T20 WC 2012 - Review of the group matches - Part I

T20 World cup 2012 has started on 18th September 2012. Let’s review the first four matches of the World Cup played up to now.

Match 1: Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe on Sept 18th at Hambantota

Many expected Zimbabwe to give a good fight to Sri Lanka in the opening match of the World Cup. Sri Lanka batted first and score a very good score of 182/4 in their 20 overs. Jeevan Mendis and Sangakkara played good innings. In reply to the mammoth total, Zimbabwe started of well in the first four overs, but after the entry of Ajanta Mendis to the bowling crease, Zimbabwean batting formed a queue to the dressing room. Zimbabwe batsmen were unable to combat the mystery of Mendis and fell like a pack of cards. They were all out for a mere total of 100 in 17.2 overs. Ajantha Mendis ended with a superb figures of 6/8 in 4 overs. None of the Zimbabwean batsmen was able to play spin properly. The first match ended as a one sided affair with Sri Lanka dominating the whole match.

Ajantha Mendis was named the man of the match.

Power performances of the match: A Mendis 6/8

Sangakkara 44(26)

J mendis 43(30) and 3/24

Match 2: Australia Vs Ireland at R Premadasa stadium on 19 sept 2012

Australia were ranked below Ireland in the T20 rankings, and the Aussies were determined to show that they were better than the minnows Ireland. Ireland too were determined to give a good fight. Ireland choose to bat first, but their downfall began from the first ball itself with the dismissal of their captain and the wickets kept falling. Thanks to some resilience from the O’Brien brothers, Ireland were able to score 123/7 in their 20 overs. In reply Australia did not have any problems, Shane Watson launched himself on the Irish bowlers to chase down the target easily in 15 overs. Watson completed his 50 off 30 balls. The second match too ended as a one sided match with Australia dominating the match from ball one.

Shane Watson was named man of the match for his all-round performance

Power Performances of the match were: Shane Watson 51(30) and 3/26

Match 3: India Vs Afghanisthan at R.Premadasa stadium on 19 sept 2012

This was the first match in the tournament which was somewhat competitive. Afghanistan showed their courage as they challenged India very well. The star-studded Indian batting line up was just reduced to 159/5 in 20 overs thanks to the consistent Kohli who once again took India to a decent total with his 50. Afghan bowlers bowled superbly but they lacked the support of their fielders as they dropped 5 catches which cost them the game in the end. Afghan batsmen replied very well. Nabi played superbly and scored 31 (17) but Yuvraj and Ashwin brought back India in to the game and won the game. Indian pacers, especially Zaheer, struggled against Afghan batsmen. India won the match by 23 runs but Afghan won hearts of many people with their fight and showed that they have the potential to play at the international level.

Virat Kohli was named Man of the match for his 50

Power Performances of the match : Virat Kohli 50(39)

Shahpoor Zadran 2/33

Yuvraj Singh 3/24

Match 4 : South Africa Vs Zimbabwe at Hambantota on 20th Sept

Zimbabwe had to win this match to stay in the tournament, but it did not happen. Zimbabwe, who batted first once again, collapsed and scored just 93/8 in their 20 overs. South African pacers dominated the whole match. Kallis picked up four wickets. In reply South African openers were in a hurry and completed the match in 12 overs. Levi scored fifty. South Africa won by 10 wickets which ended the Zimbabwe’s stay in the tournament. It was another one sided battle in the tournament.

Kallis was named the man of the match for his bowling figures of 4/15

Power Performances of the match : Kallis 4/15

M Morkel 2/16

R Levi 50(43)