Group D of the 2010 World Twenty20 was full of the underachievers, the "if onlies" - or so we thought. The West Indies and England were both in gradual states of decline, neither team being able to replicate the successes of their respective outfits of the 1970s and 1980. Both had world class players, and while each team would occasionally shine, neither were what we would call "world cup material" - or so we thought. In the meantime, Ireland, one of the brightest success stories of international cricket, looked to improve on their impressive showing in the 2009 World Cup, and establish themselves as a serious contender for Test cricket.
Group D
West Indies - The West Indies had to lot to live up to - as hosts, as last year's semi-finalists, and hosting the World Cup after the 2007 debacle. The first round was a shaky one for the hosts, with only Darren Sammy's all-round performance ensuring that Ireland would not cause an upset, and then chasing down a rain-reduced total from what had been a formidable score set by England. The Super Eights proved tougher, beating India, but losing heavily to Sri Lanka and Australia. Again, Chris Gayle was under too much pressure to deliver, with none of the other batsmen showing up, but the bowling of Darren Sammy, Jerome Taylor and Kemar Roach were bright spots in what was an otherwise typically disappointing World Cup campaign.
England - England never cease to amaze, but fortunately, this time it was for the better. Nobody gave them a realistic chance of going all the way in the tournament, especially after looking vulnerable against Ireland and losing their rain-affected match against the Windies. But then came victories against New Zealand, Pakistan, and most tellingly of all, South Africa. Tim Bresnan and Ryan Sidebottom banged the ball in short, Graeme Swann strangled batsmen, and Michael Lumb, Craig Kieswetter, Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan chased down totals and set imposing ones of their own. England walked all over Sri Lanka in the semi-final to set up a dream final - England vs. Australia for the World Cup. You couldn't have written a script for it, and no one would have drafted one where England strolled to victory by seven wickets, but that's what happened. England were on song and fired on all cylinders, and were easily the best team of the tournament. They still have a ways to go for atoning for their woeful limited-overs performances of the past, but this is a hell of a start for them.
Ireland - As one of the best Associate countries, Ireland were in prime position to provide an upset, but none was forthcoming. In the only game they played that had two innings, their batting let them down, and badly (all out for 68), but the bowling was better - they had the West Indies in trouble at 93/6, and kept England to 120/8, before the rain denied them a very gettable run chase. Ireland still have a good case for Full Member status, but their winless performance will work against them. Adding to their frustrations was seeing one of the own, Eoin Morgan, play for a triumphant England side (and play well, too). It's a reminder to Ireland that they have to develop their fledgling cricket team under the shadow of a financially tempting England Cricket Board - and now that England are world champions, they're all the more tempting.