The Super 12s of the T20 world cup will begin with a double header on 23 October. In the first match in Abu Dhabi, Australia are set to face off against South Africa. In the second, England take on defending champions West Indies.
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Scotland, and Ireland Qualify as Expected
Earlier, the teams who made the grade in the T20 world cup qualifiers became known on 21 October. Expectedly, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Scotland will join the eight teams that automatically qualified by virtue of their ICC rankings in March 2021. In an upset on 22 October, Namibia became the fourth qualifier to make the grade, beating Ireland. The last match between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands has been rendered a dead rubber.
India, South Africa Impress in Practice Games
India and South Africa were the most impressive teams in the practice games ahead of the main tournament. While India cruised to wins over England and Australia, South Africa thrashed Afghanistan before chasing down a steep target for the loss of only four wickets against Pakistan.
However, Afghanistan’s win over West Indies was arguably the biggest story of the practice matches. The Afghanistan batsmen set West Indies a formidable target of 190 to win before restricting the Caribbeans to 133/5. In an earlier match, West Indies were bowled out for 130 against Pakistan.
Australia could leave out Pat Cummins against South Africa
Playing for the first time since April 2019, Pat Cummins showed signs of rust in his team’s practice match against India. Australia could choose to go with a bowling lineup comprising Starc, Hazlewood, Marsh, Zampa and Agar in their match against South Africa. South Africa’s Rabada and Nortje were in good form in the recently completed IPL.
India seek sixth Bowling Option
While India were dominant in their practice games, they lack a sixth bowling option with Hardik Pandya unlikely to bowl. This is the weak spot that India’s rivals would seek to exploit as the competition gets underway.
Pakistan bowlers ineffective against South Africa
Pakistan will take on India in their opening match on 24 October, after their bowling attack failed to make a dent on the South African line up in the practice match between the sides. Barring Shaheen Afridi and Imad Wasim who took two wickets each, none of the other bowlers made an impression. Hasan Ali (0/52) was the biggest disappointment, conceding 19 runs in the 20th over. Against a stronger Indian batting, Pakistan will need a much better performance by their bowlers.
England eye win in Opening Match
When the sides meet on 23 October, England will look forward to avenging their loss to West Indies in the final of the T20 world cup in 2016. They will fancy their chances, given the teams’ current form as evidenced in the practice games.
India vs Pakistan – the most awaited game of all
India and Pakistan will script the next chapter of their T20 world cup rivalry when the sides meet in the 3rd game of the Super 12s on 24 October. While India have won on all five previous occasions, Pakistan appear confident of an upset in playing conditions they are familiar with. Will it happen? Can you predict how this much-awaited match will go? If so, monetise your prophetic ability by placing your first bet by claiming the Betway promo code India or the LeoVegas bonus code in the bargain.
