The third audition of ICC WORLD T20 turned out to be very successful. The tournament made its success due to the atmosphere being provided by the Caribbean crowd. T20 cricket is always unpredictable and some matches proved it. The cricket being played was of superb quality. The tournament ended with little controversies. In the end, the biggest discussion going on regarding tournament is the WINNERS of this cricket trophy. The best two teams made it into the finals.
The winners of previous tournaments always provide plenty of stories; India's victory in 2007 sparked a revolution, Pakistan's in 2009 was a triumph against the odds and now England's was a historic moment for a side that had failed in world events for 35 years. And to break their duck, they beat a team that had produced some wonderful, scientific, intelligent, skilful and pleasurable cricket over two weeks. As the intellectuals say, Australia don’t give you success you have to earn it and guess that is what England has done, they earned their success through good cricket.
This year's tournament was characterized by large, boisterous crowds, especially when the home team was playing.
From start to finish the tournament was full of intrigue. Could West Indies spark a revival? Could Afghanistan make an upset at world stage? What would the new skill or shot be this time? What new techniques will be employed by the teams?
West Indies didn't make the semi-finals, which was a disappointment for the local crowd, because when they did play, the crowds produced a memorable atmosphere. Huge issues remain in West Indies cricket that need resolving..
Afghanistan were crushed by their two Test opponents,They were not overawed by India's superstars and after slumping to 23 for 6 against South Africa bravely avoided the lowest Twenty20 international total. They still impressed many !
The major disappointers were the India and South Africa; one troubled by the short ball, the other unable to make a run chase. Both teams have much to ponder over the next few months. south africa must be looking forward to win the series against westindies to gain some confidence back in the side.
Pakistan were the most lucky side in the tournament. Their victory against South Africa (and England's against New Zealand) earned them a semi-final berth where they lost the best everTwenty20 international match played as Mike Hussey played a blinder with his 24-ball 60. Pakistan were as unpredictable as ever, playing terribly against England, but raising their game against South Africa and showing the aggressive mindset with the bat needed to tackle Australia's attack.
New Zealand had a good outfit but could not perform; srilanka on the other hand will be pleased to get a berth in the semi-final once they lost their start off spinner murlitharan due to injury.
The 9.30am starts for many matches, purely for the Indian TV market, also weren't ideal. However, unlike in 2007, there were no insurmountable problems and the ICC certainly learnt from previous mistakes over pricing and accessibility.
No one invented a new shot this year, but the skill levels continued to rise. Batsmen have never been so confident in their ability to clear the boundaries, yet outright slogging was a rarity. Bowlers at both end of the pace scale enjoyed success - Dirk Nannes made superb use of the new ball, while Graeme Swann's spell in the final was a master class of offspin.
Dirk Nannes was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, despite going wicketless in the final against England
The format's rise has brought many challenges to game, and some still sniff at the concept, it has also done a huge amount of good and what the last two weeks has shown is that nothing matches the intensity, passion and skill level of international competition
