Race For The Twenty 20 Silverware

The race for the Twenty 20 silverware is on, the semi finals aren't far off, and we have a real dogfight, with many favourites of the tournament being knocked out just recently. Tournament favourites; and 2008 World Champions India were knocked out thanks to an upset at the hands of England, so now it has left four teams who can't really be separated from one another, and the fact that it is the shorter format of the game adds to the unpredictability of the whole situation.

With South Africa and Pakistan set to face one another in the first semi final clash at Trent Bridge, followed by Sri Lanka and West Indies at the Oval. There's no telling on who will be knocked out, or of course which side will be the one to hold up the T20 silverware.

South Africa have been tipped as favourites for the first clash, with Mark Boucher claiming that South Africa are prepared in all aspects of their game and they will be prepared, no matter what wicket they will be faced with. Pakistan on the other hand, have had an impressive tournament in terms of their bowlers getting on with the job and putting their hands up when the team has required some spark, Umar Gul in particular. There batsmen on the other hand, have not had the best tournament in the world by a long shot, if they are to make the final they will need to fire.

The West Indies have been impressive throughout this tournament, which all began with their thrashing of the Australians, and they have kept that form going in their recent matches, this semi final berth will surely put a smile on the face of the loyal West Indian fans, who have not had too much to smile about before this tournament. Sri Lanka will come out with all guns blazing; Jayasuriya has found form throughout this tournament and is still playing well despite almost hitting the landmark of turning 40 shortly. That has obviously not affected him on the field though, playing his natural game he has made a huge impact for his team at the top of the order alongside Dilshan, who has at times been breathtaking in the way he has played.

Whoever comes out on top will have to take all their chances; it should be a great end to the tournament.