"Expect the Unexpected - T20 WC 2021"

After the end of 44 matches Australia will be taking on NZ in the trans - Tasman finals at the T20 WC in Dubai, UAE. Many would have not predicted these two teams to make it to the finals instead expected two Asian teams India and Pakistan. This has made T20 very much unpredictable even though conditions favor specific teams. Both Australia and NZ have quality players and have made good progress with IPL too playing a major role.

Pakistan.

Pakistan is one team that has made a larger impact in the T20 format since 2018. They did not go by reputation instead took harsh decisions which were sensible yielding good results. Sarfraz being the senior-most player was removed from the team with a string of poor performance was replaced by Rizwan. Rizwan then went on to become the first batter to score 1000 T20 Int runs in a calendar year.

Babar Azam as usual has been in a prolific form giving good support to Rizwan and the duo has been the most successful opening pair in 2021. In T20 top 3 batters need to play the most number of balls in order for the team to get to a formidable total. Pakistan has ticked this box and has been successful.

Hafeez and Malik played the anchor role with Asif Ali the finisher. Pakistan unlike India played more than 15 T20 Int in 2021 which helped them to get along with the playing combination and have a good WC. Although they couldn't make it to the final topping the points table they were a formidable team. With 2022 T20 WC next year they have good fast bowlers with pace, swing, and bounce and will look put their best in Australia.

Australia.

Losing back-to-back series in WI and Bangladesh many predicted that this team would not qualify for the knockouts. But when it comes to ICC tournaments they look a different side surprising many. Unlike Pakistan, they did not have momentum going into the WC but have given their best at the right time when it matters the most.

Hazlewood and Starc have been the standout performers with the former making full use of his IPL experience bowling the hard lengths. Adam Zampa for the past 2 years has made a good change to his bowling stride, bowling at good length and not bowling poor deliveries frequently and this is the main reason why Australia is in the finals.

Promoting a pinch hitter Marsh at 3 was a good strategical move ahead of Smith who has not been at his best in this format though moving his presence felt in fielding. On the whole, going into the next WC on their home soil they would be the favorites but never know with still 1 year left any team can tighten up.

Associate Nations.

Namibia has made the whole world look around them with their performances in the T20 WC 2021. In a country with only 9 pitches and 5 clubs, not many know what cricket means in Namibia still they have taken harder steps with far lesser infrastructure and have made it to Super 12. Trumplemann tall left-arm seamer has been the stand-out bowler surprising many with his swing. Albie Morkel played a key role in bringing him to the Namibian team from SA and now we see the success behind Morkels tactic.

Scotland though an experienced side among the associates has not had a good tournament barring the NZ game where they were in the game for a major part. Beating Bangladesh in the qualifying round was one the biggest upsets which made people believe they could upset a few more teams going ahead. Still playing Super 12 itself is a great achievement and playing top-quality sides would give them more exposure.

Mark Watt in particular has been the stand-out bowler conceding runs at less than 6 per over. Many spinners tend to leak runs at opening and death overs but he is an exception. He has bowled in all the phases of the game making him stand out throughout the tournament.

Scope of improvement from ICC

ICC should now make associate nations play more competitive cricket with test nations. Seeing their success ICC should take this point which will help this game grow globally. From next WC probably increase the number of teams participating so that more teams play with higher opposition this way cricket can easily be included in the Olympics as well especially in T20 format.

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