A LOOK AT THE T20 SEMIS

Today we are going to witness two matches, where four of the best T20 teams will be battling out for a place in tomorrow's finals.


AUSTRALIA

They were the favorites before the tournament began, mainly because of their batting prowess, and it was theorized that you need such a gift to succeed in T20. But a loss to Zimbabwe out of all teams has placed doubts into many minds, until they bull-dozed through Sri Lanka. The team members themselves said that they are yet to embrace the game fully, and oddly don't seem to enjoy it very much. Whatever one may say, they are still the favorites. Never mess with an Australian team with purpose.

MASTER BLASTER

Just like in the World Cup, Hayden is the leading run scorer in this tournament. If he gets going, there will be only one winner.

BOWLING GENIUS

And just like in the World Cup, the leading wicker taker is an Australian (wonder why they're favorites?) Stuart Clark has been magnificent with the ball. He doesn't have pace, but he has shown that line and length works for him.

WEAK LINK

Australia have lost games while batting first. If they are put in first in the Semis, we're up for an interesting battle.

ALSO LOOK OUT FOR

Andrew Symonds. He is yet to make a good score. If he gets going, the spectators better run for cover.



INDIA

No one expected them to make the semis because they were missing their three big guns. They had a relatively inexperienced side as well, and had not much T20 exposure. Their young team however, have been buoyant and have pulled out some magnificent victories.

MASTER BLASTER

The openers. Sehwag and Gambhir have made a couple of good opening partnerships. Look out for another one.

BOWLING GENIUS

To me, RP Singh has been the revelation. He was absolutely outstanding against South Africa.

WEAK LINK

Their bowling and fielding can be erratic at times.

ALSO LOOK OUT FOR

Irfan Pathan. He has come into the side with a bang, bowling well and still having the ability to hit it big.



PAKISTAN

Another young team has shown us how to do it in T20. Except for the bowlout they have been unbeatable in this tournament. And they have the wide range of talent to help them lift the cup.

MASTER BLASTER

Misbah. After all that controversy regarding his selection, he has been the mainstay in the strong flamboyant Pakistani line-up.

BOWLING GENIUS

Another new kid on the block, Thanvir. His wierd bowling action has deceived everyone.

WEAK LINK

They're top order has been pathetic.

ALSO LOOK OUT FOR

Boom Boom. Afridi has been hitting the ball, but hasn't made any major scores yet. He has been their best bowler too. Shoaib Malik has also impressed with the bat.



NEW ZEALAND

They're always the team that quietly does well in any tournament, but never quite make it to the big stage, except for Mini World Cup in 2000. They have been impressive in this tournament mainly because they do their basics right.

MASTER BLASTER

McMillan and Oram have been outstanding with the bat. And ever reliable.

BOWLING GENIUS

There is alot of praise about Vettori's bowling in this format, because no one expected spinners to shine. He has been a good captain as well.

WEAK LINK

Like Pakistan (who they play in the semis) their top order has failed. Shane Bond hasn't been at his best as well.

ALSO LOOK OUT FOR

Gillespie. He has been a bowler that is tough to handle against.




Let's get ready for some action!