World T20 2016: Semi-finalists - Predictions and Surprises

The super 10 stage of the World T20 has now concluded and we have got our four teams for the semi-finals. These 4 qualifiers are a mix of probable contenders and surprises. Two of these four teams sealed their spots in the semi-finals roaring and marching like a juggernaut. The other two teams had to go through a journey full of ups and downs to reach the final four stage. The biggest surprise being the presence of only one Asian team in the four teams that made the cut. The cricket world expected something better from sub-continent teams in this tournament considering that the playing conditions suited these teams.

West Indies displayed some top-notch all-round performances in this tournament and deservedly got their place in the semis. They were sharp, aggressive, intelligent and everything that a team needs to be to excel in a world tournament. But they would have expected better fights from their group members as this group had two teams which have lifted this trophy in the past.

South Africa’s elimination was a shocker. No one anticipated that they would do so badly in this tournament keeping in view their star-studded side. The cricket fraternity fails to understand how the Proteas do so well in bilateral or even triangular tournaments and manage to end up in a disaster in mega events.

England deserved to be there in the final four on back of the performances they put up in the Super 10. They fought hard to secure a win against South Africa, lost only to West Indies and registered wins against all the other teams in their group. The only upset they saw in this stage was the margin of victory against Afghanistan. They expected a comfortable win against them but as they say, cricket matches don’t have a script.

Sri Lanka looked out of form as a unit in this tournament. Considering that this team is in transition, they shouldn’t be the sole blame-takers for it. They are in the reconstruction process and should be given that much time which is a requisite to do that, without expecting anything big.

Coming to group 2, one couldn’t really pick favourites here. New Zealand were ferocious. Won four matches on the trot, all of them comfortably to become the first team to qualify for the semis. Forgive me if this is an exaggeration, but it can’t really be gainsaid that Kane Williamson has been the best captain in this World T20. He read the turfs perfectly, had his best XI to play these four matches, right bowling combinations and changes, right field placements and everything went just perfect for him. New Zealand, in this form, won’t just finish up here. They look good to play the final match of this WT20.

Pakistan and Australia were wandering in thereabouts of the last spot for semi-finals as India’s net run rate was way below that of these two teams. The three-way fight for that last place narrowed down after Australia beat Pakistan in the second last match of this group. It then became a fifty-fifty affair for India and Australia, but in the end, India came out to be victorious.

India’s road to semi-finals was much like that of England. Hard fought win against Australia, an initially tight looking but finally a comfortable win against Pakistan, defeat at the hands of group leaders and scare of an upset against an underdog which ended up in a dramatic win. The major key to success for this Indian team has been a name which has always been there- Virat Kohli. Their openers haven’t really clicked and Suresh Raina has become a weak link. Although Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni have provided Kohli some assistance in times of trouble but relying heavily on this wouldn’t be a great strategy. Bowlers have done their part decently. Dhoni’s captaincy has been good throughout and some luck has only buttressed their effort.

Now it remains to be seen who comes out on top in these two semi-finals as everyone expects them to be fiery hot with not much to choose between the teams playing them.

Written by Rishi Khemani

The fact the Indian team needs to accept – Team India doesn’t look favourites it’s Virat Kohli who makes them the title contender