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| West Indies celebrated their win with the famous Gangnam Style celebration |
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| Mendis returned in style |
The tournament began with the hosts in Group C, Sri Lanka, facing a competent Zimbabwe side, who had recorded wins against South Africa earlier this year. Sri Lanka kicked off the tournament in impressive fashion by posting a very impressive 182-4. Zimbabwe began their chase shakily, but then were out-classed by Ajantha Mendis, who finished with 4-2-8-6. It was very much a 'Welcome-Back' feel for Mendis, who had gone off the boil in recent months for Sri Lanka. The third team in Group C, South Africa began their tournament against Zimbabwe as well with a thumping 10 wicket win, which resulted in Zimbabwe being the first team eliminated. The Proteas then topped the group. The pre-tournament favorites, India, began their campaign in Group A with a shaky win against Afghanistan, who were by far the most impressive of the "minnows" judging by matchday 1. However, Afghanistan's spirited performance was no match for the holders. England scored 196 in their 20 overs, with 99* from Luke Wright and in return, Afghanistan were bowled out for 80, having been 26-8 and one stage. Two days on from their win against the Afghans, England were then brought down to Earth as they were bowled out for 80 themselves by India, where spin took 6 of the 10 wickets and brought back talk about how England struggle against spin. Group B consisted of Australia, West Indies and Ireland. To my surprise Australia coasted out of the group, no thanks to Shane Watson, who was no doubt their star-man. West Indies qualified by the skin of their teeth as they went through on net run rate after a washout with Ireland. Group D consisted of Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh As expected, Pakistan and New Zealand qualified from the group meaning that none of the "minnows" qualified for the super eight stage.
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| Watson was player of the tournament |
Super Eight Stage
There were two groups in the super eight stage. Group 1 included Sri Lanka, West Indies, England & New Zealand. The first game of Group 1 between Sri Lanka & New Zealand went down to a super over, in which Sri Lanka were victorious. Soon later, West Indies defeated England which sent a message to cricket fans that the West Indies meant business. In round 2, Sri Lanka continued their impressive run by defeating West Indies by 9 wickets and England beat New Zealand, leaving the kiwis closed to doomed. The final match day saw another super over, between New Zealand and West Indies, where New Zealand lost again leaving them out of the tournament. The remaining match between Sri Lanka & England was effectively a decider between England & West Indies as Sri Lanka were practically through. England were unable to get the job done meaning the holders were out of the tournament.
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| It all went pear shaped for England in Sri Lanka |
Standings of Group 1:
1. Sri Lanka (6 pts)
2. West Indies (4 pts)
3. England (2 pts)
4. New Zealand (0 pts)
Group 2 was unquestionably a much tougher group as India, Pakistan, South Africa and Australia all competed for the semi-finals. The group 2 match opener saw Pakistan beat South Africa in extraordinary circumstances. South Africa appeared to be cruising home when Pakistan were 76-7, but the in came Umar Gul and smashed 32 (17) to bring home the victory for Pakistan. Australia and India played afterwards in a very one sided match that saw Australia defeat India by 9 wickets. Round 2 saw India play Pakistan, a monumental match wherever and whenever. This match was also very one sided as India strolled home by 8 wickets to give themselves a chance of qualifying. Meanwhile, Australia continued their very impressive form by beating South Africa and practically knocking them out. The final round of matches began with Pakistan beating Australia and it was by 32 runs, which was fairly comfortable. This meant that India had to beat South Africa by 30 runs or more. India posted 152, which, to me, looked below par if they had to win by 30 runs. South Africa were bowled out for 151, which meant India won, but Pakistan & Australia qualified.
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| Umar Gul inspired Pakistan to qualification |
Standings of Group 2:
1. Australia (4 pts) (NRR: +0.464)
2. Pakistan (4 pts) (NRR: +0.272)
3. India (4 pts) (NRR: -0.276)
4. South Africa (0 pts)
Semi Finals
The first semi final match was between the hosts and Pakistan. Sri Lanka posted 139-4, which seemed below par, but it was good enough as Pakistan only managed 123-7 thanks to a good bowling performance from Sri Lanka and Herath in particular, who took 3-25. The second semi final was a stunner. West Indies turned on the style as they posted a monumental score, including 25 off the final over. A magnificant 75* (41) from Chris Gayle and a powerful knock by Pollard 38 (15) saw West Indies post 205-4. In reply Australia never got going and they were thrashed by 74 runs.
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| Gayle powered WI to the final |
Final
The final of the 2012 World T20 was very peculiar. West Indies were put into bat and got off to an appalling start, where they were 48-2 after 12 overs, but you cannot count out Marlon Samuels. He smashed a brilliant 78 in one of the most powerful innings I have ever seen. Due to the force and aggression of Samuels, the bowling figures of Lasith Malinga were 4-0-54-0, and Malinga contibuted to nearly 40% of the final total. West Indies eventually posted 137-6 in their 20 overs, with nearly 90 runs coming in the last 8 overs. In reply Sri Lanka never got going and there were too many dot balls, but there were keeping wickets in hand, until Narine come on. His final figures were 3.4-0-3-9 helping West Indies bowl Sri Lanka out for 101.
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