I admit I was wrong. However, I won't be shedding any tears at my incompetence because it proves my point about the utter unpredictability of Twenty20 cricket! I feel particularly sorry for South Africa for falling tantalisingly short of a consolation win today. Three times in the last two overs, their batsman struck a six and was out the next ball, but when Morne Morkel missed a Balaji yorker there was no-one else to come in and hit the winning runs.
Full marks for Ashwin and Balaji for sticking to the task because by then they knew they had conceded too many and were out of the competition on net run rate. Old friends and rivals Pakistan had made themselves favourites after earlier enjoying a convincing win over previously unbeaten Australia. Doherty, Starc and the in-form Shane Watson bowled tidily to give themselves a reachable target but, Mike Hussey apart, none of the batsmen delivered. They became bogged down in the middle overs and three of the slow bowlers, Hafeez, Hasan and Ajmal emerged with both wickets and impressive economy rates. Indeed, Pakistan's only seamer Umar Gul sent down only two overs as fourth change!
The Aussies had already all but guaranteed their place in the semi-finals and now face the West Indies. Again, I'd fancy the green baggies but if Gayle and co connect with the ball and Narine weaves his magic, anything can happen.
If I felt sympathy for South Africa then double the commiserations are headed for New Zealand. Nobody's favourites for the competition. they nonetheless faltered in the Super Over not once but twice. That's tough luck, especially when they scored 17 against the Windies. Neverthless, Tim Southee's no-ball was unforgiveable and cost them dearly. In the other game I believed fortune may smile on England again, but they were outplayed by Sri Lanka with bat and ball. Ajantha Mendis had a mare but Malinga captured five wickets, including the top four and Jos Buttler. Men versus boys but credit to England's selectors for favouring youth, something India could also bear in mind in future competitions.
Sri Lanka v Pakistan is a potential classic and will the home team have the answer to the opponents' spin-heavy attack? Jayawardene, Dilshan and Sangakkara have cool heads, especially when chasing a target. I fancy the winner, whoever that may be, to go on and win the tournament.
