“I expect the winner of the World T20 to come from Sri Lanka, India or Pakistan who are all very good T20 sides and will be tough to beat particularly if they get runs on the board.” -Photo by AFP

Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya has tipped one of the Asian giants to win this year’s World Twenty20, which starts from September 18.

Jayasuriya, a perfect exponent of the T20 style of cricket during his playing days, believes the slow wickets in Sri Lanka will work in favour of theses teams, all packed with quality spinners and explosive batsmen within their ranks.

“It's a tough tournament to predict as there are several teams who, if they find their rhythm, and get their tactics right could ultimately win the competition,” Jayasuriya said in an interview with Pakpassion.net.

“Any team that can put 160 runs up on the board in this tournament is going to be tough to beat in any conditions. The pressure to chase a score of 160 plus could be too much for some of the teams,” he added.

“The conditions are ideally suited for the Asian teams and expect them to excel.”

“I expect the winner of the World T20 to come from Sri Lanka, India or Pakistan who are all very good T20 sides and will be tough to beat particularly if they get runs on the board,” he said.

In Monday’s warm-up game between India and Pakistan was a some proof of this, which saw both teams attack with spinners and score with relative ease.

India, batting first, notched up 185/3 in 20 overs which Pakistan chased with five balls and as many wickets to spare.

Out of the non-Asian teams, Jayasuriya picked out South Africa as the best all-round side.

“I think South Africa is the best out of those teams. They are in good form, confident and have a number of match winners in their squad.”

The tournament starts on Tuesday when hosts Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe at Hambantota.

Opinion

Editorial

Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...
Budget and politics
Updated 14 Jun, 2024

Budget and politics

PML-N, scared of taking bold steps lest it loses whatever little public support it has, has left its traditional support — traders — virtually untouched.
New talks?
14 Jun, 2024

New talks?

WILL this prove another false start, or may we expect a more sincere effort this time? Reference is made to the...
A non-starter
14 Jun, 2024

A non-starter

WHILE the UN Security Council had earlier this week adopted a US-backed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza...