all-format team to beat at the moment, aren’t they? 2 ODI World Cup finals in a row (2015, 2019), current World Test Championship holders, and now the runners up in a T20 World Cup. Just like Australia, not many expected them to get to semi-finals, let alone the finals. With an early loss to Pakistan, things did start positively for them. Credit to them, they strangled India, survived threat against Namibia, and continued on their marching way before the Neesham-Mitchell assault shocked England.

Positives? Mitchell’s inspirational promotion & Top 3’s solo performances (Mitchell’s 72*, Williamson’s 85, & Guptill’s 93, Southee’s economical World Cup, shining Boult & Sodhi (if we take out Sodhi’s final), roaring Milne in his comeback, and Neesham, who finally gets his revenge.

Negatives? Conway-Phillips-Seifert had been one of the reasons for NZ’s success in T20I’s over the past year, but none of them had a stellar performance. Conway played a crucial recovery innings in the semi-finals, Phillips (once a keeper) bowled some tight off spin and hit Zampa for a six in the final, but other than that, nothing much of note. Also Guptill’s 27 (35).…say no more.

New Zealand’s World Cup In a Nutshell

ResultRunners Up (2nd)
Wins/Losses5/2
Best MatchSemi Finals Vs England
Highest Run ScorersKane Williamson (216)
Martin Guptill (208)
Daryl Mitchell (208)
Highest Wicket TakersTrent Boult (13)
X FactorsDaryl Mitchell – the Opener, Neesham – the Finisher, Fielding Unit, Southee Reinvents Himself
Broken DreamsLockie Ferguson ruled out before the WC; Devon Conway injures himself by punching his bat after his semi-final dismissals; Misses the Final; New Zealand struggle early on and ends up on the runners up podium again.

What Does New Zealand Need to Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

New Zealand made it to the final on the back of good strategy and smart cricket. However, it is unlikely that this squad will succeed again in 2022 in Australian conditions. Do all three of Ish Sodhi-Todd Astle-Mitchell Santner fit in the 15? Does Martin Guptill continue or will Finn Allen be given a chance? Can both Adam Milne & Lockie Ferguson make the XI? Where does Tim Seifert fit in the equation? So many questions, less than 335 days, as Jimmy Neesham puts it.

3. Pakistan 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

Will Pakistan get a better chance? World Cup in the UAE, Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan in the form of their lives, bowling good as usual, fielding better than ever, Asif Ali finally coming into his own, and the 40 year youngsters Hafeez and Malik matching everybody else.

5 group matches, 5 different player of the match awards. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Asif Ali, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shoaib Malik. And the most runs of the tournament by their captain Babar Azam?

How did they get here? By completely dominating the match against India (via Shaheen’s opening spell including that ball to KL Rahul), completed a low scorer against NZ, crushed Afghanistan with Asif Ali’s 4 sixes, and brushed Scotland & Namibia by batting first.

Pakistan, who have been disappointed by NZ and England cricket boards, were writing a lovely beautiful story. However, just as in the 2010 T20 WC semi final against Australia, the story went off track. A left handed middle order batter finished it off with consecutive sixes against Pakistan’s best bowler. It was Mike Hussey Vs Saeed Ajmal 11 years ago. It was Matthew Wade Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi this year.

Pakistan’s World Cup In A Nutshell

ResultSemi-Finalists
Top of Group 2
Wins/Losses5/6
Best MatchBreak WC Jinx Vs India
Asif Ali’s 4 Sixes Crushes Afghan Spirits
Highest Run ScorersBabar Azam (303)
Mohammad Rizwan (281)
Highest Wicket TakersShadab Khan (9)
Haris Rauf (8)
Shaheen Shah Afridi (7)
X FactorsHaris Rauf’s death bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Powerplay, Imad Wasim-Shadab Khan’s miserly spells, Babar-Rizwan partnerhship, Malik-Asif Finishing
Broken DreamsHasan Ali’s Form
Lose a Close Semi-Final After Winning 5/5 Group Matches and dominating 35 overs of the semi=final

What Does Pakistan Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

Although Pakistan were possibly the best team throughout this year, they will have to make several changes next year due to conditions. A 150-160 score may not be defendable, the bowling combinations might need to be tweaked, and some young aggresive batters like Haider Ali will need to be placed in the XI.

4. England 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

I have two points of view on this England campaign. One can say that just like Pakistan, it was an underwhelming campaign since they dominated the group stages and failed to finish the semi-final like the Carlos Brathwaite final 5 years ago.

On the other hand, England were already missing Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Sam Curran. During the tournament, they lost Tymal Mills, their best death bowler, and Jason Roy. The fact that they still dominated the tournament shows the marvelous depth in English cricket right now.

The positives? Moeen Ali’s all round package, Chris Woakes’ opening spells, Tymal Mills’ international comeback, Adil Rashid’s magic, Livingstone’s off-spin/leg-spin, and Jos Buttler’s century.

England’s World Cup In A Nutshell

ResultSemi-Finalists
Top of Group 1
Wins/Losses4/6
Best MatchDestroying the West Indies for 55
Semi-Finalist Vs NZ (Loss)
Highest Run ScorersJos Buttler (269)
Highest Wicket TakersAdil Rashid (9)
Moeen Ali, Tymal Mills, Chris Woakes (7)
Liam Livingstone, Chris Jordan (6)
X FactorsTymal Mills’ death bowling, Moeen Ali’s all-round show; The Beast that is Buttler
Broken DreamsFavorites fail to lift the T20 World Cup again; Tymal Mills & Jason Roy out injured mid-tournament; Morgan-Livingstone underwhelm with the bat

What Does England Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

Given Eoin Morgan’s batting form, he is almost nearing the end of his England journey although his captaincy was still top notch. Ashes is around the corner, and it is too soon to predict squads since injuries/retirements/mental health breaks are around the corner due to their grueling schedule. Malan & Moeen might stay, but Morgan might not make the XI if Stokes is back. If England can find depth & consistency in their death bowling (need to look past Jordan & Tom Curran), then this golden generation might have lift the T20 World Cup trophy.

5. South Africa 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

One of the two teams that would go back with positives. Despite the Quinton de Kock Controversy early on, South Africa held themselves up nicely under captain Temba Bavuma.

Anrich Nortje was devastating throughout the tournament, even a sub-par Kagiso Rabada got a hat-trick, Killer Miller came back to win a thriller against Sri Lanka, Rassie Van der Dussen-Aiden Markram made huge strides, and spinners Markram-Maharaj tied down the opposition. The peak of their journey was the final match where they defeated tournament favorites England, and dented their confidence going to the semi-finals.

The only two blips? The narrow loss against Australia in the opening game of the Super 12s and the slow chase against Bangladesh meant they finished they barely failed to qualify due to net run rate.

I had anticipated South Africa would miss ABD, Faf, Tahir, and Morris but evidently they made it work.

South Africa’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result3rd in Group 1
Wins/Losses4/5
Best MatchDefeat Tournament Favorites England
Highest Run ScorersRassie van der Dussen (177)
Aiden Markram (162)
Highest Wicket TakersAnrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius (9)
Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada (8)
X FactorsNortje-Shamsi brilliant with the ball, Markram-van der Dussen brilliant with the bat, The Return of Killer Miller, and Temba Bavuma’s captaincy
Broken DreamsQuinton de Kock & Cricket South Africa’s miscommunication and mini-scandal
Failing to Qualify for the Semi-Finals on NRR again

What Does South Africa Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

South Africa need more stability in their middle order. The bowlers can defend middling scores in all conditions, but inconsistency in batting and lack of death is holding them back. They have a good core, if they do not get the Group of Death again, they will definitely be semi-finalist contenders.

6. Sri Lanka 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

The most improved and watchable team of the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka was the only team in the first week to look a class apart. In the Super 12s, they began positively with an improbable chase against Bangladesh and pushed England to the edge. However, they never really recovered from their last over loss against South Africa.

Asalanka & Rajapaska were the pick of the batters, opposition had no clue for their mystery spin, and Lahiru Kumara’s aggressive attitude and speed took opposition by surprise. Wanindu Hasaranga is having a dream year, and he was one of the standouts of this World Cups, both with the bat and the ball.

Sri Lanka’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result4th in Group 1
1st in Group A
Wins/Losses5/3 (Overall)
2/3 (Super 12s)
Best MatchChase 172 Vs Bangladesh Against All Odds
Highest Run ScorersCharith Asalanka (231)
Pathum Nissanka (221)
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (155)
Highest Wicket TakersWanindu Hasaranga (16)
Mahesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara (8)
X FactorsWanindu Hasaranga’s All-Round Show, Lahiru Kumara’s aggression, Nissanka-Asalanka-Rajapaksa form core for the future
Broken DreamsLose Steam Towards The End After Winning 5 Overall

What Does Sri Lanka Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

From 2015, Sri Lanka had been in grave transition. They finally found a group of players they can persist with in the near future. Hasaranga, Asalanka, & Rajapaksa defined this team with their positive brand of cricket. Finally opener Pathum Nissanka and mystery spinner Theekshana are really good prospects for Sri Lanka. If the seniors—Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, captain Dasun Shanaka, (maybe Chandimal & Matthews as well?) and the pacers Chameera-Kumara can come together, they might be the dark horse for the next World Cup.

Unfortunately just failed the direct qualification to the Super 12s, so have to go through the double qualification once again.

7. India 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

A tough tournament for Indian fans.

A dismal loss against Pakistan, a week long break, no intent against their WC arch-nemesis, New Zealand, and three spirited efforts against Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia to boost their net run rate. However, NZ’s victory against Afghanistan ensured India was never really in the tournament apart from outside mathematical calculations. It was the vulnerability against left arm seamers and good fast bowling once again that left India on the backfoot against Pakistan & NZ respectively.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s control in the middle overs and the intent shown by KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma at the end were some positives for India.

India’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result3rd in Group 2
Wins/Losses3/2
Best MatchChase 89 Vs Scotland In 7.3 Overs
Highest Run ScorersKL Rahul (194)
Rohit Sharma (174)
Highest Wicket TakersJasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja (7)
Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami (6)
X FactorsR Ashwin’s economical middle overs; Rahul-Sharma opening partnership (when they played with freedom)
Broken DreamsIndia loses against arch-nemesis NZ; First WC Loss to Pakistan; Favorites crash out without a fight; Shami suffers social media abuse; Kohli’ bows out captaincy career without a title

What Does India Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

Revamp their whole squad might be a rash decision, but something out of the ordinary is needed. Although some bold decisions were taken for this tournament, more game time is needed for a new-look T20I team. KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma should stay opening partners, Suryakumar, Pant, Bumrah, & Jadeja should remain in the fray, but the rest is up in the air, especially for Australian conditions.

Does Kohli fit in or do India do what England did to Root? Ashwin has been good, but Chahal definitely merits a place back. What about the Hardik Pandya problem? Can India find batters that in the top 4 that can bowl? India have the players, but maybe it is a curse rather than a blessing in ICC tournaments for this immense depth.

8. Afghanistan 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

Afghanistan did not have the worst of tournaments and were in contention till the very last day of the Super 12s, but there is a feeling that they could have done better.

In these conditions, Rashid-Mujeeb-Nabi were devastating individually but could not all fire together. The openers gave them spark, but not consistently. Najibullah Zadran was in his peak for, Hamid Hassan was back, and captain Mohammad Nabi batted with responsibility. Muscular Gulbadin Naib had a decent outing, and so did Naveen-ul-Haq. The only team to bat first with confidence and defend scores, their change of strategies in the crunch game against India did not work out for them.

Post the Pakistan game, it all just fell apart. 4 sixes in a row prompted freak retirement announcement by senior batter Asghar Afghan in the middle of the tournament. They could not manage to upset India or NZ, which is all that was needed.

Afghanistan’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result4th In Group 2
Wins/Losses2/3
Best MatchCrush Scotland By 130 Runs
Highest Run ScorersNajibullah Zadran (172)
Mohammad Nabi (127)
Highest Wicket TakersRashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (8)
X FactorsMystery Spinners; Nabi-Najibullah late order hitting; Zazai-Shahzad provide some good starts
Broken DreamsDid not upset any of the big 3 in the group—NZ, Pakistan, & India
Tough close loss against Pakistan and subsequent retirement of Asghar Afghan in the middle of the tournament derailed their campaign

What Does Afghanistan Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

First they need to ensure no administrative turmoil. For the last two World Cups now, they have had captaincy changes right before the tournament. Afghanistan might be upbeat for next year since many of their players have BBL experience in Australia. All they need ais a couple of fast bowlers and Qais Ahmed back, and this team can outdo any other on a given day.

9. Namibia 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

The story of the tournament by far.

First time qualifying for a cricket world cup since 2003 and guess what? Not only winning one game but THREE GAMES! Defeated the European trio of Ireland (full member), Netherlands, and Scotland and got a direct entry to the 2022 T20 World Cup.

The middle order, led by David Wiese, was their saving grace but their disciplined bowling, led by Trumpelmann & Wiese, kept them in the game, even against the likes of Pakistan and New Zealand. Trumpelmann’s 3-wicket opening over & JJ Smit’s finishing heroics over Scotland was the highlight of their tournament. Kudos to captain Erasmus for playing the tournament with a broken finger.

Namibia’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result5th in Group 2
2nd in Group A
Wins/Losses3/5 (Overall)
1/4 (Super 12s)
Best MatchDefeat Full Member Ireland
Win First Super 12 Match (Vs Scotland)
Highest Run ScorersDavid Wiese (227)
Gerhard Erasmus (151)
Highest Wicket TakersJan Frylinck (9)
David Wiese (6)
Ruben Trumpelmann (6)
X FactorsLower Middle Order
Trumpelmann’s Opening Spells
Broken DreamsNone Really. Except for their opening game against Sri Lanka, they competed well throughout the tournament even against Full Members

What Does Namibia’s Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

If Namibia need to improve and go one step further, they need to add a bit of spice to their bowling attack. For their first 10 overs, they are good but need to keep opposition down at the death. Can they make it to the Super 12s again?

10. Scotland 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

Scotland experienced high highs and suffered low lows.

From 53-6 in their opening game against Bangladesh, a Chris Greaves inspired victory gave them victory over Bangladesh. They dominated the early groups with 3 wins in 3 matches. They nosedived with a 130-run loss against Afghanistan’s spin in the first match of the Super 12s and never recovered. Their only hope was against Namibia which they made a game out of, but still lost.

The bowlers came to the party, especially Mark Watt (1/19, 1/23, 1/23, 1/23, 1/22, 1/13, 1/20, 0/41) but their famed batters let them down.

Scotland’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result6th in Group 2
1st in Group A
Wins/Losses3/5 (Overall)
0/5 (Super 12s)
Best MatchStun Bangladesh (Feat Chris Greaves)
Highest Run ScorersRichie Berrington (177)
George Munsey (152)
Matthew Cross (135)
Michael Leask (130)
Highest Wicket TakersJosh Davey (9)
Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal (8)
Mark Watt (7)
Chris Greaves (6)
X FactorsWatt’s Economical (6.13) Consistency, Berrington’s Fifties, Fast Bowlers Accurate, Leask’s Power Hitting, The Rise of Chris Greaves, Matt Cross’s Commetnary Behind the Stumps
Broken DreamsKyle Coetzer & Heralded Top Order Suffer Collective Failure

What Does Scotland Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

Are Scotland’s golden era ageing or was it just the conditions? The good thing is they have qualified for the 2022 T20 World Cup by the virtue of qualifying for the Super 12s. They need batting depth and power hitters to complement their bowlers. Should still make it past the early group into the Super 12s next year.

11. West Indies 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

Well the Last Dance was not meant to be. Only one win overall, and that too by 3 runs.

Not only did West Indies not qualify for the semi-finals, they had a horrible time. Bundled out for 55 against England, they never really figured out what their approach will be. Go all guns blazing like Lewis tried or hang in there like Lendl Simmons? Gayle-Pollard-Russell were almost no shows, and Jason Holder as replacement (who should have been in the squad in the first place) was the only spark.

Akeal Hosein was the find for West Indies, filling Fabian Allen’s left arm spin shoe perfectly as were Pooran-Hetmyer briefly. It was good to see Bravo & Gayle having fun in what may be their last T20I.

West Indies’ World Cup In A Nutshell

Result5th In Group 1
Wins/Losses1/4
Best MatchWins a Low Scoring Thriller Vs Bangladesh
Highest Run ScorersShimron Hetmyer (127)
Highest Wicket TakersAkeal Hosein (5)
X FactorsAkeal Hosein’s Opening spells & fielding; Pooran-Hetmyer
Holder’s comeback
Broken Dreams55 All Out
Obed McCoy Injury
Lendl Simmons’ Slow Show
Dwayne Bravo Retires
Chris Gayle (almost) retires
Horror show for T20 stars Gayle, Pollard, Russell
Hat-trick Dream Unfulfilled

What Does West Indies Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

A completely rejig of the squad is needed. Hetmyer, Pooran, Lewis, Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein, and even Kieron Pollard might stay but it is the end of the road for Gayle, Bravo, Russell? and Rampaul. It would be interesting to see if Roston Chase stays and if ‘rotating the strike’ will come into their T20 philosophy. West Indies of the 2010s changed T20 cricket with their boundary hitting but they need to move on with the times.

12. Bangladesh 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

Where do I even start?

I was a fan of the rising Bangladesh ODI team and had them as a semi-finalist possibility, but this team was a complete no-show. Expected to do well in spinning UAE conditions and after dominating Australia & New Zealand at home in dust bowls, this was a huge let down.

For the first time in recent WCs, the seniors did not stand up (Shakib in the first few games apart) which exposed the gaps in the rest of the team. The likes of Liton Das, Soumy Sarkar, and Afif Hossain have not really become consistent cricketers that Bangladesh needed.

The worst part was the last couple of games. Losing a WC happens, but giving up without a fight was truly disappointing as they were skittled for 73 and 84 respectively against Australia & South Africa.

Taskin Ahmed’s comeback spirit and Mahedi Hasan were the only positive.

Bangladesh’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result6th in Group 1
2nd in Group B
Wins/Losses2/6 (Overall)
0/5 (Super 12s)
Best MatchBangladesh Survive Oman Scare
Highest Run ScorersMohammad Naim (174)
Mahmudullah (169)
Highest Wicket TakersShakib Al Hasan (11)
Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman (8)
X FactorsTaskin Ahmed’s Energy
Mahedi Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan in the early stages
Broken DreamsMahmudullah’s captaincy decisions
Mushfiqur Rahim’s lack of form
Liton Das’s Horror Show
Youngsters Fail To Rise to the Occasion
Mustafizur Expensive
Shakib Al Hasan’s Injury

What Does Bangladesh Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

The next generation of Bangladesh cricket need to come in. Already the likes of Saif Hasasn, Najmul Hossain Shanto, leg spinner Aminul Islam, U-19 winning captain Akbar Ali among others have been selected for the Pakistan T20I series while Mushfiqur Rahim is dropped. I expect the Fab 4 to be in the squad in Australia, but maybe not a regular XI spot. This is the step in the right direction, but one year is too less for a T20I team to develop. It may take a few years to bounce back.

13. Oman 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

Oman will have mixed feelings from this World Cup.

First of all, they were wonderful hosts and made sure the tournament started off the right foot (beautiful background as well). After winning the first game against PNG comfortably, they would have felt they are almost into the Super 12s, but they let the tense game against Bangladesh slip.

Captain Zeeshan Maqsood’s 3 wicket over, Jainder Singh-Aqib Ilyas’ opening partnership, Singh’s celebrations, and Bilal Khan’s pinpoint yorkers marked Oman’s tournament.

Oman’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result3rd in Group B
Wins/Losses1/2
Best MatchZeeshan Maqsood, Oman’s openers crush rusty PNG
Highest Run ScorersJatinder Singh (113)
Aqib Ilyas (93)
Highest Wicket TakersBilal Khan, Zeeshan Mazsood (5)
Kaleemullah, Fayyab Butt (4)
X FactorsJatinder Singh-Aqib Ilyas Opening Partnership
Broken DreamsHad a foot in the door early on, but could not maintain momentum; This was a good chance to qualify to the next round since all matches were at home

What Does Oman Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

They need to go back and qualify for the 2022 T20 World Cup. They need to make sure their middle order batters can endure pressure moments. Qualification cycles can be difficult, so we do not know if we will see them again. With Zimbabwe back in the qualifiers, it will just be harder.

14. Ireland 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

All was well and good with the world when Curtis Campher took 4 wickets in 4 balls and Ireland hammered the Netherlands. However, Sri Lanka’s big defeat rocked their NRR and a rising Namibia overthrew them as the ‘Associate giant.’

It was just destiny. Ireland upset the big teams 15 years ago to gain respect for the Associate nations, and now when they are a Full Member, a stronger set of Associate nations are beginning to upset them.

Josh Little the only positive for them apart from Campher.

Ireland’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result3rd in Group A
Wins/Losses1/2
Best MatchCurtis Campher, Mark Adair Destroy Netherlands
Highest Run ScorersPaul Stirling (75)
Highest Wicket TakersCurtis Campher (6)
Josh Little, Mark Adair (5)
X FactorsCurtis Campher, The Double Hat-trick Man (or 4-in-4?)
Broken DreamsFull Member Ireland seem to be regressing in T20Is despite strides in ODI cricket

What Does Ireland Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

Ireland’s golden generation has ended, and it will take a while for the young guns to pick up but T20 cricket is just not suited to their styles. Probably the end of the road for Kevin O’Brien. Honestly, I do not see Ireland see improving much unless T20 franchise leagues start acquring talent like Paul Stirling and Josh Little.

15. Papua New Guinea 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

Papua New Guinea brought the world to the Cricket World Cup. Although they did not win any games, their family-like spirit took the fans by delight.

The partnership between Assad Vala and Charles Amini against Oman displayed that these bunch of players possess a lot of talent if they are given the environment to flourish. Some good hitting at the end by Doriga as well against Scotland to keep the game interesting.

Papua New Guinea’s World Cup In A Nutshell

Result4th in Group B
Wins/Losses0/3
Best MatchScotland Vs Papua New Guinea
Highest Run ScorersAssad Vala (80)
Kiplin Doriga (64)
Highest Wicket TakersKabua Morea (6)
X FactorsCharles Amini-Assad Vala show the flair in their side
Brilliant diving catches and disciplined fielding throughout
Broken DreamsGo Home With No Wins

What Does Papua New Guinea Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

They have to go through qualification again. The next World Cup is near their home in Oceania, but is their World Cup qualification dream too far?

16. Netherlands 2021 T20 World Cup Team Review

Netherlands were a rising team over the last couple of years, but questionable selections and lack of preparation due to COVID-19 meant they could not carry their form in the tournament.

106/10, 44/10 and losing to Namibia after scoring 164/4. Not much of note apart from Max O’Dowd’s form. They came in with good form and called upon RTD & RVDM, but performances did not add up.

Netherlands’ World Cup In A Nutshell

Result4th in Group A
Wins/Losses0/3
Best MatchNone
Highest Run ScorersMax O’Dowd (123)
Highest Wicket TakersPieter Seelar, Fred Klaassen, Brandon Glover (2)
X FactorsMax O’Dowd continues his good form
Broken DreamsThe great Ryan Ten Doeschate retires without a proper sendoff (does not get selected for the last match)

What Does Netherlands Need To Do For the 2022 T20 World Cup?

They just need to play more between World Cups. They have a South Africa tour coming up. Hopefully they can gain good experience and build confidence. Will need to qualify again however.

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© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 11/21/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

T20 World Cup Predictions: Winner, Top 4, Best Associates, MVP, Most Runs & Wickets, Surprises,…Can You Guess It All?

Welcome to T20 World Cup Predictions 😊

IPL is done, international cricket is back, and so is #BCDPredictions! Let us see how good the predictions of our fellow cricket fans on social media is.

We asked our viewers to respond with

  • #Winner
  • #Top4
  • #BestAssociates
  • #PlayerofWC
  • #MostRuns
  • #MostWickets
  • #BestCatch
  • #Surprise
  • #BrokenDream

So what do you say? Will we see any surprises? Are South Africa, Bangladesh, Afghanistan the dark horses for the tournament? How about rising Scotland? Any emerging players? Will we miss Faf, Tahir, Morris, Chahal, Narine, and more?

If you do not have enough information yet to do the predictions, check out these previews below.

Groups:

My IPL Predictions

Here are my predictions. Old World Cups photos and everyone’s predictions & analysis are stated below for comparison.

T20 World Cup 2021 Predictions

Chapter I: India Hold The Edge?

  1. Veer 🏏 (@CricCrazyVeer)
  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: WI, Eng, NZ, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Ire/Neth
  • #PlayerofWC: Jadeja
  • #MostRuns: Rizwan
  • #MostWickets: Shamsi
  • #BestCatch: Fabian Allen
  • #Surprise: Scotland, Afghanistan
  • #BrokenDream: Hafeez retires

2. Mohd Shamir Ansari (@ShamirMohd)

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: Ind, WI, Eng, NZ
  • #BestAssociates: Oman
  • #PlayerofWC: Jadeja
  • #MostRuns: Rohit Sharma
  • #MostWickets: Ish Sodhi
  • #BestCatch: Glenn Maxwell
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan
  • #BrokenDream: Gayle and Bravo retire.

3. Sourabh Sanyal -Mask & Vaccination (💉x😷) is must (@sourabhsanyal)

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: WI, Eng, Pak, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Scotland
  • #PlayerofWC: Boom (Bumrah)
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Starc
  • #BestCatch: Jaddu/Kohhli
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan
  • #BrokenDream: Bangladesh
Embed from Getty Images

Chapter 2: Is This World Cup Too Close To Call?

4. Anand Abhirup // 🤩⚔️ ︎ (@AnandHR_Odia)

  • #Winner: West Indies
  • #Top4: Ind, WI, Aus, NZ
  • #BestAssociates: Afghanistan
  • #PlayerofWC: KL Rahul
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Varun Chakravarthy
  • #BestCatch: Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan

5.Sourabh Negi (@im_sourabh_Negi)

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: Ind, WI, Aus, NZ
  • #BestAssociates: Afghanistan
  • #PlayerofWC: KL Rahul
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: S Thakur/ Rashid Khan
  • #BestCatch: Fabian Allen/Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan

6. Paras (@ParasGirdhar22)

  • #Winner: Hard to Say
  • #Top4: Ind, Pak/NZ, Aus/Eng, WI
  • #MostRuns: Rohit
  • #MostWickets: Starc
  • #BestCatch: Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Same (as mine)
Embed from Getty Images

Chapter 3: Can England Or WI Extend Their Limited Overs Dominance?

7. Deepak Kumar Panda (@Deepsdkp)

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: WI, Eng, Pak, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Netherlands
  • #PlayerofWC: Rahul/jadeja
  • #MostRuns: Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Tymal Mills
  • #BestCatch: Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan
  • #BrokenDream: Bravo and Gayle retire

8.Kickit Wicket (@KickitWicket)

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: NZ, WI, Aus, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Netherlands
  • #PlayerofWC: Jadeja
  • #MostRuns: Maxwell
  • #MostWickets: Shamsi
  • #BestCatch: Williamson
  • #Surprise: NZ
  • #BrokenDream: Morgan duck in final innings

9.𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙮𝙪𝙨𝙝 (@ps26_11)

  • #Winner: England
  • #Top4: WI, Eng, NZ, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Netherlands
  • #PlayerofWC: Maxwell
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Nortje
  • #BestCatch: Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Afghanistan/Scotland
  • #BrokenDream: Malik/Morgan retire
Embed from Getty Images

Chapter 4: Virat Kohli Vs Babar Azam Vs Kane Williamson Vs KL Rahul For Most Runs?

10. Wisdom

  • #Winner: Pakistan
  • #Top4: Aus, Eng, Pak, NZ
  • #BestAssociates: Scotland, Ireland
  • #PlayerofWC: Babar Azam
  • #MostRuns: Babar Azam
  • #MostWickets: Southee
  • #BestCatch: Fabian Allen
  • #Surprise: Fabian Allen
  • #BrokenDream: Virat Kohli

11. Chalupa

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: Aus, NZ, WI, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Scotland
  • #PlayerofWC: Kane Williamson
  • #MostRuns: Virat Kohli
  • #MostWickets: Bumrah
  • #BestCatch: Jadeja
  • #Surprise: Scotland
  • #BrokenDream: Pakistan

12. Wow

  • #Winner: NZ
  • #Top4: NZ, WI, Ban, Afg
  • #BestAssociates: Scotland
  • #PlayerofWC: Rashid Khan
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Shardul Thakur
  • #BestCatch: Glenn Maxwell
  • #Surprise: India win
  • #BrokenDream: NZ out

13. Vandit

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: Ind, Pak, Eng, WI
  • #BestAssociates: Netherlands
  • #PlayerofWC: KL Rahul
  • #MostRuns: KL Rahul
  • #MostWickets: Adil Rashid
  • #BestCatch: Shimron Hetmyer
  • #Surprise: R Ashwin
  • #BrokenDream: Sri Lanka or Bangladesh might not make it to the Super 12s

14. Short Leg Cricket

  • #Winner: Pakistan
  • #Top4: WI, Eng, Pak, Ind
  • #BestAssociates: Scotland
  • #PlayerofWC: Maxi
  • #MostRuns: Babar
  • #MostWickets: Rabada
  • #BestCatch: Jordan
  • #Surprise: NZ
  • #BrokenDream: Virat Kohli

15. Harrison

  • #Winner: India
  • #Top4: Ind, Eng, Pak, WI
  • #BestAssociates: Ireland
  • #PlayerofWC: KL Rahul
  • #MostRuns: Glenn Maxwell
  • #MostWickets: Adil Rashid
  • #BestCatch: Fabian Allen
  • #Surprise: Bangladesh
  • #BrokenDream: England & being double white ball champions
Embed from Getty Images

Discussions I

16. CRICKET 2021 (@INDIA21653180)

  • #Top4: Ind,WI, Eng, NZ (without a doubt)
  • #MostRuns: Buttler (may not be an Indian, cannot rule QDK too)

Discussion:

  • “…With Neesham, Boult, Lockie, Phillips, Kane, Jamieson all playing IPL advantage for them and not Pak…Guptill, Seifert, Kane, Conway, Phillips, Neesham, Santner, Sodhi/Southee, Boult, Ferguson, Kyle.”
  • “Babar, Rizwan out for less then 20 runs, then Pak may lose 99% if against NZ and India if chasing 170…For India, even after Rahul, Kohli, Pant Surya, Hardik, Jadeja, Shardul are there.”
  • “I feel having times like SA, Aus, WI, Eng in same group made Group B easy to qualify.”
    1. Rohit-Rahul/Babar-Rizwan most settled opening pair
    2. Moeen Ali/Kohli best at 3
    3. Conway/Phillips best at 4/5
    4. Pant/Hardik/Jadeja for late order hitting.”
    5. Rashid Khan/Nabi/Mujeeb/Varun/Chahar/Jadeja – Spinners
    6. Nortje/Boult/Shaheen/Bhuvi – Powerplay Bowler
    7. Bumrah – Death Bowler
    8. Mawell/Surya/Inglis – 360 or unorthodox
    9. Pooran/Hetmyer/Pollard/Russel/Allen/DJ Bravo – Power hitters
Embed from Getty Images

T20 World Cup Prediction Quotes

“If India want to win India’s top three form is very crucial.”

Sourabh

“Yes surely looking at great spin condition in UAE. [Sodhi] is definitely going to have a good impact in this WC for NZ…”

Mohd Shamir Ansari

“Seeing how the pitches played out in most games in IPL, expect Tymal’s variations to come in handy.”

Deepak Kumar Panda

“The problem with NZ might be the UAE conditions. Guptill couldn’t bat UAE conditions in the second leg of PSL.”

Asad Ali

“Namibia or PNG may qualify for the main draw. Afghanistan may eliminate one of the Asian teams and reach semis. It can be an #IndvNZ final.”

The Falling Sweep

“With Faf, Morris, & Tahir not in team, it is a huge task for SA.”

Bhagyesh Joshi

Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka—Can Sri Lanka Spin Their Way Out of Trouble?

Time for Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads analysis.

In the mini-qualifier group, there are two groups (Group A & B) of 4 teams each, top 2 of which will go in the main round (Group 1 and 2). Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka form ‘qualifying group of death,’ Group A. Group B has teams Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland.

In the main draw, 4 qualifier teams will join either Group 1 (Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies) or Group 2, (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and New Zealand).

Here is the detailed squad analysis—Most Balanced, Surprise Exclusions, In-Form Inclusions and Predictions!

Also Read:

Ireland T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Andy BalbirnieSimi SinghKevin O’BrienNeil RockJosh Little
Harry TectorPaul StirlingCurtis CampherAndy McBrine
George DockrellMark AdairBarry McCarthy
Gareth DelanyShane Getkate
Graham KennedyLoran TuckerBen WhiteCraig Young
Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Ireland

Ireland Probable XI

  1. Paul Stirling, 2. Kevin O’Brien, 3. Andy Balbirnie (C), 4. Harry Tector, 5. Shane Getkate, 6. George Dockrell, 7. Neil Rock (WK), 8. Simi Singh, 9. Curtis Campher, 10. Mark Adair, 11. Josh Little/ Andy McBrine
  • Average Age: 27
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: William McClintock, Craig Young (reserves)
  • Surprise Inclusions: Graham Kennedy
  • Watch Out For: Paul Stirling, the best ODI player of 2020, and Curtis Campher, a potential world class allrounder for the future
  • Current T20I Ranking: 12th

  • Recent Results: Won 3-2 Vs Zimbabwe
  • Prediction: Rank 4th in Group A. I just do not see this Ireland side going too far.

Does Ireland Have It In Them to Qualify for the Next Round?

Ireland just won a T20I series but T20 cricket is not their strength. If Ireland are to do well, their all rounders and power hitters have to come to the fore to support the steadiness that Balbirnie-Tector provide in the middle.

Namibia T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Stephan BaardGerhard ErasmusDavid WieseZane GreenBen Shikongo
Karl BirkenstockBernard ScholtzJJ SmitMichael van Lingen
Michau du PreezJan Frylinck
Jan Nicol Loftie-EatonRuben Trumpelmann
Craig Williams
Pikky Ya FranceMauritius Ngupita
Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Namibia

Australia Probable XI

  1. Stephan Baad, 2. Craig Williams, 3. JJ Smit, 4. Gerhard Erasmus (C), 5. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, 6. David Wiese, 7. Zane Green (WK), 8. Michau du Preez, 9. Jan Frylinck, 10. Bernard Scholtz, 11. Ben Shikongo
  • Average Age: 27
  • Watch Out For: Gerhard Erasmus, player of the 2019 T20 World Cup Qualifier. He has a T20I average of 40.33 at a 141.10 SR with 5 fifties. That is a great record, even if it is against Associate nations.
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: JP Kotze, Zhivago Groeneweld (retired)
  • Current T20I Ranking: 19th
  • Recent Results: Won Vs Uganda 3-0
  • Prediction: Rank 3rd in Group A. At least one upset around the corner?

Does Namibia Have It In Them to Qualify for the Next Round?

The dark horse of the qualifying group. Qualifying for the first time in a World Cup since 2003, this has been one of the feel-good stories of recent times. The big story is that David Wiese, a star in the CPL and PSL, who has represented South Africa at the international level (even 2016 T20 Worl Cup) will now represent Namibia due to his paternal heritage.

Netherlands T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Stephan MyburgPieter SeelarRyan Ten DoeschateScott EdwardsPhilippe BoissevainTimm van der Gugten
Max O’DowdColin AckermanFred Klassen
Ben CooperRoelof van der MerweLogan van Beek
Bas de LeedeBrandon Glover
Paul van Meekeren
Tobias ViseeShane Snater
Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Netherlands

Netherlands Probable XI

  1. Max O’Dowd, 2. Stephan Myburg, 3. Ben Cooper, 4. Bas de Leede, 5. Ryan Ten Doeschate, 6. Pieter Seelar (C), 7. Scott Edwards (WK), 8. Roelof van der Merwe, 9. Timm van der Gugten, 10. Philippe Boissevain, 11. Paul van Meekeren
  • Average Age: 30
  • Surprise Inclusions: Ryan Ten Doeschate, Roelof van der Merwe
  • Watch Out For: Max O’Dowd, has been in a bit of form earlier this year
  • Current T20I Ranking: 17th

  • Recent Results: Won 2, Lost 2, Tied 1 in the Nepal Tri-Nation T20I series (lost finals) alongside Nepal & Malaysia
  • Prediction: Rank 1st in Group A. Gut feeling that they will win against Sri Lanka and might upset another major team in the main draw if they qualify.

Does Netherlands Have It In Them to Qualify for the Next Round?

They definitely have the ingredients. Max O’Dowd-Myburg form a potent opening partnership on which Doeschate-Seelar-der Merwe can build upon. Paul van Meekeren became the first Dutch player to play in the CPL and that experience will help out. Expect van der Gugten-van Meekeren to shoulder the pace bowling responsibilities.

Sri Lanka T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Avishka FernandoWanindu Hasaranaga de SilvaDasun ShanakaDinesh ChandimalMahesh TheekshanaDushmantha Chameera
Bhanuka RajapaksaDhananjaya de SilvaLahiru MadushankaKusal PereraPraveen JayawickramaNuwan Pradeep
Charith AsalankaChamika Karunaratne
Kamindu MendisBinura Fernando
Pulina TharangaAkila DhananjayaLahiru Kumara
Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Probable XI

  1. Kusal Perera (WK), 2. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 3. Avishka Fernando, 4. Dinesh Chandimal, 5. Dhananjaya de Silva, 6. Wanindu Hasaranga, 7. Dasun Shanaka (C), 8. Nuwan Pradeep, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Mahesh Theekshana, 11. Praveen Jayawickrama
  • Average Age: 27
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Angelo Mathews (contract issue), Minod Bhanuka (not picked), Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilika (suspension)
  • Surprise Inclusions: Mahesh Theekshana
  • Watch Out For: Theekshana, Jayawickrama, and Hasaranga—the spin trio
  • Current T20I Ranking: 10th

Does Sri Lanka Have It In Them to Qualify for the Next Round?

Sri Lanka are currently on a losing streak and have been in transition for half a decade, but 2021 might be where the tide turns. With the bat, de Silva and Avishka Fernando are chipping in with consistent performances to support Perera, Chandimal, and Shanaka.

Hasaranga has been a revelation (#2 ICC ranked bowler), can bat at the top and finish games off and can bowl anywhere in the lineup. Sri Lanka have also found mystery spinner Theekshana and left arm spinner Jayawickrama (apart from Test spinner Embuldeniya and reserve Dhananjaya). Pacers Chameera-Pradeep cap off a balanced bowling attack.

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© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 09/12/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand—Asia Cup is Back!

Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads analysis time.

With India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in this group already set, this is a mini Asia Cup battle. In the preliminary qualification round, if Sri Lanka is ranked 2 in Group A and if Bangladesh tops Group B, we might see a potential 5/6 Asian teams!

This might not be named the Group of Death from the outside, but I think this group will be closer than it appears. Here is our team-by-team analysis—Most Balanced, Surprise Exclusions, In-Form Inclusions and Predictions!

Also Read:

T20 World Cup Groups

In the mini-qualifier group, there are two groups (Group A & B) of 4 teams each, top 2 of which will go in the main round (Group 1 and 2).

Group A has teams Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka, while Group B has teams Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland.

Group 2
Afghanistan
India
New Zealand
Pakistan
A2
B1
T20 World Cup 2021: Group 2 Table

The other group, Group 2, will have Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies.

Afghanistan T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Asghar AfghanMohammad NabiGulbadin NaibRahmanullah GurbazSharafuddin AshrafHamid Hassan
Usman GhaniRashid KhanMohammad ShahzadMujeeb Ur RahmanKarim Janat
Hashmatullah ShahidiQais AhmedNaveen Ul-Haq
Najibullah ZadranDawlat Zadran
Hazratullah ZazaiShapoor Zadran
Afsar ZazaiFareed Ahmad
Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Afghanistan

Afghanistan Probable XI

  1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), 3. Usman Ghani, 4. Asghar Afghan, 5. Mohammad Nabi (C), 6. Najibullah Zadran, 7. Gulbadin Naib/Karim Janat, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10. Naveen Ul-Haq, 11. Qais Ahmed
  • Average Age: 28
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Ibrahim Zadran, Amir Hamza, Fazalhaq Farooqi
  • Surprise Inclusions: Hamid Hassan, Mohammad Shahzad, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran
  • Watch Out For: The Spinners—Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Qais Ahmed

  • Recent Result: Afghanistan won 3-0 Vs Zimbabwe in UAE
  • Prediction: Rank 3rd in Group 2. In spin conditions, if their batters can put up a decent score, expect Afghanistan to surprise a few of the big teams.

Does Afghanistan Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Another World Cup. Another captaincy change right before the World Cup for Afghanistan. Rashid Khan had received the captaincy baton from Asghar Afghan, but he has resigned on the eve on the World Cup since he was not consulted for the WC squad. Add to that the current political situation, and Afghanistan’s entry in the WC is not even guaranteed.

Iconic trio Hamid Hassan, Mohammad Shahzad, and Shapoor Zadran return after years of international hiatus. Fitness will be the key concern, but Afghanistan have a good mix of youth and experience. They are also guaranteed 5 games in the main draw.

India T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Virat KohliRavindra JadejaHardik PandyaKL RahulRahul ChaharJasprit Bumrah
Rohit SharmaAxar PatelRishabh PantVarun ChakravarthyBhuvneshwar Kumar
Suryakumar YadavRavichandran AshwinIshan KishanMohammad Shami
Shreyas IyerShardul ThakurDeepak Chahar
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: India

Probable XI

  1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Virat Kohli (C), 3. KL Rahul/Ishan Kishan, 4. Suryakumar Yadav, 5. Rishabh Pant, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Varun Chakravarthy
  • Average Age: 29
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur (reserves), Washington Sundar (injured), Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill, Natarajan, Khaleel Ahmed, Manish Pandey, Sanju Samson, Dinesh Karthik. If you want the list of all 75 players which form Indian cricket team’s depth, read this.
  • Surprise Inclusions: R Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy, MS Dhoni (Mentor)
  • Watch Out For: Trial by Spin—Rahul Chahar, R Ashwin, & Varun Chakravarthy can single handedly bamboozle most batting lineups. With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel providing control, India might not have to chase large targets. Expect Ashwin in powerplays, Chahar-Jadeja in middle overs, and if he plays, Varun at the death.

  • Recent Results: Lost 1-2 to Sri Lanka
  • Prediction: Rank 2nd in Group 2. Since this side has not played together, India might drop a game or two till they figure out their best XI, but should find momentum towards the latter stages of the tournament.

Does India Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

A well balanced side overall. Selectors have finally picked IPL as the standard for T20I selection and separated it from ODI players. IPL dynasty Mumbai Indians have six players in this 15.

Shikhar Dhawan was the highest scorer for India in both the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka and has been at the top of the charts (with decent SR) in the last two IPLs, but has still not made the cut. Bold move to cut Chahal but Chahar is the in-form leg spinner.

India have punted on spinning conditions and hence, exposed their fast bowling. Too much responsibility on Bumrah? Will we see a Sharma-Kohli opening partnership? Can India finally add an ICC Trophy after a decade of semi-finals and runner-ups trophy?

New Zealand T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Kane WilliamsonMitchell SantnerKyle JamiesonGlenn PhillipsTodd AstleTrent Boult
Devon ConwayMark ChapmanDaryl MitchellTim SeifertIsh SodhiLockie Ferguson
Martin GuptillJames NeeshamTim Southee
Adam Milne
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: New Zealand

New Zealand Probable XI

  1. Tim Seifert (WK), 2. Martin Guptill, 3. Kane Williamson (C), 4. Devon Conway, 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Jimmy Neesham, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Lockie Ferguson, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Trent Boult
  • Average Age: 30
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Colin de Grandhomme, Will Young, Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls/Tom Latham/Ross Taylor, Doug Bracewell/Hamish Bennett/Jacob Duffy/Blair Tickner, Ajaz Patel
  • Surprise Inclusions: Mark Chapman, Todd Astle
  • Watch Out For: Lockie Ferguson & Devon Conway. Ferguson’s KKR experience in UAE might come in handy and can Conway continue his dream debut year?

Does New Zealand Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Interesting team selection this based on condition and form. Glenn Phillips-Conway-Seifert had solidifed their positions with a rich run of form last year. This meant that Will Young and Finn Allen could not break in the squad despite great T20I performances toward the end. Great depth in New Zealand cricket means several players had to miss out.

Colin de Grandhomme is the interestesting exclusion for me. If fit, he could have been devastating but Mitchell-Neesham-Santner-Jamieson have booked their tickets with a coule of good performances earlier in the year. Adam Milne unlucky to just be in the reserves because he is been on fire in the Big Bash and The hundred since his comeback. End of T20Is for Ross Taylor.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Babar AzamImad WasimHasan AliMohammad RizwanHaris Rauf
Sohaib MaqsoodMohammad HafeezMohammad WasimAzam KhanMohammad Hasnain
Khushdil ShahMohammad NawazShaheen Shah Afridi
Asif AliShadab Khan
Fakhar ZamanUsman QadirShahnawaz Dahani
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Pakistan

Pakistan Probable XI

  1. Babar Azam (C), 2. Mohammad Rizwan, 3. Mohammad Hafeez, 4. Sohaib Maqsood, 5. Imad Wasim, 6. Azam Khan/Khushdil Shah/Asif Ali, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Hasan Ali, 9. Mohammad Nawaz, 10. Haris Rauf, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi
  • Average Age: 27
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Fakhar Zaman, Usman Qadir (Reserves), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Sharjeel Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan Shinwari, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis (Coach)
  • Surprise Inclusions: Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah, Azam Khan
  • Watch Out For: Azam Khan, the power hitter, has hit some big sixes in CPL 2021. Could be the finisher Pakistan are looking for.

  • Recent Results: Lost 1-2 against England.
  • Prediction: Rank 1 in Group 2. Should get through the group with ease before collapsing in the semi-finals.

Does Pakistan Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Pakistan have opted for a young squad dropping all of Shoaib Malik, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarfaraz, and Wahab Riaz. If the lower order of Imad Wasim-Shadab-Hasan Ali can consistently score some quick runs, Pakistan will be in good shape.

The top 4 do not have competition from others in the squad, so expect Babar-Rizwan-Hafeez-Maqsood to play with freedom. Shaheen Shah Afridi-Haris Rauf-Nawaz-Hasan Ali-Shadab-Imad-Hafeez make a potent bowling line up as well. Would have liked Zaman, Qadir, Faheem Ashraf, and one of the seniors in the 15 but overall, the squad is pretty solid nevertheless.

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© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 09/12/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies—Can West Indies Make It A Hat-Trick of World Cups?

Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads analysis time.

This might be toughest group of all. West Indies & England, the two finalists from last time, will go head-to-head in this group with wounded Australia & South Africa waiting to make their statement.

From the initial table, we might potentially see the likes of Sri Lanka/Netherlands and Scotland in this group. Without further ado, here is the detailed squad analysis—Most Balanced, Surprise Exclusions, In-Form Inclusions and Predictions!

Also Read:

T20 World Cup Groups

In the mini-qualifier group, there are two groups (Group A & B) of 4 teams each, top 2 of which will go in the main round (Group 1 and 2).

Group A has teams Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka, while Group B has teams Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland.

Group 1
Australia
England
South Africa
West Indies
A1
B2
T20 World Cup 2021: Group 1 Table

The other group, Group 2, will have India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and New Zealand.

Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads

Australia T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Aaron Finch Ashton AgarMitchell MarshJosh Inglis Mitchell SwepsonPat Cummins
Steven SmithGlenn MaxwellMarcus StoinisMatthew WadeAdam ZampaMitchell Starc
David WarnerJosh Hazlewood
Daniel SamsKane Richardson
Dan ChristianNathan Ellis
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Australia

Australia Probable XI

  1. Matthew Wade (WK), 2. David Warner, 3. Aaron Finch (C), 4. Steven Smith, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Marcus Stoinis, 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc/Swepson, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Adam Zampa
  • Average Age: 31
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Moises Henriques, D’arcy Short, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Riley Meredith, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey
  • Surprise Inclusions: Dan Christian (5 sixes saved him), Nathan Ellis (recent hat-trick keeps him in contention)
  • Watch Out For: The Finishers—Maxwell, in-form Marsh, Stoinis

Does Australia Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Australia have a balanced squad with the return of Warner, Smith, Maxwell, and Stoinis. The Bangladesh series saw several players losing their spots, but is this almost ODI-esque batting line up good enough in 2021? Maxwell, Stoinis gives them extra bowling options and Wade, if consistent, can be dangerous at the top.

The batting order is an issue since this group has not played together. Marsh has done well at 3 and Wade has been impactful as an opener. Warner-Smith will cause the batting order to reshuffle, futher breaking the consistency within this Australian team.

England T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Eoin MorganMoeen AliSam CurranJonny BairstowAdil RashidTymal Mills
Dawid MalanLiam LivingstoneChris JordanJos ButtlerMark Wood
Jason RoyDavid WilleySam Billings
Chris Woakes
James VinceLiam DawsonTom Curran
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: England

England Probable XI

  1. Jason Roy, 2. Jos Buttler (WK), 3. Dawid Malan/Moeen Ali, 4. Jonny Bairstow, 5. Eoin Morgan (C), 6. Liam Livingstone, 7. Sam Curran/David Willey, 8. Chris Jordan, 9. Mark Wood, 10. Tymal Mills, 11. Adil Rashid
  • Average Age: 31
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Matt Parkinson/Saqib Mahmood/Tom Banton/Reece Topley (not picked), Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes (injury/personal reasons), James Vince (reserves), Alex Hales/Joe Root (never in contention but could have been handy). Read this to check the entire 44 players who were in contention.
  • Surprise Inclusions: Tymal Mills
  • Watch Out For: Liam Livingstone, in his form of his life. Contender for the longest six?

  1. Recent Results: Won 2-1 Vs Pakistan. Won 3-0 Vs Sri Lanka.
  2. Prediction: Rank 2nd in Group 1. Might lose one or two (Netherlands upset again?) before gathering momentum and edging to the semi-finals on net run-rate.

Does England Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Talented squad no doubt, but some selection does not make complete sense. Curran, Jordan, Willey, Woakes and Tom Curran in reserves? Why is there a need for 4-5 fast bowling all-rounders. And Mark Wood can tonk it with the bat as well. A leg spinner in Matt Parkison would have been a good choice given the conditions and his recent international/ Hundred form.

Moeen Ali & Liam Livingstone will bowl part-time spin, but watch out for a rejuvenated Tymal Mills. X factor of the WC? Can England go one step further this time around? Last hurrah for Eoin Morgan?

South Africa T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Temba BavumaKeshav MaharajWiaan MulderQuinton de KockTabraiz ShamsiKagiso Rabada
Rassie van der DussenDwaine PretoriousHeinrich KlaasenBjorn FortuinAnrich Nortje
Aiden MarkramLungi Ngidi
David Miller
Reeza HendricksGeorge LindeAndile Phehlukwayo Lizaad Williams
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: South Africa

South Africa Probable XI

  1. Aiden Markram, 2. Quinton de Kock (WK), 3. Temba Bavuma*, 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. David Miller, 6. Heinrich Klassen, 7. Dwaine Pretorious, 8. Anrich Nortje, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Keshav Maharaj, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
  • Average Age: 29
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: George Linde (reserves), Imran Tahir, Faf Du Plessis, Chris Morris, Janneman Malan
  • Surprise Inclusions: Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks
  • Watch Out For: Tabraiz Shamsi, #1 ICC T20I bowler. Has wreaked heavoc in T20Is around the world last year.

Does South Africa Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

A competitive team that is perhaps missing the winning edge. Experience of Kagiso Rabada-Anrich Nortje from their brilliant IPL 2020 at UAE will matter, since the World T20 is also staged at the same place. Spin is expected to play a role, and Tabraiz Shamsi has been an absolute star over the past year. Rabada-Nortje-Ngidi and Shamsi-Maharaj is a strong T20 bowling side and with Quinton de Kock-Markram-Miller-van der Dussen forming the batting core, South Africa have a competitive T20I side but the reserves are thin.

Several selection questions for South Africa. George Linde has been a breakout star for SA in the past year, playing the Mitchell Santner sort of role. Another left-arm spinner Fortuin has been named, while Linde is in the reserves.

Faf du Plessis just made a 120* in the CPL and was coming back into form after the concussion, and Imran Tahir was still a threat in The Hundred. One has to ask, the ‘conversations’ between Smith-Boucher and free agents AB De Villiers, Faf, Morris, and Tahir that seemed to be going well at one stage—how did it fall apart?

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Batters Spin Bowling All-RoundersMedium Pace All-RoundersWicket-KeepersSpin BowlersFast Bowlers
Andre FletcherFabian AllenKieron PollardNicholas PooranHayden Walsh Jr.Obed McCoy
Chris GayleRoston ChaseDwayne BravoLendl SimmonsRavi Rampaul
Shimron HetmyerAndre RussellOshane Thomas
Evin Lewis
Darren BravoJason HolderAkeal HoseinSheldon Cottreell
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: West Indies

Probable XI

  1. Evin Lewis, 2. Lendl Simmons, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Nicholas Pooran, 6. Kieron Pollard (C), 7. Andre Russell, 8. Fabian Allen, 9. Dwayne Bravo, 10. Hayden Walsh Jr., 11. Obed McCoy/Ravi Rampaul
  • Average Age: 31
  • Unlucky to Miss Out: Jason Holder (reserves), Sherfane Rutherford, Sunil Narine, Fidel Edwards, Kevin Sinclair, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Kennar Lewis, Odean Smith, Kesrick Williams, Carlos Brathwaite. For a detailed player-by-player analysis for each of the 42 players in contention, read here.
  • Surprise Inclusions: Roston Chase, Ravi Rampaul
  • Watch Out For: Fabian Allen, the find of West Indies’ home T20I series. Provides Pollard & Russell the breathing space and freedom to play their natural game knowing that Allen can still finish the game off. Also provides balance with left arm spin.

Does West Indies Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?

Ravi Rampaul & Roston Chase, the highest wicket taker & run scorer of CPL 2021 so far, are the big winners. However, Rutherford and Romario Shepherd will find themselves a bit unlucky not to even find a reserve spot despite a good show in the CPL.

The XI basically picks itself, with each player a match-winner in their own right. The only questions are Simmons vs Fletcher and Rampaul Vs McCoy. Chase might not make the XI initially, but if it is a low scoring spin pitch, expect him to play that ‘Marlon Samuels’ role.

West Indies will miss stalwarts and lucky charms Sunil Narine & Carlos Brathwaite, but they have plenty of options to go without them. Good balance of youth & experience—will it be a fairytale hat-trick ending for Chris Gayle and co?

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© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 09/12/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Review: Questions for the Windies as Shamsi, QDK topple the World Champions

West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Series Review – An enthralling encounter to follow from any neutral fans’ perspective.

Once boasting the greatest generations in cricket history, West Indies & South Africa are now mediocre at best. Yet both teams are showing signs of improvement.

Coming back into form, seniors like Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada stood up in this series, Nortje-van Der Dussen continued to chug along smoothly, and Tabraiz Shamsi-George Linde-Keshav Maharaj spun West Indies into trouble. For the West Indies, Kemar Roach, 19-year old debutant Jayden Seales, and Kyle Mayers, the bowler, were the only positives in the Test series but the World Cup winning squad (bar Sunil Narine) regrouped for this T20I series.

South Africa swept the Tests 2-0 along with a thrilling 3-2 T20I series victory over the mighty West Indies. Were the Proteas really as good as the score line suggests? Not really. Were West Indies really that bad? Not at all.

Positives for both teams, but room for improvement for both as well. Detailed analysis ahead.

Also Read: West Indies Vs Sri Lanka 2021 Series Review, Pakistan Tour of South Africa & Zimbabwe 2021 Series Review

West Indies Vs South Africa At A Glance

Here is a summary of the highest scorers and run-getters from both teams in the Tests and T20I series respectively.

South Africa Tour of West Indies – Results Stats, & Highlights

WI-SA Test Series: SA won 2-0

Why was this even a part of the World Test Championship? Yes, the second Test, part of the WTC group stage, was scheduled at the same time as the World Test Championship Final. Explain that.

WTC apart, this was a one-sided series dominated by the fast bowlers. Rabada, Roach, Maharaj, Ngidi, Nortje, Jason Holder, Jayden Seales, and even Kyle Mayers were among the wickets. Except for Quinton de Kock & Rassie van der Dussen (and Dean Elgar/Aiden Markram with 1-50 each), no batter could hold a bat. Scores of 97, 162, 149, 165 (WI) and 322, 298, & 174 (SA) tells you the story.

  1. South Africa won by an innings and 63 runs*Quinton de Kock
  2. South Africa won by 158 runs*Kagiso Rabada
Player of the SeriesWest IndiesSouth Africa
Quinton de Kock
Most RunsJermaine Blackwood – 88 runs
(Best of 49, 22.00 average, 1-50)
Quinton de Kock – 237 runs
(Best of 141*, 118.50 average, 1-100, 1-50)
Most WicketsKemar Roach – 9 wickets
(Best inning – 4/52, Best Match – 7/97, 17.88 average)
Kagiso Rabada – 11 wickets
(Best inning – 5/11, Best Match – 6/48, 11.45 average)
West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 T20I Series Stats

WI-SA T20I Series: SA won 3-2

160, 166, 166, 167, 168. Consistency of the ages.

Quinton de Kock’s majestic run, Lewis’ power, Anrich Nortje’s 19th over in the 3rd T20I, Russell’s first ball six to Rabada, Fabian Allen destroying Ngidi’s figures, Pollard’s 4 sixes in one over, Gayle taking a quick single/opening the bowling/attempting a somersault, Markram’s shots, and the Shamsi-Linde spinning South Africa to victory—this series had it all.

  1. West Indies won by 8 wickets*Evin Lewis
  2. South Africa won by 16 runs*George Linde
  3. South Africa won by 1 run*Tabraiz Shamsi
  4. West Indies won by 21 runs*Kieron Pollard
  5. South Africa won by 25 runs*Aiden Markram
Player of the SeriesWest IndiesSouth Africa
Tabraiz Shamsi
Most RunsEvin Lewis – 178 runs
(Best of 71, 35.60 average, 2-50s, 160.36 SR)
Quinton de Kock – 255 runs
(Best of 72, 51.00 average , 3-50s, 141.66 SR)
Most WicketsDwayne Bravo – 10 wickets
(Best of 4/19, 13.10 average, 6.89 economy)
Tabraiz Shamsi – 7 wickets
(Best of 2/13, 11.42 average, 4.00 economy)
West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Test Series Stats

Highlights

West Indies

In the year of the T20 World Cup, Simmons-Gayle-Pollard-Bravo-Russell are back. Although performances were spotty, the team spirit was right up there.

Positives

  • Fabian Allen & Evin Lewis were the stars for West Indies in the T20I series. 2/18, 34 (12), 14* (9), and 19* (13) were cameos that kept West Indies alive even after the top 6/7 had departed. This is just the youth firepower West Indies needs. Great fielder and spinner as well. Fabian Allen – the complete package.
  • Evin Lewis’ destructive 71 (35) in the first T20I and Pollard’s 51* (25) showcased the potential for this West Indian line-up. If one player fires, another holds the other end, with a Fabian Allen/Russell-esque finish, then this side can be very dangerous. Otherwise, they can easily fall apart.
  • Combination of youth and old guard the key to West Indies’ bowling success. Obed McCoy & Jayden Seales were the find for the Windies in this series and with Oshane Thomas, Alzarri Joseph, & Chamar Holder in the ranks, they have a good fast-bowling generation coming up. Hence, it was nice that Dwayne Bravo came back from his retirement to give his best T20I performance (4/19) in the 4th ODI. 37-years, 482 T20s, and 527 T20 wickets young. Marvelous. Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards & even a bit of Russell really puts this West Indian attack back on the map.

Room For Improvement

  • Pooran’s form a bit of a concern. In the last 10 T20 innings read: 0, 0, 9, 0, 19, 0 (IPL 2021) & 9, 26, 16, 20 (WI vs SA). While double digits is a vast improvement from his IPL form this year, his lack of rotation in the middle and inability to finish games off will trigger a debate on his place in the XI. An in-form Andre Fletcher with the gloves is breathing down his neck.
  • West Indies utilized these 5 games and experimented with the batting order (although slightly unsuccessfully). At #3-4, West Indies played Gayle-Russell, Gayle-Pooran, Holder-Hetmyer, and Gayle-Hetmyer (twice). It seems that Russell and Pollard are the designated floaters if the top order bat long and Holder-Pooran are in-charge in case of a collapse. Good idea. Needs consistency.

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran, A Story of Pain, Hope, & Inspiration: The Next Big Thing of West Indies & World Cricket

South Africa

Positives

  • The left-arm spinners stole the show for South Africa. Tabraiz Shamsi is justifiably ICC’s #1 T20I bowler in the world. 1-11, 2-13, 2-13, 1-16, 1-27. An economy of 4 against a lineup of Lewis-Gayle-Pollard-Pooran-Russell is a stuff of dreams. On every occasion that Simmons/Fletcher-Lewis provided West Indies with a blistering start, George Linde and Shamsi stalled their progress. In slow UAE pitches, this duo will be a handful. Keshav Maharaj’s 9 wickets in the Tests, including a 5-36 and a hat-trick (thanks to Muldur’s catch) to wrap up the second Test, was the icing on the cake. Brilliant collective spin performance.
  • Quinton de Kock & Kagiso Rabada are back at their best. In the 2020-21 season, QDK only scored 74 runs at 12.33 in 6 Test innings and 77 runs in 3 T20I innings. Rabada was finally getting out of form as well—Only 5 Test wickets (4 innings) at 39.40 in 2020-21 and no 5 wicket hauls since 2018. QDK scored 492 runs across the series’ with 1-100 & 4-50s and 18-wicket haul for Rabada, including a Test 5-fer.
  • Aiden Markam has stepped it up this year. After a wonderful debut year, his form took a nosedive and has been on a roller-coaster ride ever since. Sometimes captain, sometimes not and switched between opening & middle order as well. Since the Pakistan series, he has scores of 51, 54, 63, & 70 in T20Is (out of 7 games played) along with a 60 in Test. Just needs to convert now and make the place his own.

Room For Improvement

  • Questions on Bavuma-Hendricks: With Faf du Plessis’ imminent return for the T20I World Cup, where the pair of captain Bavuma-Reeza Hendricks fit in the equation is an open question. This was the series to make their mark. Unfortunately the stats do not add up:
    • Bavuma: 76 runs, 15.20 average, 108.57 SR
    • Hendricks: 78 runs, 19.50 average, 139.28 SR
  • The 6th bowler is probably the biggest concern for the Proteas. Apart from Shamsi (4.00 economy), Anrich Nortje (7.00), and Linde (7.81), the bowling, particularly at the death, has been horrendous. With Rabada (9.44), Lungi Ngidi (10.94), and Hendricks-Markram giving away 65 runs in 4 overs, some things need to change.
  • South Africa’s World Cup hopes lie on Chris Morris & Imran Tahir. If Morris is in, the side will be balanced and will give SA a genuine death bowling option: Rabada-Nortje-Morris-Linde-Shamsi-Tahir, and now we are talking about a world class T20I line-up. Add to the that, a Faf-QDK-Markram-van der Dussen-Miller batting line up, South Africa are dark horses for the T20I WC for sure.

T20I World Cup Squad Predictions

West Indies Squad Predictions

  1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Kieron Pollard*, 6. Nicholas Pooran (WK), 7. Andre Russell, 8. Fabian Allen, 9. Dwayne Bravo, 10. Kevin Sinclair, 11. Obed McCoy

Squad: 12. Jason Holder, 13. Rovman Powell, 14. Sheldon Cottrell, 15. Andre Fletcher, 16. Darren Bravo, 17. Keemo Paul, 18. Alzarri Joseph, 19. Oshane Thomas, 20. Fidel Edwards, 21. Akeal Hosein, 22. Hayden Walsh Jr., 23. Kesrick Williams/ Chamar Holder/Sunil Narine

South Africa Squad Predictions

  1. Quinton de Kock (WK), 2. Janneman Malan, 3. Faf du Plessis, 4. Rassie Van der Dussen, 5. Aiden Markram*, 6. David Miller, 7. George Linde, 8. Chris Morris, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Tabraiz Shasmsi

Squad: 12. Heinrich Klassen, 13. Temba Bavuma, 14. Reeza Hendricks, 15. Wiaan Mulder, 16. Andile Phelukwayo, 17. JJ Smuts, 18. Dwaine Pretorius, 19. Bjorn Fortuin, 20. Lungi Ngidi, 21. Lizaad Williams, 22. Kyle Verreynne, 23. Imran Tahir

Wildcards: AB De Villiers (WK), Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Junior Dala, Pete van Biljon, 21. Sisanda Magala, 23. Keshav Maharaj

The Awards

West IndiesSouth Africa
Emerging PlayerObed McCoyGeorge Linde
Comeback KidFidel EdwardsQuinton de Kock 2.0
Surprise PackageKyle Mayers, the bowlerKeshav Maharaj’s Hat-trick
Broken Cricket DreamHome Test Defeat & Pooran’s FormBavuma-Hendricks & the 6th Bowler
West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Awards

Upcoming Fixtures: Where Do They Go From Here?

With the T20 World Cup forthcoming, both teams have invested in the preparation.

Here are the upcoming fixtures:

Although South Africa are on a positive slope, they do not have as many practice games to get their perfect XI out before the IPL & T20 WC.

West Indies, on the other hand, lost the series but gained some insight due to experimentation. They still have 10 home T20 games—but this is a double edge sword. They have time to put their perfect group together, but also have more opportunities to expose their weaknesses.

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Copyright: @Nitesh Mathur, Broken Cricket Dreams, 7/7/2021. Email at bcd@brokencricketdreams.com to get in touch with us.