The first Twenty20 World Cup kicks off on Tuesday with South Africa playing West Indies. If you're still wondering what it's about, read on
THE RULES
Each side bats for 20 overs
Match lasts 3 hours, with 20-minute break between innings
Minimum of 5 overs a side needed to constitute a match
The incoming batsman gets only 90 seconds to face the next ball. Teams sit in dugouts near the boundary instead of the pavilion when the match is in progress
In the first six overs, only two fielders can be placed outside the 30-yard circle. For the remaining 14 overs, not more than five fielders will be outside the circle
Bowlers can send down a maximum of four overs each
INNOVATIONS
FREE HIT:
After a no-ball, the next delivery will be a free hit for the facing batsman. He cannot be dismissed off the free hit, except being run out. No change in field placement is allowed for the free hit. The umpire will signal a free hit by raising one arm and moving it in a circular motion
BOWL OUT:
Cricket's version of the penalty shootout will be applied if the semifinals or final are tied. Each team will nominate five bowlers who will take turns to hit the wickets at the other end. There will be no batsman facing. The team which achieves the maximum strikes wins the match
SLAM-BANG SEASON
The World Cup will last from Sept. 11 to 24
Side attractions:
Cheerleaders, loud music, jacuzzis, carousels
and beer vendors
THE ITINERARY
Three games a day scheduled over only three venues — Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Matches are scheduled at 10 am, 2 pm and 6 pm (1.30 pm , 5.30 pm and 9.30 pm IST). There are 4 groups (India are in Group D with Pakistan and Scotland) and there's a Super 8 stage
BOX-OFFICE BONANZA
India vs Pak in Durban on Sept. 14. On the same day, England play Australia in Cape Town. Both matches start at 6 pm (9.30 pm IST). All matches to be telecast on ESPN and STAR Cricket
THE RECORDS SO FAR
Highest total: 221-5 by Australia vs England (09/01/07) Lowest: 79 all out, again Australia vs England (13/06/05) Highest individual score: 98 n.o. Ricky Ponting (Aus) vs NZ Fastest 50: 51 n.o. off 23 balls, Jayasuriya (SL) vs NZ Best bowling: 4-22, Paul Collingwood (Eng) vs SL
THE FRONTRUNNERS
AUSTRALIA:
The world champs have stayed with their regulars. Looking to complete a treble after winning the Champions Trophy and World Cup
SOUTH AFRICA:
Have enviable domestic experience — its Pro20 competition started in 2002. Specialist players like Gulam Bodi and Johan Van Der Wath will back up Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs. Dogged by controversies following the omission of Jacques Kallis
NEW ZEALAND:
Have a host of players with all-round capabilities who have taken to T20 like ducks to water. Only England have played more international games
SRI LANKA:
Don't have much experience in the format, and will miss Muralitharan, but have players
with all-round capabilities. Plus Jayasuriya and Vaas
ENGLAND:
Five years of domestic T20 competitions. Specialists like Luke Wright and Darren Maddy support heavyweights like Collingwood and Pietersen. Will miss Flintoff
INDIA:
No Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid or Zaheer. Sehwag, Harbhajan and Irfan Pathan will try hard to reclaim lost reputation. Yuvraj and Uthappa must make their presence felt. Watch out for Yusuf Pathan, Irfan's elder brother
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