The T20 World Cup 2022 is well and truly underway, and what a World Cup it’s turning out to be. We’ve had demolitions, individual brilliance, heart-stopping finales, And a generous amount of giant-killers as well. If it was not for the incessant and often irritating rains that are looming over the tournament, this had all the makings of one of the best World Cups in recent memories.
With the halfway point of the World Cup over us, there are some teams sitting pretty, some who are on the fence, whereas some who will be relying on the results of others with eager anticipation.
So we take a look at the four teams, who according to us will be the favourites to make the semis of the T20 World Cup 2022-
1. India
India are currently the only side who have a 100% record in this tournament, and are currently sitting pretty at the top of their group, winning both their opening fixtures. After overcoming Pakistan in a last-ball thriller for the ages, and then professionally dispatching the Dutch, India now have more or less strengthened their chances to go into the final 4.
The next game against South Africa will more or less decide whether India will be certain to go in the semis. With games against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe after the one at South Africa, India should more or less fancy their chances of preparing for the semi finals in right earnest.
2. South Africa
The Proteas will wholeheartedly fancy their chances after thoroughly demolishing Bangladesh, giving their Net Run Rate a massive nitro-boost. However, with their game against Zimbabwe being washed out, their games against India and Pakistan will hold much more importance than before. They will have to get a result against either side or both. With their game against Netherlands a foreigner conclusion, they will have to win against either of the big sides to get into the next round.
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3. Australia
Australia currently find themselves with 3 points in 3 games after the washout against England. While their Net Run Rate is among the worst in the tournament, the big advantage they have is the fixtures that they are yet to play. Compared to England, who face the Kiwis and Sri Lanka, Australia have a much favorable slate in which they face Ireland and Afghanistan.
They are the defending champions and seem to get the job done when it matters the most. Add to the fact that it is their home turf, you’d be foolish to count out the Aussies just yet. Keeping that in mind, this is cricket and “it ain’t over till the fat lady sings!!”
4. New Zealand
New Zealand and ICC tournaments are a love story that just doesn’t get old. After a average tri-series and a time where their senior players are preferring franchise over country, not many gave them a chance in this tournament. But they have only gone ahead and flipped the tournament upside down by absolutely pummeling the hosts and defending champions, thereby ending their winless drought in Australia as well.
Further, they showcased against Sri Lanka that their bowling attack is one of the best and if one of their batsmen gets big runs, they are one of the toughest teams to beat in the competition. With their NRR very very healthy, they will approach every fixture with confidence and that makes them favorites to make the final four of the tournament.
Though, these are the four favourites as per our analysis, cricket is an unpredictable game. Things can change at any point in time, as we have seen before. With that being said, let’s wait and watch how things develop from here on.
Dilip Sarwa
30 Oct 2022Group 2 India and Sa
Group 1 NZ and Aus
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