Having just watched the first T20 Championship I have mixed feelings. While I prefer the longer versions, ODI and Tests, I have to admit I enjoyed the tournament.

The first big upset was when Zimbabwe beat Australia. A lot was made of Australia’s rustiness and lack of respect for the new format but you have to congratulate Zimbabwe for how they planned their innings with Brendan Taylor playing the anchor so well.

England were the unofficial favourites, in my opinion, as they had the most experience and came with specialists. Again they disappointed. I have to start agreeing with many others in that their problems appear to be “mental” as they have the talent.

Sri Lanka waltzed through their warmups and trounced Kenya by 172 run and ended up with the highest T20 total of 260. Then Sanath got a couple of ducks and they went downhill.

West Indies had the team to get to the semis and Gayle got the highest amount of runs, 117, in the first match against South Africa but their bowling and fielding let them down. Didn’t make it to the SuperEights.

Bangladesh were an enigma. Came out slogging in one game and totally opposite in another. They will be pleased they got into the SuperEights and you can only wonder if they could get a middle ground between the slogging and hybernation, how good a team they could be. I particularly liked to watch Rahim behind the stumps and his animated control of his team.

South Africa were another team to watch with the players to make a good T20 team. Again they were found wanting when the pressure was on. Not to take away from India’s win but they, well, choked. Strange they were knocked out after only losing one game.

New Zealand were doing well but self destructed. Unfortunately Bond didn’t have his normal impact in this format but Vettori more than made up for it. Their batting let them down.

Australia didn’t have the same intensity as most of the other teams. They played too clinical and should have included White and Hogg in their team. I was not surprised they didn’t get past the semis. They were lucky to make them.

Pakistan won their group and it was only when playing India did they lose. But who could forget that bowlout. Didn’t hit the stumps once. Their fast bowlers and Afridi were outstanding and their batting good enough.

India were the team to watch. They looked like they were enjoying themselves, had the intensity and their batting was spectacular. Yuvraj Singh hit 6 sixes in an over.

They say that T20 deals with a lot of luck on the day BUT you can’t deny the fact that India Pakistan or South Africa were going to be in the final. There is a skill to this game BUT no matter when you think you’re in charge of the game, it can all change.
The ups and down of the final between India and Pakistan can attest to that. India looked set to win and then Pakistan’s Ul-Haq hits a few sixes and suddenly they are back in with a chance. India prevail and win the trophy and become the world T20 champions, deservedly.

So in conclusion,
do I like it, yes.
Is it exciting, yes.
Is it skillful cricket, yes.
Do I want it to replace 50 over cricket, no. I would like to see T20 replace some of the ODIs. Maybe instead of 7 games perhaps play a couple of T20 instead.

Love it or hate it, it’s here to stay.