PSL kicks-off the road to the T20 World Cup
The start of the 2020 Pakistan Super League is a timely reminder that cricket fans are set for a huge year in the Twenty20 version of the game.
The PSL, Indian Premier League and T20 Blast will be exciting precursors to the big one towards the end of the year – the T20 World Cup. Read on as we take a look at each of the competitions.
Quetta Gladiators off to a flyer
The Quetta Gladiators got off to a perfect start in their defence of the PSL title, recording a three-wicket victory over two-time champions Islamabad United.
With Jason Roy and Shane Watson in their line-up, the Gladiators have the batting power to cause plenty of problems for their PSL rivals.
However, they are unlikely to have things their own way, with the likes of Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings expected to provide stiff competition.
Mumbai out to continue IPL dominance
The Mumbai Indians have been installed as 4/1 favourites to win the Indian Premier League for a record fifth time in 2020.
The Indians claimed a thrilling victory in last year’s final, beating Chennai Super Kings by one wicket in front of a sell-out crowd in Hyderabad.
The Super Kings are expected to be one of the main challengers this time around, while Hyderabad Sunrisers and Delhi Capitals are also well-fancied.
Mumbai will kick-off their defence of the title against the Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.
Lancashire on a recovery mission in the T20 Blast
The T20 Blast has become an integral part of the summer schedule in England and Wales, regularly attracting big crowds to the matches.
This year’s competition gets underway on May 28 and will culminate with the final at Edgbaston on September 5.
Essex Eagles claimed their first-ever Blast title last season, beating 2018 champions Worcestershire Rapids in an epic final.
Lancashire Lightning were defeated at the quarter-final stage by Essex in 2019 and look an interesting proposition at odds of 10/1 to lift the trophy this year.
India look the business in the T20 World Cup
The T20 World Cup takes centre stage during October and November, with the world’s top international teams heading to Australia for what promises to be a phenomenal tournament.
West Indies lifted the trophy back in 2016 after Carlos Brathwaite blasted four consecutive sixes in the final over to secure victory over England.
Australia are expected to be tough to beat on home soil this time around, but look far too short in the betting given the strength of the opposition.
India are currently priced at 7/2 to win the tournament for the second time and that looks a generous price given the talent in their team.
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