Twenty20 cricket has evolved into something of a phenomenon over the past few years. This June, the ICC World Twenty20 tournament heads to the home of the shortest form of cricket, back to where it all began, in England. Here's a group-by-group rundown of each of the 12 teams' chances.
Group A
India
2007's winners are out to defend their trophy, and stand every chance of doing so. Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and captain MS Dhoni represent a strong backbone to their batting, with the ability to butcher the best of bowling attacks. Young pace bowlers such as RP Singh and Ishant Sharma will provide penetration with the ball - the only thing India need to avoid is an over-aggressive attitude. Cool heads are the order of the day in Twenty20 cricket.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh are somewhat of an unknown quantity going into this tournament. Usually the minnows of international cricket, their performances in shorter forms of the game have been steadily improving in recent years. After some strong performances in the warm-up games, Mohammad Ashraful's young team will have cause for optimism. A victory over Ireland and a place in the Super Eights would represent a success.
Ireland
Missing their star batsman in Eoin Morgan, who has since been poached by England thanks to the ICC's bizarre regulations on player registration, Ireland are weaker side than they were when they impressed many at the 2007 World Cup. However, William Porterfield's side will be confident in their ability to upset Bangladesh and secure their progress to the Super Eights - the batting of Jeremy Bray and the bowling of Andre Botha will be key to their efforts.
Group B
England
After a promising start to the summer for England's young side against a shaky West Indies, temporary captain Paul Collingwood will be confident in his side's chances. Luke Wright and Ravi Bopara's strong showing in the final warm-up match before the tournament suggests England may have finally found an opening partnership, while their seam bowling division is among the strongest in the competition. They should be contenders if their current form continues.
Pakistan
After Shoaib Akhtar's slightly amusing withdrawal from the squad due to genital warts, Pakistan find themselves robbed of their most potent weapon in the bowling department; however, Younis Khan captains a side full of young talent, while old hands such as Khan himself and Shahid Afridi provide some balance. A turbulent time for Pakistani cricket would be calmed somewhat by a victory, but that looks unlikely as things stand.
The Netherlands
Possessing a healthy mix of youth and experience, The Netherlands are unlucky to find themselves in what will likely prove a tough group. Their bowling is bolstered by recently adopted Dutchman Dirk Nannes, while young batsman Alexei Kervezee has shown significant promise in recent times. Ryan Ten Doeschate's aggressive batting may also be the key to a potential upset for the men in orange.
Group C
Australia
Unusually for an international tournament, Australia are not the pre-tournament favourites. However, with a very solid batting lineup bolstered by several late-overs specialists, they will surely post some big totals. The question is whether or not their bowling can support their batting - inexperienced faces like Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus will be relied upon to back up a half-fit Brett Lee and an increasingly burdened Mitchell Johnson. They might triumph, but don't bet on it.
Sri Lanka
Kumar Sangakkara's side are another team possessing a good blend of youth and experience. The wiles of Muttiah Muralitharan are complimented by the searing pace of Lasith Malinga and the mystery of Ajantha Mendis in the bowling department, while the evergreen Sanath Jayasuriya tops a batting lineup featuring young starlet Angelo Mathews. Surely one of the favourites given their all-round strength.
West Indies
West Indian cricket appears to be in one of its trademark shambolic periods at the moment. After a thoroughly unsuccessful tour of England preceding the tournament, the only bright spot for them will be the return to their side of all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. They are unlikely to overcome Australia or Sri Lanka, and therefore should be eliminated at the first stage of the competition.
Group D
South Africa
The clear favourites for the competition. Graeme Smith's side are strong in every department, and have an experienced and aggressive leader. Dale Steyn's rapid bowling will be an asset, while the experience of Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs with the bat will guide them to some big totals. They know their best eleven, they know their tactics, and they know their opponents will have to play very good cricket to beat them.
New Zealand
Somewhat of an unknown quantity going into any major tournament, New Zealand are likely to adopt their usual strategy of naming a side packed with all-rounders. Jacob Oram, Scott Styris and captain Daniel Vettori will all be key to their tactical approach - Oram's aggressive batting will come in particularly handy. They are a solid outfit, but unlikely to pull up too many trees.
Scotland
Probably the weakest side in the competition. Following a spat between captain Gavin Hamilton and opening bowler John Blain, Blain has left the squad; this leaves them light in the bowling department, while their batting is likely to rely on Hamilton and big hitter Ryan Watson. They will be lucky to avoid a hammering from South Africa, while New Zealand will not be overly troubled.
For a look at the players to watch in the tournament, click here
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