Having started in dramatic fashion, the T20 Cricket World Cup in Australia promises to be an electrifying spectacle.
Barely a month after Dubai successfully hosted the Asia Cup, the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup has begun, with Australia succeeding the U.A.E. as host. Backed by vibrant crowds, gladiatorial stadiums and long-standing cricketing traditions, the defending champions could not be better placed to host. Christie’s International Real Estate Dubai takes a look at the teams most likely to threaten Australia’s crown.
INDIA
Virat Kohli’s magnificence notwithstanding, India’s victory over Pakistan perfectly encapsulated the Indian team — enviable but inconsistent batting, promising but inconsistent bowling and the ability to see out games buoyed solely by a massive fanbase. Expect them to go far in the tournament (particularly after victory against the Netherlands) but not all the way.
AUSTRALIA
Defending champions. Lively support. Imposing players. And yet against New Zealand, Australia crumbled, while only a Marcus Stoinis show saved the day against Sri Lanka. Their quality is unimpeachable but the team will have to navigate that famously heavy psychological cauldron — playing a major tournament at home.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan did everything but win against India. But the ability to put on an exemplary performance without star turns from their two opening batsmen bodes well. Historically inconsistent in major tournaments but recently the bastion of consistency, expect the well-rounded team to advance far.
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand will be buoyed by their rout of Australia. A talented batting lineup (Finn Allen is a particularly raucous watch), exemplary fielding and a veteran bowling attack will serve last year’s runners-up well. Expect them to go far, even if captain Kane Williamson’s form is now more than a minor concern.
ENGLAND
Can England win a World Cup in their arch rivals’ backyard? The average fan would have said yes but for an embarrassing defeat to Ireland. A star-studded batting lineup is matched by exquisite fielding prowess. But, regardless of the promising Sam Curran and wily Reece Topley, the English bowling lacks menace – a fatal flaw.
SOUTH AFRICA
Unlucky to have a win against Zimbabwe snatched away by rain, but decisive against Bangladesh, the South Africans will back themselves to progress far. The inconsistency of a sharp bowling attack is often negated by batting power, but who dares predict how perennially nearly-there South Africa perform in the biggest games?
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