sam_ahm wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2024 5:49 pm
A big reason why a lot of associates have done well in this World Cup is because of the low scoring pitches. It really evens out the contest drastically. The margins are very low and it can so easily go either way.
Definitey true. But you have to say, the better team should win regardless of what kind of pitch they are playing on. It doesn't have to be pretty, but the quality side should prevail 9 times out of 10 even on a mudpit track.
eugene wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2024 6:06 pm
The pitches have made this the best T20 tournament ever. I'm actually engaged in the proceedings, unlike the IPL where my eyes glaze over at the sight of another SIX.
Yes and no. Its been riveting because progression/qualification has been at stake and a lot of the games have been close. And yes, I don't want to see every ball going to the boundary, but I also don't think having 112 beating 100 is a great look for T20s. On the other hand, having multiple associate sides play close or even qualify (I think the US is the only Associate side to make the super 8), vindicates the ICC's decision to have a 20 team event.
I think the 20 team world cup is probably the right number. Maybe closer to 16 is ideal, but I'm OK with 20 because it gives a few more sides some exposure. But clearly even in a 20 team event on these mostly minefield tracks, teams like Oman, PNG, and Uganda have been unable to even compete.