If you look back at the international tournaments held over the last decade - the 50-over and T20 World Cups, and the editions of the Champions Trophy - you can definitely recognise some sort of a pattern to it all. Some things almost always conform to the script: at least one Asian team in the final, the Aussies proving that there was indeed room for improvement all along, the Saffers continuing to read Chuck Palahniuk, the kiwis and the Lankans firmly saddled as Dark horses, at least one minnow going past the first round, and all that blah.
It made me think, couldn't we all do with a few breaches of the norm for once? Perhaps the current World T20 could be taking place in a parallel universe. In this universe:
The final would be a keenly contested, fight to the finish between South Africa and England. The Proteas rally to win as no one mentions the C-word, and the English press goes on about how they have a valiant and solid limited-overs side to be proud of.
The reaction to India's elimination in the media back home is philosophical and completely understated: "Anything can happen in T20", "Beaten by the better side on the day".
Pakistan put in a competent, workmanlike performance and narrowly lose the semi final. The same fifteen are retained for the following Asia Cup.
New Zealand crash out in the very first round, allowing just about every observer to say "See, I told you so! They're crap, and don't deserve one-day status. Knew it all along!" (The result of yesterday's game almost certainly means it won't happen this time, thankfully).
The West Indies' loss is not mollified by the appearance of some Ricardo Powell or Gavin Tonge-type character who makes everyone go "Oh, there is hope yet. The future looks bright!" (Okay, it really pained me to write that)
Not a single minnow is able to cause an upset. (OK, by definition an upset is something of a novelty we all love to see as long as it happens to someone else's team. But then, given that at least one upset seems to take place in every tournament - like those inflicted by Bangladesh in 2007 and Ireland in 2009 - in the spirit of going against the grain, shouldn't we hope for no upsets at all? Fine, let me quit while I'm still making sense.)
Top Cricket From The Second Tier
13 years ago
2 comments:
Wait a minute! Conventional is good! It favours the teams I like!
But I still think England may cause an upset. They could (could, could) indeed reach the final. It is funny to think that we would probably be the only two people, besides the actual English, who would sit and gloatingly rub their hands. Can't wait to see their first match. We will all be smarter after each team has the first match behind. Pakistan playing "competent, workmanlike" would be too boring for the worldwide audience, who is waiting to see their antics. I think the reality, the usual proceedings, are good for the tournament, and they will blend in well with the Caribbean spirit :D
Btw I think you must be happy about the first NZ game? I am still leaping over the meadow in overjoyed sheep manner ^^
Have a nice weekend,
Cheers,
Wes
Hi Wes, conventional isn't bad at all! I was just pondering on what things might look like otherwise.
I'm also very interested to see how England's tournament goes. I think the complete lack of expectation will work for them though I'm not sure how well their hitters will adjust to the slow pitches. Colly will be a key man.
Yup, I'm definitely happy about the first game, was a difficult hurdle to cross.
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