25 Pointers Team India

The ICC World Twenty20 final.

Unofficially, but popularly known as the "T20 World Cup"

16 teams competed for it

The biggest international Twenty20 fixture every 2 years

The one that everyone wants to play

This is it 

Grand final after 3 weeks of action 

1) Major Trophy win each year. India. The Big 5.

2010 - Asia Cup
2011 - World Cup 
2012 - U19 WC
2013 - Champions Trophy 
2014 - World T20 ?

2) Before 2007-2009
2007 - World T20 
2008 - Under 19 World Cup, tri series in Aus, IPL started 
2009 - Gained number 1 test ranking 

3) Dhoni has won his last 12 games in ICC Events
3 vs Pakistan
3 vs South Africa
2 vs West Indies
1 vs Bangladesh, England, Sri Lanka, Australia

4) India have won 9 out of 10 WT20 games in the sub continent. IPL effect perhaps.
5) So another India vs Sri Lanka global final in the first weekend of April in the year that both teams are due to tour England. 2011. 2014.

6) When India went on to win the 2007 wt20, World Cup 2011 and 2013 Champions Trophy, they played the second semi final. Same case here 2nd SF.

7) India are not the type of team that lose semi finals and finals.When they reach the business end, they finish the job.That's been the trend.

8) India lost 7 super eight games in a row in 2009-2012. Now won 6 in a row of super eights or super 10s now including those final 2 in 2012.

9) If Dhoni wins next game he will equal Ponting with 4 major ICC titles to his credit.Though Ponting won all his in 50 overs. WC+CT double.

10) Tomorrow is the fourth ICC final between India and Sri Lanka
2000 - Under 19 World Cup = India won 
2002 - Champions Trophy = NR
2011 - World Cup = India won 
2014 - World T20
They have met 8 times in Asia Cup finals 

11) India in ICC Events since 2007 World T20
2007 World T20 = India won
2008 Under 19 World Cup = India won
2009 World T20 = Failed to make SFs
2009 Champions Trophy = Failed to make SFs
2010 Under 19 World Cup = Failed to make SFs
2010 World T20 = Failed to make SFs
2011 World Cup = India won
2012 Under 19 World Cup = India won
2012 World T20 = Failed to make SFs
2013 Champions Trophy = India won
2014 Under 19 World Cup = Failed to make SFs
2014 World T20 = Probably winners

12) 6 major all team ICC Trophies since 2007. 2 in 50 overs, 2 in 20 overs, 2 with the U19s. 9 ICC titles overall for Ind now. Same with Australia. 

Scyld Berry got that table a bit wrong that I cropped in previous tweet. Did not count the 2002 NR final between Ind vs Sri Lanka. 

13) Ind won 5/5 games in CT13.
India have chance of winning 6/6 at WT2014.

14) India have been ICC treble holders before at same time recently 
2011 World Cup 
2012 Under 19 World Cup
2013 Champions Trophy

15) Dhoni has been ICC treble holder before (though not at same time)
2007 World T20
2011 World Cup
2013 Champions Trophy

16) India at the World T20
2007 = Won
2009 = Failed to make SFs
2010 = Failed to make SFs
2012 = Failed to make Sfs
2014 = Won or Finalists

17) Both World T20 finals India have played have been against an Asian side
Both World T20 semis India have played have been against Southern Hemisphere side

18) India and Sri Lanka met in a tri series final last year. Dhoni's last over brilliance in the West Indies. Likewise, Dhoni was also MOM in 2011 World Cup final in Mumbai as well as that tri series final. 

19) Dhoni has won all 3 popular T20 competitions
World T20 twice by tomorrow 
IPL twice 
CLT20 won too 

20) Dhoni's CV = Product of Persistence 

Impressive tournament captain.
Impressive one day captain.
Impressive home captain.
Struggling Test captain.
Struggling Overseas captain.

TRIUMPHS

Champions Trophy Winners 2013 in England
Tri Series Winners 2013 in the West Indies
World Cup Champions 2011 in India
World T20 Champions 2007 in South Africa
Led India to number 1 in test rankings in 2009
Asia Cup Winners 2010 in Sri Lanka
Tri Series Winner in Australia in 2008
IPL Winner x 2 (2010 and 2011) and 3 IPL finalists (2008, 2012, 2013)
CL T20 Winner 2010
Led India to number 1 in ODI rankings in 2013
Won 3 home test series vs Australia by 2-0 in 2008, 2-0 in 2010, 4-0 in 2013
Whitewashed England 5-0 at home in 2011 in 5 ODIs
Most test wins by an India Captain
Led India to World T20 final 2014 

FAILURES

Lost 8 consecutive overseas test matches in 2011/12
Failed to reach the semis in the last 3 ICC World T20s 2009-2012
Lost a home test series against England in 2012
Failed to win 3 home T20 2 match series in 2012 vs NZ, Eng and Pak
Failed to reach Asia Cup final in 2012 in Bangladesh
Failed to reach tri series final in 2012 in Australia
Lost an ODI series against Pakistan at home 2012/13
Lost an ODI series against England 3-0 in 2011 in England
Lost an ODI series against South Africa 2011
Lost an away ODI series in South Africa 2013
Lost an away Test Series in South Africa 2013
Lost 4-0 in away ODI series in New Zealand 2014
Lost a Test Series in New Zealand 2014

21) Virat Kohli could join Yuvraj Singh to have won all 4 ICC titles as a player, but Virat had one as a captain and in 2002 the Champions Trophy final was shared for India and Yuvraj the player. Did it in just SIX years.
Under 19 World Cup 2008
World Cup 2011
Champions Trophy 2013
World T20 2014

22) India came into this tournament having won only 2 out of 16 internationals. Winless tours of SA, NZ and average Asia Cup.

23) Advanced tweet "Congratulations to India on becoming first team to win it twice. They host the next one."

24) Sri Lanka did win the warm up against India. Hard to look past India. In a different league at the minute. The margins of victory for India not only in this, but during the CT last year are simply staggering.

25) Word on Sri Lanka: 15-1 for SL on their extended tour of Bangladesh. Series wins. Asia Cup winners. World T20 winners/runners up in a 16 team event. Nicely set up for England tour.

The Charm of the U-19 World Cup

The U-19 World Cup has been one of the most enjoyable ICC events. For starters it is a 50 over tournament, a proper competition between bat and ball. There was talk previously of turning it in to a 20 over event or introducing a 20 over one as well, but thankfully logic prevailed and that didn’t go ahead as a wider range of skills and roles are catered for the longer the format of the game. The tournament is short and sharp being only a two week event with 10 televised fixtures and the competition is held every alternate year in order to give maximum chance for young cricketers flourishing through the ranks to play in the event during their ages of U-19 eligibility.

Unlike the World T20, it is officially and formally a World Cup event in some capacity. The official 50 over World Cup current format is a long predictable qualifying drag as it takes 42 games before the knock out stages with over half the teams progressing to the next round with 4 main sides and 3 lesser sides in each group and that too in an event that is effectively and eventually a 3 match knockout. The Champions Trophy has been terminated. There is great uncertainty about the future of the World Test Championship. Hence, the U-19 World Cup has a USP for all to enjoy. 

Firstly, I know there has been talk of U-19 cricket being difficult to compare with international cricket and the step up is a tough one with many influential people feeling that although U-19 cricket is fine in its own right, first class cricket or even List A domestic cricket is a closer step and better path to international cricket as Aakash Chopra has highlighted in the not too distant past. However, there is no doubting that world class cricketers that have played in the Under-19 World Cup tournament have gone on to play at the highest level soon after playing in the tournament. Virat Kohli skippered the 2008 Indian winning team in the U-19 World Cup in Malaysia that year and not long after was a permanent member of the Indian national side in the coloured uniform, as the most famous example. Kohli is not alone.

Michael Clarke played in the 2000 edition of the tournament as did Shane Watson and soon after made the transition to the top level. Yuvraj Singh was a leading name of the Indian team in the same tournament. Hashim Amla captained the South African side in the 2002 edition. Alastair Cook captained the England side in the 2004 edition and was awarded a Test cap 2 years later. Pujara and Rohit Sharma both featured in the Indian team in 2006 as did Ravi Jadeja. More recently, Ben Stokes and Joe Root represented England in the 2010 edition. Quinton De Kock was a graduate from the 2012 edition in Australia. It has clearly been a fast launching pad for some of the biggest names in the international game. Endless cricketers have gone on to play for their countries by initially participating or performing in the Youth World Cup. This will inevitably continue in the foreseeable future. 

If they are good enough, get them in. Bad habits and complacent attitudes can be developed by being stuck in the domestic circuit as Ian Chappell alluded to when asked on whether Unmukt Chand or Harmeet Singh were ready for the step up. The former Australian Captain felt that they would only get worse by being stuck plying their trade within the domestic scene for the aforementioned reasons. He did not agree one bit with the idea of a cautious approach, that they were too young and needed time to develop. 

Equally, many of the players will not make it and the U-19 World Cup will be the biggest stage they will play on in terms of national representation. The 2 week tournament will be the most memorable of their life. For example Tariq Mahmood who was being touted as ‘the next big thing’ in Pakistan’s spin bowling department after winning the 2004 U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, but for a variety of reasons his career did not materialise as an unorthodox off spinner. Therefore, it is the biggest platform they will reach in some cases and that gives the tournament added significance for the players. It means a lot to the players and that’s most evident with Unmukt Chand recently writing a book on his journey to U-19 World Cup glory in Townsville.

Many of the players are playing in front of the cameras for the first time and how they handle the challenges and pressures that come with it is intriguing viewing. Quality coverage and commentary is provided by Star Cricket as with every ICC tournament event. Big names are present in the commentary box, too. For example Wasim Akram has commentated in the 2010 and 2012 edition. Ian Chappell commented in the 2012 edition. Asia’s most famous non playing cricketing celebrity in Harsha Bhogle confirmed through Twitter last month that he will be commentating in the forthcoming edition in the UAE. This can only be an incentive to perform for the players in the knowledge that big names are following them and will potentially sing their praises. 

It's most fascinating in assessing players we see for the first time and how far they may go in terms of a potential international career right up to Test level by first impressions judgement. This is a unique experience for the viewer or indeed the commentator. 

Minnows also have their chance at this level. Nepal instrumentally managed to finish the 2006 tournament as 3^rd place winners. Bangladesh finished in 7^th position in the 2012 edition, ahead of Pakistan. The fact that 5^th place and 9th  place encounters take place once a side has been eliminated much like Hockey tournaments give it greater opportunity for the less well known sides to make their mark. They have more to play for as opposed to just filling the numbers. Minnows are also strengthened with the fact that age limit is extended to 20 years of age for non ICC full members. We saw George Dockrell lead the Irish side in Australia 2012 as a result.

Another charm which this multinational carnival brings is low scoring games and low scoring thrillers. I'm always one who has preferred games where ball has dominance over bat. Seeing 180 all out play 140 all out as opposed to 320 being chased with 4 overs to spare. Seeing 220 chased in the final over rather than a team racking up 280 and the chasing side falling 10 short. Bowlers are not seen as servants and not anyone can make runs for fun. 

Registering a gritty enduring 50 in small scoring games against tight bowling is worth more than a ton in a high scoring run feast against lesser bowling. Batting is not as straightforward as power and innovation, hitting through the line with ease. There is a greater range of styles and roles welcomed to play such as the Sheet Anchor as opposed to just stroke makers and swaggers all the way down. It is a mini Test Match like we saw in majority of the games at last year's final ICC Champions Trophy as opposed to an elongated T20 like in India-Australia 7 match ODI rubber last year. Of course, the primary objective in limited over cricket for a batter is to make runs, but in small scoring games there is more methodology to it with batters building an innings and accumulating runs through survival and wicket preservation first. The scoring ranges and rates of these games are like Pakistan ODIs, mostly in the 160-240 range because of the strength in bowling and brittle nature of the batting; either chasing a score in that range or setting and defending it. It makes box office entertainment. Why are the games low scoring at U-19? 50 overs of batting is an art and a long time at this level for first generation T20 cricketers. 

Imperatively, the rules and regulations mirror international cricket. 2 new balls, 5 fielding in the circle at all times including non powerplay overs, batting powerplay enforced in the 36th over if not already taken. This best prepares the participating players for a taste of what is to come should they make it.  

Looking ahead to the coming weeks, it is the first time the UAE are hosting an ICC event outside qualifiers. Sami Aslam and Sanju Samson are the two names I have picked out to keep an eye out for. The Pakistan Captain Sami Aslam has the highest number of centuries and runs in Under 19 ODIs ever. Sanju Samson is well known through his exploits for the Royals in the Champions League final during Rahul Dravid’s final game of professional cricket. India are the current title holders and joint most successful in tally of titles for this championship. They recently won the U-19 Asia Cup in the UAE last month.

Pakistan on the other hand, have won 19 of their last 21 matches including 2 tri nations tournaments in different conditions, defeating their England counterparts in all eight games they contested in 2013. The tournament historically has been played 4 times in Asian conditions before with Pakistan and India sharing two titles each during the 4. Both of these sides have what it takes to go the distance and both can deservedly hold the tag of favourites going into the 10^th edition of the biggest teen sporting event or under age sporting event. Their form guide and familiarity with conditions make them the powerhouses.

16 days, 16 teams, 4 venues, 240 squad players. Many teams, yet still a short tournament with minimal venues used. This is what makes this event appealing, even if many of the players are unknown to you as a result of virtually any U-19 international coverage being shown outside this. But, on the plus side of that, quantity brings quality. The fact that we only get to see U-19 teams play after 2 years create greater interest. Yet another advantage of this underrated gem. 

By Abdullah Haider 

Abdullah is currently an LLB Student who likes to analyse and write on the game he follows with great enthusiasm. He has particular interest in the longer form of the game, England and Pakistan internationals and youth cricket. Whether it is discussing the game from a technical, mental, statistical or administrative viewpoint in the past or present, he is a keen follower of events in the cricketing world at a number of different levels let it be international, domestic or associates. 

Virat Kohli and Ravi Jadeja at Champions Trophy Clash vs Neighbours

ICC 10th Under 19 World Cup to Start on 14th February

Under 19 World Cup Winners

1998 = England, Captain Owais Shah
2000 = India, Captain Mohammad Kaif
2002 = Australia, Captain Cameron White
2004 = Pakistan, Captain Khalid Latif
2006 = Pakistan, Captain Safraz Ahmed
2008 = India, Captain Virat Kohli
2010 = Australia, Captain Mitchell Marsh
2012 = India, Captian Unmukt Chand

It will be the first time UAE are hosting an ICC Event

Australia won the 1988 edition in Australia, but it started in 98 proper

Under 19 Asia Cup will follow, also be to played in the UAE

Next year in the first 4 months there will therefore be a:
World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand
Under 19 World Cup in UAE
Under 19 Asia Cup in UAE
Asia Cup in Bangladesh
World T20 in Bangladesh
Womens World T20 in Bangladesh

Picture: Unmukt Chand with Virat Kohli, two youth World Cup winning captains for India in 2008 & 2012

ICC U19 CWC Final 2012 Author: Maaz; Views: 449; Date: 23-08-2012, 04:35;

Pre Tournament Prediction

As I correctly predicted in my ‘6 to watch thread’ prior to the world cup, Australia and India will reach the final and compete for the title at the 2012 edition of the under-19 world cup in Queensland. Now that is a reality and one of the previous 3 teams to win the trophy twice or more will lift it again. Will Australia win their 4th title and successfully defend their crown? Or will India join Australia by winning a 3rd title and therefore become the joint winner of the highest number of u-19 titles with the current champions?

Setting the Scene 

Australia comes into this final, undefeated in the tournament, winning all 5 of their games in to the road to the final. India did have a slip up against West Indies in the group, but narrowly scraped through against Pakistan and New Zealand in the knock out encounters. Will Unmukt Chand join Virat Kohli and Mohammad Kaif as a national under-19 world cup winning captain for the men in blue? I feel he won’t and am standing by my pre tournament favourites, Australia who have looked the most convincing outfit on show, but he has done well to lead India this far and can be proud of his and his teams efforts. India have won the quadrangular series and Asia Cup this year, the world cup will be the icing on the cake. 

Word on Pakistan

Just a brief word on Pakistan who was one of the other contenders for the title, but were eliminated at the quarter final stage. It’s the first time since 2007 that they have been knocked out at a men’s ICC tournament finals without reaching the final 4/semi finals including World Cup, WT20 and Champions Trophy. It is their worst position in their last 5 editions, even though they haven’t played that badly, winning the initial pool and losing by 1 wicket in the quarter final. A 7th place finishing just like their men’s hockey team in 2012 games is not a good consolation prize either. However, many of their players like Sami, Captain Babar and Imam are young enough to play in the 2014 edition in the UAE and will be backing themselves to go further in more familiar territory to them.

Statistics

Last 4 U19 CWC finals have been won by the side batting first

In 6 televised matches in the tournament, barring obvious mismatches, no side has scored 250 and only 2 sides have scored above 200, on both occasions winning totals. 

In 7 of the 9 televised matches in the tournament, the side that has won the toss have elected to field first.

Low Scoring Thrillers

Low scoring thrillers have been a common theme associated with this world cup. Batting has been tough and slow going. This is better than high scoring run feats where batting is straightforward, encouraging explosiveness and innovation and emphasis is on damage limitation with the ball. This is a better evenly contested intriguing battle between bat and ball where the ability to survive and deny is impressive as is the ability to score batting attackingly as well. Batsmen have their work cut and the classical batting virtues find an important place. Bowlers have assistance and how well they can extract it and make the most of it is the challenge. Every wicket, partnership, defensive block, run scored seems so significant. This is one day cricket at its best.

Tournament Highlights

0/2 in the first 5 deliveries of the Pakistan-India quarter final with Sandeep Sharma finding the edge of Aslam and Haq to nick off in the slip cordon without troubling the scorers. Dream start for India. 

Conway of Australia who has only played one game in the tournament so far getting a hat-trick in the pool match against Nepal with all 3 deliveries hitting the stumps to give the batsmen the death rattle. 

New Zealannd scoring 18 of the final over against West Indies in the quarter final to secure their spot in the final 4.

Recommendations

Earlier in the year so the players who are 19 during the course of the year have maximum chance of playing in the tournament. This one was held out of season as well. 

More television exposure for all teams. Perhaps cover more than one game per day. Some teams get to play 2 pool games live whereas others don’t get any depending on the group they are in. Unfair to the fans of certain countries who want to see the next generation of their cricketers in action and this is one of the few opportunities they get to do so.

If they are only covering 1 game per day in the pool games, make sure they are not one sided mismatches. 

Show matches from more than just 1 ground live throughout the tournament. 

Limited international cricket to be played while it’s on, it is a major ICC tournament and deserves every opportunity of becoming a hit.

William Bosisto 

No one has impressed me as much in the tournament as he has. Bosisto is a clinical finisher, always having that ability to be there at the end and see his side through. He gives the hosts plenty of assurance in the batting department. He has only been dismissed once in the tournament and that was run out with the game virtually over with Australia only requiring one scoring shot to get home with wickets in hand during the semi final after he had done the bulk of the work. The Australian captain is a reliable banker and tough cookie to dislodge at the crease, averaging 179 after 5 innings. Moreover, sharp mover in the field who sets high standards and leads by example.

Harmeet Singh

Has bowled beautifully in the competition. He is a classical left arm spinner, using the art of flight and guile. He gives the ball a tweak and is unafraid to give the ball some extra air and try to deceive the batsmen in the flight. He genuinely bowls at a slower pace, looking to beat the batsmen in the air and get some turn. This is encouraging and unique in an era where darting the ball in is a norm for spinners. Harmeet has been a treat to watch. He also has a good arm ball.

As a batsman you have to be prepared to use your feet to him and try to adjust his length. He works batsmen over if they are trying to play defensively or just nudge him way. If you take him on and try to put him under pressure, he may lose the rhythm and confidence. If you are going to treat him respectfully and see him off you have to make sure you concentrate hard for each over and negotiate tightly. He is hard to get away as he does not give you much pace to work with.

Team of the Tournament

Bancroft
Azam
Baba
Foakes
Bosisto ©
Turner
De Kock (WK) 
Dockrell
Topley
Singh H
Sharma

How Final Will Be Decided?

First hour of play will be crucial. It’s important with the helpful conditions and 2 new white balls at each end not to lose wickets at the top and battle through the early patches without self destructing. Batting becomes easier to expand your range of shots and score the longer you spend in the middle. Batsmen have to be prepared to graft, grind and play the waiting game up top. Bowlers need to get the ball in the right areas and ensure they do the basics well enough and examine the batsmen consistently enough as the pitch has enough in it for them to get the breakthroughs and put the opposition under pressure. The Australian seam attack vs. the Indian top order will be the deciding factor and go a long way in determining who lifts the biggest under-age group sporting crown on the planet.

Aim For 2015 says Warner and Amla Author: Maaz; Views: 140; Date: 7-08-2012, 04:26;

David Warner and Hashim Amla have urged the current crop of U19 cricketers currently in Australia for the World Cup to aim high and set their sights on targeting participating in the 2015 World Cup in less than 3 years’ time which will also take place in Australia/New Zealand as it returns to the Oceania continent after 23 years.

From the 2008 U19 CWC, Virat Kohli, the winning captain played his part in India’s triumphant 2011 campaign 3 years later. Similarly Ahmed Shehzad who played in the 2010 edition was part of the Pakistan squad for the 2011 50 over world sub continental world cup. Junaid Khan was also part of the 2008 edition and found a place in the Pakistan 15 man squad for the world cup in 2011.

Many of the current crops of players are bound to represent their countries in the next 50 over world cup and a strong showing over the next 3 weeks could play a vital part in making a successful transition from the youth to the senior side, even if it is not to be in the immediate future, but the youngsters can be rest assured that their performances will be followed and observed closely from some important figures in their respective cricketing institutions.