'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAOAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgUH/9oACAEBAAAAACs3TlH/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/9oACAECEAAAAD//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/9oACAEDEAAAAH//xAAiEAABBAEEAgMAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEBREABhIhEzIxM4H/2gAIAQEAAT8AgbcmFXQ1GnYZjGYLYMSvCk1okHHoQJxFfZA+dWLLcewlMtbL3O+226QC6ILg0Rfb6tO0t1Kek2EOyhLWWptniTFInmcdISIhoKr1nQVbPBOc6URY7LxImfzlr//EABkRAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIRAAEDYf/aAAgBAgEBPwDUjAReTfan/8QAGREAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgMAAQQT/9oACAEDAQE/AEajUV8Sn//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It is that time of the year again when a major ICC tournament dawns on the cricketing world. This time, it is the slam-bang T20 version that hits the shores of Bangladesh, and some high octane action is guaranteed. While the defending champions West Indies will be out to prove that 2012 was no fluke, teams like Australia and Sri Lanka will look to win an ICC Tournament after spending quite some time without a major trophy. Here is a look at the contenders for the trophy, and what they need to do to come out on top.Note: The teams are listed in no specific order
#1 India
Another major tournament where India's concerns remain with the bowling. The batting looks to be in safe hands with the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh in the fray. However, India will need the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to step up with ball in hand. With the pitches likely to assist spin, Dhoni is likely to field a third spinner, as well, in Amit Mishra. India are rank outsiders for the crown; they can only do it if their bowling steps up and the batsmen play out of their skins.
Trump Card: Ravindra Jadeja
Writer's Prediction: Group Stage Exit
#2 Australia
With a genuine mix of experience and youth, this is Australia's best chance of winning the T20 World Cup. They have gone back to trusted old hands in Brad Hodge and Brad Hogg; along with Shane Watson, George Bailey and David Warner, they are expected to form the core of the side. David Warner and George Bailey have been in blistering form recently, and, in James Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson, Australia have reliable pacemen as well. All in all, things are looking good for the men from Down Under.
Trump Card: James Faulkner
Writer's Prediction: Champions
#3 West Indies
The 'Calypso Kings' will be out to prove the doubters wrong. Many have called the 2012 triumph a fluke, and Darren Sammy's men will be certain to look to set the record straight. They are a dangerous side filled with T20 superstars like Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine. They will miss the all-round ability of Kieron Pollard, but they are a dangerous side nonetheless. The firepower of Australia and Pakistan could prove to be too much for the Windies, though.
Trump Card: Marlon Samuels
Writer's Prediction: Group Stage Exit
#4 Pakistan
The most consistent team as far as performance at the World Cups go, Pakistan are a side filled with match-winners. With 'Boom Boom' Afridi seemingly striking form, it is imperative that Pakistan keep him fit for the entirety of the tournament. In Saeed Ajmal, they possess the world's best spinner, and Umar Gul and Junaid Khan are no pushovers either. If their batting clicks, there is no reason why they cannot go all the way.
Trump Card: Shahid Afridi
Writer's Prediction: Runners-Up
#5 Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's hopes of the title seemingly begin and end with Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga. Both have been in tremendous form recently and will bear the hopes of the country on their shoulders. Although Lahiru Thirimanne and Kusal Perera have come good from time to time, they will need their big three of Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and TM Dilshan to come good. In the bowling, they will be looking at Sachithra Senanayake and Ajantha Mendis to provide the support to Malinga.
Trump Card: Thisara Perera
Writer's Prediction: Semi-finalists
#6 South Africa
Like Sri Lanka, South Africa's hopes also rest with their two big guns: AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn. South Africa will need big performances from Quinton de Kock, captain Faf du Plessis and Morne Morkel to have the faintest of hopes to win the tournament.
Trump Card: AB de Villiers
Writer's Prediction: Group Stage Exit
#7 England
Stuart Broad leads an inexperienced England side to alien conditions, and, in all honesty, England stand very little chance of upsetting the applecart. They will need consistently telling performances from Broad, Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara if they are to harbour hopes of winning the title.
Trump Card: Stuart Broad
Prediction: Group Stage Exit
#8 New Zealand
New Zealand are dark horses for this World Cup. They have been in fantastic form recently and boast of genuine match winners in Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and Tim Southee. Big onus will be on Nathan McCullum to perform well in spinner-friendly Bangladesh conditions.
Trump Card: Corey Anderson
Writer's Prediction: Semi-finalists
Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download CricRocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more! 🚀☄️
