T20 World Cup final: Spinners hold the key

06 October, 2012

It is spinners of both the West Indies and Sri Lankan team who would play a major role in the finals of the T20 World Cup at Premadasa stadium, Colombo on Sunday, October 7.

THE T20 World Cup has boiled down to the two finalists, West Indies and Sri Lanka after a tough fight through the competition. In the final scheduled for 7 October 2012, both teams have looked strong in the competition. The finals are expected to be a close contest between the two sides, either of which have not won the T20 World Cup till date.

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in a low-scoring match to reach the finals. The West Indies came thrashed the Aussies, after the Carribeans scored 205 runs in their alloted 20 overs and won the game by 74 runs. As usual, it was Chris Gayle who took to the attack against the Aussies - scoring 75 runs in just 41 balls. The Sri Lankan team playing in home conditions know the wickets better, so Chris Gayle will not find it easy. Sri Lanka may not have better bowlers than the Australian attack but they know how best to make use of these conditions, under which they have been playing since their playing days. Ajantha Mendis and Herath, their primary spinners, need to keep Gayle quiet, and they have the talent to do so.

But, if the tall left hander gets going, there is no bowler in world cricket, who can stop the batsman from scoring quick runs. Gayle, for sure, holds the key during the finals clash. If Gayle is dismissed early, West Indies could be in trouble as their rest of the batsmen have not been consistent. But, players such as Bravo, Pollard, Samuels are capable of scoring crucial runs against any attack.

Both teams have good impressive spinners in their side. West Indies, known for its pace attack, has in the team, some decent spinners such as Badree, Narine, and Samuels. They will play an important role in the match. Badree may play an important role for West Indies, as he belongs to the category of Anil Kumble who was very difficult to score off and his deliveriesjust skid off the surface. But take nothing away from the Lankan players, who are fine players of the turning ball.

But, with Badree opening the bowling, the Sri Lankan openers, Jayawardene and Dilshan need to be aware of the threat. Though, they would be well supported by their home fans, pressure could get to them, especially as it will be the finals. If the top three batsmen of the island nation, Sangakkara, Dilshan and Jayawardene, fail, it could be curtains for Lanka as their middle order might crumble under pressure.