The third Twenty20 World Cup came to its feel-good conclusion on Sunday, with England comfortably felling their arch nemesis Australia in the final. In the sixteen days that preceded that game, we were treated to some spectacular cricket, some ordinary cricket, good atmosphere, and, miraculously, none of the administrative blunders that made the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean such a disaster. In this summary, I'll be looking at the twelve teams that competed in the tournament, analyzing their performances, key players, weaknesses and problems.
Group A
Pakistan - Pakistan never have an easy time with world tournaments. Months before the 2009 World Cup, the Lahore terrorist attack against the Sri Lankan cricket team meant Pakistan was ostracized by the international sports community. But it's in moments of adversity, never comfort, that Pakistan shine the brightest. They did it in 2009, going on to win the tournament, and they almost did it this year, coming within a breath of winning their semi-final encounter against Australia. This, after the Pakistan team was purged of nearly all its senior players following a disastrous, winless tour of Australia. Morale and focus were low at the start of the tournament, but they peaked at just the right time. Having made the semi-finals of the last three World Cups, Pakistan can be proud that they overcame the controversy, turmoil, and political and administrative in-fighting that has marred their image in world cricket.
Bangladesh - Failing to win either game in their group stage, Bangladesh didn't stay long. They threatened a comeback against Pakistan (but lost by 21 runs), and had Australia in deep trouble at 67/5 (but still lost by 27 runs). Bangladesh will be disappointed that in a format which evens the playing field, they were unable to make an impact in the tournament. Captain and all-rounder Shakib Al-Hasan is still the go-to guy for the team, and Mohammed Ashraful found some form, but more than a decade after achieving test status, Bangladesh are still yet to fully establish themselves.
Australia - What can be said about Australia? Semi-finalists in 2007, eliminated in the first round last year, almost knocked out in the semi-finals this year, and then felled by their oldest foes in the final. Despite the team loss, their individual performances throughout the tournament were dominant. Michael Hussey played one of the greatest one-day innings of all time to steal victory from Pakistan in the semi-finals, and Dirk Nannes, Cameron White and David Warner have one foot in the 50-over squad. Australia, too, can take much pride from their performance in this tournament, but losing so soundly to England in a World Cup final - after surrendering the Ashes last year - will be a wound that takes a long time to heal.