Last Updated on 10 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: T20 World Cup 2022 predictions: Who will win the tournament? | Predictions for the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia
Australia’s chance to host a T20 World Cup has finally arrived, two years after the postponement of the 2020 edition. The hosts will be out to defend their crown in familiar conditions, but they have questions hanging over the heads. Can Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch find their best form, or will the Aussies carry two out of form players in their top six? Can Mitchell Starc dominate the way he has in ODI World Cups? Is a bilateral series defeat to England just a blip or are there deeper concerns?
In addition to dealing with their own internal questions, the defending champions will also have to deal with a number of contenders and dark horses. Fellow Group 1 rivals England and New Zealand are two of the favourites for the title, with Afghanistan and possibly Sri Lanka also presenting a challenge. In Group 2, India will be desperate to end their ICC trophy drought, as will South Africa, who are vying to shake off their history of disappointment in showpiece tournaments. And, of course, Pakistan can never be counted out.
Finding out the answers to such questions should make for a fascinating tournament. The floor is open for individuals to rise to stardom or reach even greater heights, with the coveted trophy up for grabs at the famous MCG on November 13.
Predictions for the 2022 T20 World Cup
In this article, I will look at a few key predictions for the tournament; namely, the four teams to qualify out of round one, semi finalists and the winner.
Teams to qualify for Super 12: Sri Lanka, Namibia, West Indies, Zimbabwe
Sri Lanka and Namibia look the strongest on paper in Group A. The Lions, fresh off an Asia Cup triumph, come into this tournament full of confidence and will be backing themselves to take on the higher-ranked teams later in the piece. Namibia themselves have enjoyed a good 12 months too, including qualification into last year’s Super 12s. Indeed, their depth and experience, particularly in the all-rounders department, has them ahead of Netherlands and UAE.
Group B looks tougher to predict. West Indies are the favourites to top the group, and should do so. However, any of Ireland, Scotland and Zimbabwe are capable of reaching the Super 12s.
The reason why Zimbabwe will get over the line is the progress they have made in 2022. They won the Qualifier tournament earlier this year, and had their moments against India and Australia, albeit in the ODI format. Also, there is the Sikandar Raza factor, plus a capable seam attack led by Blessing Muzabarani.
Semi Finalists: Australia, England, India, South Africa
In Group 1, we could easily see a situation where Australia, England and New Zealand all finish level on points. However, New Zealand’s past struggles in Australia is a concern, which is why the host nation and England are best-placed to qualify out of the group. As mentioned earlier, the talented Afghanistan and Sri Lanka (potentially) can cause issues, but making the top two in this group in Australia is a bridge too far for both.
According to the previous prediction, West Indies (winner of Group B) and Namibia (runners up in Group A) are likely to join Group 2 that also consists of Bangladesh. It is difficult to see any of these three winning enough games to finish in the top two, so logically, India, Pakistan and South Africa are fighting for the two spots.
While the absence of Jasprit Bumrah is a blow for India, their batting depth is too hard to ignore. Pakistan are certainly a chance with Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz capable of taking games away with the bat, but Babar Azam’s team often need a game to follow a certain pattern. First, runs up top for Babar himself and Mohammad Rizwan is key. Second, wickets up front from the excellent Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, who are both a little short on match time, will also help dictate how they travel.
My pick is South Africa. In terms of middle order depth, not many teams boast the talent the Proteas have. Also, their pace attack is up there with the best especially for these conditions, and the Shamsi-Maharaj spin duo has come a long way over the past 12 months. The form of Temba Bavuma is a concern, but there is enough depth to cover.
Winner: Australia
As mentioned, two out of form players in the top six is a concern for the host nation. However, Aaron Finch’s leadership qualities and Glenn Maxwell’s high ceiling can come to the fore. Also, Australia is often a different beast in World Cups, and assuming they qualify to the Semi Finals of a home tournament, they will be very tough to beat.
In addition, Australia boast a powerful batting lineup right the way down their order, plus a bowling attack filled with experience. Tim David’s presence adds another dimension, along with the power and finishing ability of Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade respectively. Australia should get enough solid platforms with the likes of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh up top, so they will often be well placed for big totals.
In the end, Australia’s all-round ability, knowledge of the home conditions and record in World Cups will see them lift the trophy come November 13.
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