The drama of Sachin Tendulkar's farewell has somewhat overshadowed a very important competition that started this week and continues throughout the rest of November. No millionaire superstars but the six best teams will end up having a real opportunity to be part of one of modern cricket's top tournaments, the ICC World Twenty20.
What I like about this contest is spotting familar players alongside unfamiliar team-mates. Papua New Guinea again boast former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones, veteran Saffer and Warwickshire favourite Neil Carter represents Scotland, Middlesex all-rounder Gareth Berg lines up for Italy and ex-Glamorgan batsman David Hemp performs for his home nation of Bermuda. And then there's the fan's game of spotting the traditional Danish, Italian and HK names amidst those with Pakistani, Sri Lanka or South African heritage.
As with the proper World Cup, I've always been a supporter of the minnow nations participating on the big stage. But who from the sixteen competing countries in the UAE will make that step to face a second round of games and ultimately meet the likes of India, England and Sri Lanka in Bangladesh next year?
Based on reputation alone, the familiar names of Ireland and Netherlands must be favourites, with Canada, Afghanistan, Kenya and Namibia giving them a run for their money. So after two or three matches apiece, how are things shaping up?
In Group A, Ireland have won all three matches, including two nailbiters against Canada and the UAE, so are looking good. The latter nevertheless sit in second place alongside Hong Kong, who have beaten two of the weaker sides. Namibia have some catching up to do, while the USA may have edged out neighbours Canada but nobody else to date.
Group B could be much tighter, especially after the Dutch lost to PNG. The surprise leaders so far are tiny Nepal. They thumped Denmark then won an excellent run chase against Kenya. If they beat Scotland tomorrow, they will be sitting even prettier. Nevertheless, Afghanistan have lost only to the Netherlands and I would expect both to accumulate enough victories over the Affiliate nations to make the top three. The third qualifying spot looks more open. With Scotland and Kenya pointless after two matches, the road is open for the UAE or Bermuda to proceed to the big time.
But wouldn't it be fabulous should the PNG island or Himalayan heroes maintain their winning sequence for another week or two? Paras Khadka, Basant Regmi and Tony Ura could be mixing it with Steyn, Kohli and Anderson. In most games, those contests will be horrendous mismatches but just one shock result will vindicate the ICC's decision to give countries on the edge of cricket's radar a shot at the big prize. Bring it on!
