It is all set now for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament taking place at UAE and Oman in two phases. Eight top teams of ICC T20 ranking would be joined in round two by four teams qualifying from two groups of bottom tier teams. The qualifying round matches would be shared between Oman and UAE.

We all know that the 2020 T20 world cup scheduled to be held in Australia from 18 October to 15 November 2020 was postponed for COVID 19 global pandemic. The 2021 T20 tournament originally scheduled to be held will now be staged in UAE due to prevailing COVID avalanche in India and a credible threat of third wave of pandemic setting in any time. Participating teams are taking preparations playing among themselves in bilateral series in different parts of the cricket world. Two teams Australia and New Zealand have already announced their squad for the tournament. 16 teams would participate in the two phased tournament. A total of 45 matches would be played. India still remains the host of the ICC managed tournament. 

Participating Teams: 

Afghanistan, England, Namibia, Oman, Scotland, West Indies, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, Ireland, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Srilanka. Australia, India and Netherlands.

Qualifying Groups

Two top teams from each group would join four 4+4=8 teams in the second round. 

Second Round Groups: 

The matches would be played at four venues 

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhavi, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, Sarjah Cricket Stadium, Sarjah and Al Amirat Cricket Ground, Oman. 

From 17 October to 14 th November Cricket dosed sporting world would be eating, drinking and dreaming cricket many in COVID locked down situation at home. 

Given the nature of the format and present form, wickets and environment, West Indies  India , Pakistan and New Zealand  would be favourites. But we must not rule out England, Australia or even South Africa turning the tide. 

Role Of Honours of World T20 Cricket 

West Indies is the only team that has won the tournament twice. World cricket is aware that this disco brand of hit and run cricket suits the flamboyant style of Calypso cricket. West Indies are the most sought after players in T20 franchise cricket world over. 

Till teams announce their squad it would not be fair making uninformed judgements. But from recent matches played in different countries West Indies regrouping their champion players appear to be getting back to their strides with too many match winners though few of them are ageing. New Zealand and England with abundance of quality players in all formats are also good team. We know UAE is the forte of Pakistan and India. 

So Far New Zealand and Australia have announced their squads. We would run preview and analysis of each team progressively as squads are being announced.

It would be hot and unpleasant for many few teams. But many players would appear for IPL franchise just before the tournament would acclimatise. 

We know T20 is more of a gamble .We win some loose some. Teams having power hitters, smart bowlers bowling toe -crushing Yorkers, changing pace at death overs rule. Teams having Willy leg spinners would also have the edge. 

New Zealand Squad: 
Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi and Tim Southee

Ross Taylor and Coil de Grandhomme are two surprise omissions. But the team has enough horses for the courses to drive the black caps .

Australian Squad: 
Aaron Finch (c), Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazelwood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

New Zealand and Australia have not yet won the tournament. New Zealand is the current Test Champion and finished second in 2019 ICC ODI world cup. Australia despite of their recent poor showing with a weakened team in West Indies and Bangladesh cannot be ruled out all together. Return of Flinch, Warner, Smith, Maxwell, Cummins and Stoinis would completely revitalise the team. 

Will analyse in details in next episode. 

BDST: 1213 HRS, AUG 23, 2021
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