DANNY'S RAP - #WT20 PREVIEW

"Big country, big tournament & the big teams!”

In 'The Land of a Billion, and some!' India are hosts and favourites to hold aloft the WT20 trophy too.

India have had a fabulous build up, with a 3-nil T20 whitewash of Australia in Oz and then the Asia Cup T20 tourney victory in Dhaka recently.

With all their superstars, and IPL experience, India on their home turf are going to be a handful.

The associates, with Zimbabwe and Bangladesh involved last week, made for good viewing. There’s always an upset / underdog performance at these ICC world tournaments, adds that bit of spice too and Afghanistan did the business on Zimbabwe.

The Afghan brothers are through to the 'Super 10' group stage now. As well as some plucky cricket from 'new boys' Oman, who had a 'do or die' finale on Sunday night with Bangladesh in rainy Dharamasala, they couldn't quite produce their best on a stormy night that saw Bangla’ cruise through, courtesy of a Tamim ton!

Group 1

Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan.

Group 2

India, NZ, Pakistan, Australia and Bangladesh.

On current form savvy cricket lovers would agree that group 2 looks the stronger! Mind you, the Saffa brothers would have a word on that though?

South Africa to me look the best balanced, and given so many Proteas play in the IPL, they have an edge, that’s for sure.

AB de Villiers and co would dearly love to lift some ICC silverware, given the heart breaks of recent World Cup competitions.

The 2012 champs, the Caribbean boys, have still got 'rock-star' box office T20 legends who could click again in the subcontinent, as they did in Sri Lanka four years ago to win. C'mon Bravo, Gayle, Sammy, Fletcher, Holder & co!

I've already said India are the favourites, but don't ever rule out the Pakistanis in the subcontinent too. Boom Boom Afridi, possibly on his swansong gig here at the WT20 might just roll back the clock with his experienced teammates and new comers to cut loose and carve up the tourney!

As for the gritty Aussies, they can be dynamic at ICC events, so be wary of the current 50-over ICC World Cup champs too!

Bangladesh and NZ are the underdogs most certainly, but hey, right-off the hobbits at your own peril!  The Bangla’ Boys can be very tricky and full of surprises, especially in the subcontinent.

Can't wait for the Super 10's to kick into gear!