ICC World T-20: India to repeat history?

After an abysmal performance in the ICC World T20 last year , India’s two big wins in the current edition of tournament have emanated hopes to the Indian supporters that it may repeat its win in the inaugural T20 World Cup.

ICC World T-20 the super 8's!

The manner in which India defeated South Africa, even in the absence of some of its key players like Gautam Gambhir and Zaheer Khan, proves India’s prowess and the huge potential of its bench. The T20 format seems to be tailor – made for this adept Indian line up. Players have had a magnificent form during the IPL – 3 which they have carried forward to this tournament. One of them, Suresh Raina came with all guns blazing at the South African pace attack and hammered the ball throughout the park.

Apart from this, another good news for India is that all-rounder: Yuvraj Singh, seemed to be much more comfortable with the bat than he was in the IPL. He played with his trademark elegance and this was reflected in his shots which were nicely timed and came from sweet part of the willow. These facts can be very well construed by the six that came of the wristy flick shot on the leg side.

Dhoni captained cleverly by using spinners and though South Africa did not lose wickets they were never going to make the target which they needed. However, he has to be more careful in future regarding the selection of spin or pace options as every pitch is not going to be of as much help for the turners especially at Kensington oval – Barbados, where India face Australia in their first super eight encounter, will be green and speedy.

Mitchell Johnson would be critical to Australia's fortunes in the tournament.

Australia’s convincing win over the defending champions: Pakistan, has made them even more confident. They will be desperate for the T-20 crown as it has eluded them so far. So, the win over Pakistan sends a clear signal that Aussies are coming to grips with this version of the game and certainly they would be the team to watch out.

With the tournament advancing to the super eight stage without any unexpected results, it will be a tough fight for all the teams to cement their place in the semis. Given the uncertain weather of the Caribbean and the dubious efficacy of the D/L rule, India would definitely not count the situation of selection to semis on net run rate basis and so they have to be prepared to hit head on in every match. In such circumstances, the encounter between India and Australia on Friday will be a crucial one.