Batsmen to watch at Twenty/20 World Cup

Dilanka MANNAKKARA

All is set for the slam-bang Calypso style T20 World Cup in the Carribean. Twenty/20 games are unpredictable as such that one or two good overs could completely change the complexion of the match and any team could win from any situation. the beauty of this highly intense action packed game is that minnows Zimbabwe or even Afghanistan could beat the mighty Australia provided that they play well and make minimum number of mistakes.

Its the flow of boundaries all over the park and the batsman’s ability to clear the rope that would entertain the crowd, unfortunately for the poor bowlers who try their level best to succumb the batsmen, who try to hit every ball for a maximum. In the last two editions of Twenty/20 World Cups and in 3 editions of the colorful IPL we witnessed plenty of sensational power packed performances as well as carefully constructed match winning innings by batsmen. Lets have a look at the batsmen who are in form and are about to unleash their hitting capabilities in the Twenty/20 World Cup which would kick off on Friday

Dave Warner

He is the pocket rocket of Australia. Warner who is not physically intimidating as a big Mathew Hayden, could be even more destructive with his explosive hitting power. As an opener he has been amazing for Australia as well as for Delhi Daredevils in T/20s.

His breathtaking 89 runs of just 43 balls on debut for Australia against South Africa at the MCG would be remembered by many as Warner became the first man to play for Australia without any first class experience.

In IPL season 3 he started off with a bang by scoring a blistering 107 not out in 69 balls with 9 fours and 5 massive sixes against Kolkata. Although he didn’t fire in the other matches much is expected from him in the World Cup. A proven match winner who could blast the bowling, but trying to hit every ball has been his downfall as well. His brilliant fielding and catching, however makes him one of the best in the world.

Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor with his aggressive approach to the game is an ideal Tenty/20 player. His ability to hit huge sixes over mid wicket and to steer the New Zealand middle order with his power hitting and aggressive running between wickets makes him definitely New Zealand’s key batsman for this Twenty/20 World Cup.

Although three of the best T /20 hitters Yusuf Pathan, Shahid Afridi and Albie Morkel are not in the greatest of form much would be expected from them in the during the ICC Twenty/20 World Cup in the West Indies from April 30.

Suresh Raina

Raina has been the revelation for India. Whenever Shewag or Gambir fails to fire at the top, Raina comes in at number 3 and starts attacking the bowlers during the power plays. His ability to clear the ropes with ease against both spin and pace and to accumulate singles and not to get bogged down under pressure makes him a complete T/20 batsman.

Raina played a huge part in Chennai’s IPL triumph this year by amassing 520 runs with an amazing strike rate of 142. His ability to thrive under pressure situations makes him India’s crisis man along with Dhoni. His favorite shot is to go over mid wicket. Although being a part time bowler he bowls accurately and takes wickets at crucial junctures of the game with his tidy off spinners. His vulnerability against the short ball and playing far too many shots has been his downfall.

Eoin Morgan

The Irish born Englishman is one of England’s best bets in the World Cup. Morgan who has a reputation to play all kinds of innovative shots including reverse sweeps, paddle sweeps, reverse pulls and dil scoops has been England’s best Ttwenty/20 player in the recent past over shadowing the stroke maker Pietersen.

His 45 ball 85 against South Africa in the last years Twenty/20 World Cup proved his ability as a genuine match finisher and with a string of consistent performances in the Twenty/20 games makes him one of the batsman to watch during the World Cup.

Mahela Jayawardena

Mahela with his new batting position as an opener has been in great form in the Provincial T/20 for Wayamba and for the Kings Punjab XI in IPL. A classic batsman who just times the ball has proven that T/20 is not all about hitting the ball as hard as you can. Mahela who clears the infield during the power play, accumulates singles in the middle overs and shifts back to the attacking mode in the last 5 overs.He likes to bat throughout the twenty overs as he has done for Punjab in this years IPL. He scored a wonderful 107 not out against Kolkata and also scored a brilliant 93 against Deccan Chargers. His contribution at the top would be vital for Sri Lanka in the World Cup. Pushing his bat for the balls just outside off stump in the beginning of his innings has been his downfall.

Elton Chigumbura

The 24 year old Zimbabwean hard hitting all rounder could be one of the dark horses in the World Cup this year. His ability to play audacious strokes and counter attack the bowling even when the side is in trouble is his strength which can turn out to be his downfall as well.

He was instrumental in the shock win against Australia in the practice match on Wednesday where he scored a whirlwind 76 of just 35 balls with 6 towering sixes against the bowling attack of Lee, Jhonson, Nannes and Hauritz. He enjoys playing the lofted drive and is one of the hardest hitting young batsmen in the world.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

The man you want to have when your side’s in trouble is none other than M.S Dhoni. The Indian captain is cool and calm under pressure and is one of the best finishers of the game. Although he couldn’t score big in the IPL for Chennai he has always been the man to take them home in pressure situations.

A fine example was the do or die battle against King’ XI Punjab when Dhoni came and blasted a swashbuckling 54 off just 29 balls when the game was fading away from Chennai. His ability to pinch the singles and place the ball to gaps, combined with his power hitting makes him one of the most dangerous batsman in the World Cup. He shows some discomfort against good fast bowling in the beginning of his innings

Umar Akmal

Although the Pakistan side is packed with stroke makers in the form of Afridi, Salman Butt and Razzaq its Umar Akmal who has been the most consistent of them during his short stay in international cricket. With his aggressive stroke play coupled with timing and perfect placement not many would be surprised if Umar Akmal tops the highest run getters list in the World Cup.

Keiron Pollard

West Indies would be banking their hopes on six feet five inch tall Pollard to continue his monstrous hitting in the World Cup. Pollard who was instrumental in Trinidad and Tobago reaching the final of the Champions league last year can change the game with his tremendous power packed stroke play, tidy medium pacers and athletic fielding, making him a complete T/20 player.

He showed his worth for Mumbai in the limited opportunities he got in the IPL this year by scoring 273 runs with an unbelievable strike rate of 185 and also took 15 wickets.A definite match winner who would benefit from home conditions and the West Indians would be expecting a lot from this man.Pollard who thrashes the fast bowlers to all corners shows a bit discomfort against good spin bowling.

Loots Bosman

Boom boom Bosman as he is popularly known in South Africa could be another batsman who will perform well at the World Cup. With an impressiveTwenty/20 record Bosman has shown glimpses of his talent by scoring at a healthy strike rate of over 140. His ability to clear the infield with ease and to strike big sixes makes him one of the most feared batsmen in the World Cupthis season.