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Cricket Corner: As the BBL makes way, SA20, the upcoming World Cup wave, takes off
In this weekly feature, Flashscore’s Pat Dempsey consolidates the key talking points from the expansive world of cricket, the second-most watched sport globally. Paying homage to the longest format of the game, Test cricket, the article is structured into three sections reflecting the main intervals in a day’s play: Lunch – the main course; Tea – something extra; and Stumps (the end of play) – something to ponder over a few drinks at the bar.
Lunch: Are we already thinking about the next World Cup?
There’s a flurry of cricket activity around the globe, with Pakistan engaged in a Twenty20 (T20) series in New Zealand, India facing Afghanistan in the same format before a Test series against England, and Australia hosting a revamped West Indies for two Tests followed by dual white-ball series. Not to forget, Sri Lanka has been in action against Zimbabwe. This week, let’s focus on the short-format action.
Pakistan and New Zealand have completed three games in their five-match T20 series, with the Black Caps impressing by posting substantial scores of 226, 194, and 224 in the first three matches, successfully defending each total. Opener Finn Allen is back in form for New Zealand, leading the runs and delivering a remarkable 134 off just 62 balls in the latest contest. Former captain Babar Azam is finding form for Pakistan, consistently scoring fifties despite their losses, following a relatively lean period in Australia. Perhaps more critical than the results is the opportunity for both teams to assess combinations as they gear up for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June – which is closer than we might think.
Tea: BBL gets pointy
Turning our attention to the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, the competition is reaching its critical phase. The BBL, featured here in Cricket Corner after a brief hiatus, underwent changes this season, with a reduced format of 10 regular-season games (down from 14), and only the top four out of eight teams advancing to the playoffs.
With the final regular-season match being washed out today, the top four teams are confirmed as Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers, and Adelaide Strikers, in that order. The playoffs are set to commence on Friday, with the Heat facing the Sixers; the victor advances to the final, while the loser competes against the winner of the Scorchers and the Strikers. The final is scheduled for next Wednesday at the highest-seeded team’s venue. However, a noteworthy point is that if the Heat make it, they won’t be able to use the ‘Gabba in Brisbane due to the second Test with the West Indies being held there.
As the BBL progresses towards its climax, the competition is intensifying, and cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the outcome of the playoffs and the subsequent final showdown.
Stumps: Anything you can do, we can do better
The concluding match of this round was anticipated as a contest for the wooden spoon between the Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder. Historically, these two teams, considered the ‘second teams’ in Australia’s major cities, have struggled in the BBL. The Thunder has finished at the bottom on five occasions, and the Renegades three times out of 13 seasons. Some suggest that the challenges faced by these franchises may be linked to the fact that Sydney and Melbourne each have two teams, leading to a thinner distribution of state-based talent compared to their counterparts. There have even been discussions about relocating the Thunder to Canberra to rejuvenate the struggling franchise.
In a farewell gesture to former Australian white-ball captain Aaron Finch, the Renegades and the cricketing world bid adieu as he played his final professional T20 cricket match last week. Finch concluded as the tournament’s second-highest scorer, trailing only behind Chris Lynn, leaving a lasting legacy in the format. As Finch steps aside, attention shifts to the emerging talent, with the Strikers’ Matthew Short leading the run charts this season, amassing 509 runs at an impressive average of almost 73. His stellar performances have earned him a call-up to Australia’s one-day squad, potentially placing him in contention for Australia’s World Cup plans.
Stumps: Anything you can do, we can do better
Opinions on South Africa’s new SA20 league may vary, but it undeniably showcases high-quality T20 cricket featuring prominent players. The second edition of the league commenced last week and will run until February 10th. While its impact on South Africa’s upcoming Test tour of New Zealand has dominated the headlines, let’s momentarily set aside those considerations and focus on the league itself.
All six teams in the league are owned by IPL franchises and are named accordingly: MI Cape Town, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Paarl Royals, Joburg Super Kings, Durban’s Super Giants, and Pretoria Capitals. This affiliation with IPL franchises has attracted a wealth of talent, including players from England and the West Indies, which the BBL seems to struggle to lure down under.
With eight matches completed (including one abandoned due to rain) and each team set to play three times after today’s fixture, a prominent trend has emerged – the colossal totals. In seven first innings, there have been five scores of 200 or more. Rassie van der Dussen struck a massive 104 (off 50) for MI Cape Town over the weekend, and rising talent Jordan Hermann matched him with a century yesterday (106 off 62) for Sunrisers. MI’s Ryan Ricketlon has already secured three half-centuries, and Super Giants’ big-hitter Heinrich Klaasen has two of his own. The league’s early stages are marked by high-scoring encounters, showcasing the explosive batting prowess of the participating players.
In conclusion: South Africans dominating SA20 League
Despite the presence of international stars like Jos Buttler, Nick Pooran, and Jason Roy, South Africans currently occupy the top eight spots in the run-scoring charts. This trend raises anticipation for South Africa’s performance in the upcoming World Cup, especially considering their prowess on the smaller fields and flat wickets of the Caribbean in June. With a mix of established and emerging talent in their batting lineup, South Africa could be a force to be reckoned with.
While the clash with the New Zealand tour led South Africa to field a second-string squad in the SA20 League, the league has quickly gained acclaim as one of the best T20 tournaments in terms of talent. The affiliation with IPL franchises has seemingly played a significant role in attracting top-tier players, raising questions about the future of non-IPL-affiliated leagues such as the BBL. The potential need for accommodating an SA20 window could reshape the cricketing calendar, and strategic decisions will be crucial to maintaining the relevance of leagues that may not have the financial backing of the IPL. As we await the unfolding future, the focus remains on the exciting run-scoring performances in the ongoing SA20 League.
