ICC World Twenty20
They say its a batsman's game but we look at six potential stars of the future ahead of this year's ICC World Twenty20...
By Joe Drabble
Last Updated: 18/03/14 5:24pm
Quinton de Kock
South Africa's baby-faced gloveman has long been touted as an international star and is now living up to the hype. Named man of the series in a losing cause to Australia, Quinton De Kock is a stylish left-hander who is expected to open the batting for the Proteas in Bangladesh. Looked at ease against Australia's pace attack when making back-to-back scores of 41 in the recent T20 series, although playing in Bangladesh will be an altogether different challenge for the 21-year-old. De Kock could well be set for a long stay behind the stumps at Test level, too, with many believing AB de Villiers will pass over the gloves if appointed as Graeme Smith's successor.
Sky Bet's top batsman odds: 20/1
Corey Anderson
New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson burst to international prominence on New Years' Day 2014 by smacking the fastest ODI century of all-time against West Indies. The left-hander needed just 36 balls to reach the landmark, beating Shahid Afridi's 37-ball effort which had stood as the quickest ODI century for over 17 years. Anderson crashed a remarkable 16 sixes on that crazy down in Queenstown and although the boundaries will be a little bigger in Bangladesh, they may not be big enough for Anderson. He's more than just a big-hitter, evidenced by his maiden Test century against Bangladesh in Dhaka last year. He will have fond memories when returning to the country and will also have a big part to play with the ball.
Sky Bet's top wicket taker odds: 50/1
Ahmed Shehzad
Another player in-form and fresh from success in Bangladesh is elegant Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad. The 21-year-old right-hander heads into the tournament fresh off a century against the host nation in a recent Asia Cup one-day international in Dhaka - his fifth century in 45 ODIs. He came within two runs of reaching three figures in the shortest format against Zimbabwe in August, cracking six fours and as many sixes in a destructive 98 not out in Harare. With the likes of Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousef no longer reporting for duty, Shehzad looks primed to fill those voids at the top of the order.
Sky Bet's top batsman odds: 22/1
James Muirhead
Any emerging Australian leg-spinner always draws unfair comparisons with you know who but with Shane Warne coaching him, he will at least be able to take on some words of wisdom. Plucked almost straight from club cricket to the international arena, 20-year-old Muirhead had only played two first-class matches before being selected for Australia against England in the recent 3-0 T20 win. Figures of 2-13 in the final match of the series in Sydney justified his inclusion, while bowling regularly for the Melbourne Stars in front of huge crowds in the Big Bash should stand him in good stead on the international stage.
Sky Bet's top wicket taker odds: 50/1
Sunil Narine
He certainly isn't the first spinner to make England's batsmen look stupid and he won't be the last, but there is something quite special about Sunil Narine. Constantly overlooked at Test level, Narine has become somewhat of a one-day specialist early in his career. Armed with a well-disguised doosra, Narine's variations will play a huge and perhaps defining part in the West Indies' World T20 title defence. One of the most economical T20 bowlers, it would not be the worst tactic for opposition batsmen to play out his overs and attack elsewhere. Could also plunder useful runs down the order.
Sky Bet's top wicket taker odds: 7/1 (fav)
Chris Jordan
If the saying 'you're only as good as your last game' applies, there is no better player in world cricket than England all-rounder Chris Jordan. His heroics with bat, ball and in the field in native Barbados saved England from a latest series whitewash defeat and helped boost morale in the England camp heading to Bangladesh. While Jordan's pace bowling continues to go from strength to strength, it was his batting which took many by surprise in Barbados. Facing Dwayne Bravo in the final over of England's innings, Jordan took the West Indies seamer for four sixes, two driven majestically over extra cover, as England posted 165-6. England fans will be hoping Jordan proves their secret weapon down the order in the sub-continent.
Sky Bet's top wicket taker odds: 66/1