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Action Begins Now!
The focus is on the Island Nation. The local boys take on Zimbabwe to start the ICC World Twenty20 2012. Here are some quick facts -
All the matches will be played on 3 grounds namely R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota and the picturesque Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
There are 12 teams divided in 4 groups of 3 each as follows -
- Group A
- England
- India
- Afghanistan
- Group B
- Australia
- West Indies
- Ireland
- Group C
- Sri Lanka
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
- Group D
- Pakistan
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
Top two teams from each group will qualify for Super Eight stage. The top 4 will proceed to Semi-Finals and the winners will meet each other in the Finale on the 7th of October, 2012 at RPGS, Colombo.
The Contest
Barring Group A, where England and India are the favorites to do it, no one can be 100% sure about the top 2 teams qualifying for the Super Eight stage from the other groups. Ireland are no minnows and can give Australia and West Indies a run for their money. A fact that George Bailey's side is ranked below the Ireland in the ICC T20I Rankings just puts forward the struggle of the Aussies in this particular format.
Zimbabwe have shown how competitive they can be in a recently concluded triangular T20 series at home and the Proteas would definitely not take them lightly this time around. Sri Lanka will always have the Home Advantage but how they fare to the huge expectations from the home crowd remains to be seen.
Group D is certainly where the contest lies. Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh will all be looking for those two spots in the Super Eight. The Kiwis have always reserved their best for a tournament like this one, as the history will suggest. Pakistan and Bangladesh can do wonders on their days as well and hence, this group will have all the thrill to watch out for. So, let the drama unfold!
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