Our Top Five Moments from T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE
One man's loss is another man's gain as they say. When India faced significant challenges in hosting the T20 World Cup due to Covid-19, the Emirates Cricket Board presented its services to the International Cricket Council. While the fans of cricket in India were understandably disappointed, it was a chance for expats living in the UAE to watch their heroes perform at the T20 World Cup in the UAE. After all the Indian team not only boasts some of the greatest active cricketers in the circuit but it also has some of the richest cricketers in the world. There are fans of Pakistan, Australia, England, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in large numbers too.
In Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE had three world class stadiums. Only a few months ago, we had seen the Indian Premier League in the UAE. Similarly, the 2nd half of the Pakistan Super League was also hosted in Abu Dhabi. Hence, there was no doubt that UAE had the capacity to host a tournament of this magnitude. Oman was included added as a co-host the 1st round.
The eventual winners were the Australians and captain Aaron Finch hoisted the trophy aloft in the Dubai International Stadium. However, there were many memorable moments that brought the tournament alive. Here is a look at our top five moments from the UAE T20 World Cup.
Scotland Edging Bangladesh
At the start of tournament, a major upset is typically a good thing. The unpredictability raises interest levels or as they say it’s like throws the cat amongst the pigeons. So, when Scotland edged Bangladesh in the first round, it made for fun viewing. Bangladesh are established test team who had recently beaten the New Zealanders and Australians at home in the T20 format. However, the Scotsmen’s determination was enough to thaw Bangladesh and amaze the cricket world. This loss meant that Super 12 group A at least on paper was stronger than group B. One wonders how things would have gone in the UAE T20 World Cup had the Scots pulled another upset.
Indian and Pakistani Players Come Together
Well, they say that sports has the power to bring down any boundaries. That certainly was the case when the traditional rivals India took on Pakistan. While the on-field result was vital for Pakistan, the images of the Indian captain Virat Kohli, hugging Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam deep in discussion with legendary former Indian captain MS Dhoni spread like fire in the jungle on social media. It showed a human side of the cricketers and showcased that whatever may happen on the field, both set of teams have immense respect and admiration for one and other.
For many this was the moment of the T20 World Cup in the UAE.
The Outgoing West Indian Legends
All good things do come to an end. The dashing left-handed West Indies opener Chris Gayle and versatile allrounder Dwayne Bravo played their last World Cup matches. Both veterans of T20 cricket were part of the teams that won the title in 2012 and 2016. However, the UAE grounds weren’t too kind towards them as the Windies crashed out failing to qualify for the semi-finals. Nevertheless, their last appearance had a party like feel with Chris Gayle even picking up a wicket as his last action on field. Talk about a parting gift. Two of the world’s most entertaining cricketers bid adieu. Cricket fans from around the world will miss them.
Daryl Mitchell’s Moment Under the Sun Floodlights
Another global tournament, another impressive performance by the Kiwi lads. Coming in, not many gave them a chance. The batting isn’t dynamic enough, the bowling’s too slow, especially with Lockie Ferguson out of the tournament with injury. But they found a new hero in Daryl Mitchell. A lanky fellow who hadn’t opened too much in any T20 cricket before, suddenly found a way to dominate the English bowlers in the semi-final of the World Cup, no less. They fell at the final hurdle, however, still impressed the cricketing world with their tactical nous, intelligence batting, outstanding fielding and remarkable bowling. Another box ticked for New Zealand at the UAE T20 World Cup.
Mitchell Marsh Heroic Redemption
In September 2019, Mitchell Marsh with a tinge of amusement said “Yeah, most of Australia hate me.” That certainly isn’t the case in November 2021. Things have changed and how. The incredible power hitting the younger Marsh displayed in the T20 World Cup final would have changed the opinions of many not just down under but world over. The power with which the allrounder hits the cricket ball is remarkable. After a spate of misfortune primarily due to injuries, finally, something went for him. And he took full advantage of it and forever linked his name to the T20 World Cup in the UAE.
Honourable mention for Shaheen Shah Afridi’s opening burst against India, nailing two swashbuckling Indian openers, David Miller brushing aside the challenge from Sri Lanka and Namibia putting up a sight all through the tournament. This was certainly a memorable tournament with UAE once again proving to be worthy host. Many expats rejoiced as their home teams put up commendable performances in the UAE World Cup T20.
Who will host the next T20 World Cup?
After a successful T20 World Cup in the UAE, a test playing nation, Australia will be hosting the competition.
Let’s hope next time UAE hosts a tournament, the home boys, UAE cricket team can punch above their weight and follow in the footsteps of Scotland and Namibia. Sky is the limit!