The Cricket World team make their ICC WT20 2016 predictions
On the eve of the ICC World Twenty20 2016 getting underway, we thought we ought to make our own predictions.
Here is what our team think will happen in the next few weeks - although it's fair to say that some of us have taken this a bit more seriously than others...
Alastair Symondson - England
England to win - just like I predicted late last year! (Watch here).
John Pennington - India (men), Australia (women)
Australia and South Africa might have until recently been the favourites with the bookmakers, and although one of those might reach the final, I don't see either of them winning. India are at home, in form and my tip to win.
Australia will have to console themselves with another win on the women's side of things - they are dead certs for me.
Andrew Wood - New Zealand
I think it's hard to look beyond India, with home advantage, and the likes of Virat Kohli to power them to victory. Sri Lanka always seem to be there or there abouts, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them progress from groups - although I think it will be South Africa along with England.
I would love to see a great tournament from Joe Root which would give England a shot, and I know it's a rehashed subject but would fancy England's chances much more with Kevin Pietersen in the side. All that said, I think picking something like a South Africa v India final would be safe, but where's the fun in that - you're going to see New Zealand narrowly beat out England and lift the WT20 cup!
Players to watch - I would pick out Shane Watson with possibly bat and ball, then players like Joe Root, Corey Anderson and Ajinkya Rahane to impress with the bat.
Peter Steward - India
India for me, it's the home of T20...and I like curry
Darshan Walawalkar - India
It will be immensely shocking if we see anyone apart from MS Dhoni lifting that trophy on 3rd April. In cricket the home team naturally starts as tournament favorites. Only teams who were supposed to give some tough competition (Pakistan and Sri Lanka), are struggling to find the right mix of players.
Bangladesh have recently emerged as the second most dominant team from the sub-continent and will be the dark horse of the tournament. West Indies and Australia will be another two team to watch with many players having sufficient experience of the playing conditions due to the IPL.
However with the Asia Cup successfully in the bag and every player performing up to his potential, Dhoni must have already hired carpenters to make another shelf on his trophy cabinet.
Manuj Sharma - India
Team India for me seems to be the best contenders to win the World Cup, they have the most settled side with all bases covered. And playing at home gives them an edge over rest of the teams as conditions will be favourable to them, besides that they will have great support of the home crowd as they turn up in huge numbers which plays a major role in putting opposition under pressure.
Sandeep Shivam - India
India, fresh on the back of their Asia Cup win are the favourites to lift the ICC World Twenty20 for the second time. With a well settled lineup, India have the home advantage to add to their red hot form in the shortest format.
With plenty of options in both the batting and bowling departments, India will look to carry forward their momentum into the mega-event as they aim to become the first team to win a second ICC World T20 title.
Rob Johnston - India
It is hard to look past India though who have all bases covered. They are experienced and under Kohli’s leadership have a combative streak found in all the best sides. Rohit Sharma is a fine player of the white ball and MS Dhoni is a finisher with a proven record of getting his team over the line in big games.
Krish Sripada - India or South Africa
South Africa and West Indies to qualify from Group 1, India and Australia to qualify from Group 2 and India to play South Africa in the final
Who do you think will win? Leave us a comment below.
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