15 Mar 2016 | Cricket
With the qualifying section finished, the World T20 moves into the Super 10's stage today and the eight major test nations enter the competition.
The Super 10's split the 10 sides into two groups. The eight major nations are split equally and the two qualifiers - Bangladesh and Afghanistan - are put in a group each.
On paper, group 2 appears to be the stronger of the two, spearheaded by the hosts and pre-tournament favourites India. MS Dhoni's side haven't won the World T20 since the inaugural event in South Africa nine years ago, but the manner of their recent victories over Australia and home advantage makes them the team to watch in group 2.
Pakistan will lead the charge against India in group 2. They have a crunch match with their arch-rivals India this Saturday at the cavernous Eden Gardens, which is sure to be one of the clashes of the tournament. This will be Shahid Afridi's swansong for his country, two decades after making his debut, and he will be desperate to sign off with a trophy.
Both Australia and New Zealand also take their place in group 2 to make it by far the tougher of the Super 10 groups. Australia are always fancied in global tournaments, yet they have little pedigree in the World T20 having not won in any of the previous five editions and reaching just the one final in 2010 when they came up short against a Kevin Pietersen inspired England.
The smart bet may be on New Zealand to sneak through to the semi finals alongside India. Although their talisman and best batsman Brendon McCullum has hung up his boots, there are ably led by the classy Kane Williamson and have Corey Anderson, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor to help with the run scoring. Add in the best white ball pairing in world cricket - Trent Boult and Tim Southee, and New Zealand look a good bet to make the last four.
Just when you think a group couldn't get any tougher, Bangladesh joined it as the last qualifier. The strongest side outside of the top eight, and more at home in Indian conditions than their rivals. The much-improved one-day side, will be expected to take at least one scalp in the Super 10 phase.
Group 1 is where you'll find England. While not one of the favourites they will be disappointed if they aren't in contention for a semi-final place until the very end. A youthful side, with just one player in their 15-man squad over 30 of age, they have some of the most destructive batsman in T20 cricket. In T20, the lack of experience can often help as opposed to hinder a side. Just cast your mind back six years to England's triumph in the Caribbean, when Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb were thrown in to open the batting.
Joining England in group 1, South Africa have been surprisingly poor in previous editions of the World T20 and they aren't pencilled in as one of the favourites this time round either. Their lack of recent victories in the format and their recent shocking tour of India will count against them. However, in AB De Villiers they have arguably the most complete batsman in the world, and the emergence of Kagiso Rabada means their seam bowling now has some able support for Dale Steyn.
The unpredictable West Indies side, and 2012 champions, will also be looking to make their way through to the semi finals. All eyes will of course be on Chris Gayle at the top of the order. It is certainly difficult to see him going through all four-group matches without destroying at least one bowling attack. The West Indies have also managed to pick some of their other T20 specialists for this tournament. The Bravo brothers, and spin bowlers Samuel Badree and Sunil Narine may help their side in Indian conditions. All have experience of the IPL, as do many of the West Indies squad, and that may just help them sneak past England into the semi finals.
Sri Lanka round off group 1 for the test playing nations and little is expected of Angelo Matthew's men. They have been in turmoil ahead of the tournament with a poor Asia cup showing leading to Lasith Malinga stepping down as T20 captain and the test skipper stepping up. Missing the insurmountable duo of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, it will be a surprise to see Matthew's shepherd his side out of the Super 10 stage.
Rounding off the Super 10 side are the final qualifiers and group 1 outsiders Afghanistan. Consistent performers on the associate stage, they are yet to make a meaningful victory in the main stage of a global event, however their solid qualification record for the past three years is impressive. This tournament may be their best chance yet to claim a major scalp at a global event.