Venue West Indies
Winner England
Runner-up Australia
Teams 12
Format Four groups of three, then two groups of four in quarter-finals; top two into semi-finals.
Never let it be said the ICC is in thrall to commercial pressures, but ludicrously the Caribbean hosted the third World Twenty20 a little over eight months after the previous tournament. That is came immediately after the bloated IPL meant audiences were close to Twenty20 saturation. Fortunately, the cricket was generally of a high standard even if the crowds, as with the World Cup three years earlier, were largely disappointing, the 9.30am starts, arranged for the Indian TV market, a big turn off. However, many of the logistical blunders which marred 2007 had been addressed.
England proved the surprise package, winning their first major limited-overs trophy with a comprehensive victory over Australia in the final. The Australians had provided amazing fireworks in the semi-final when Pakistan appeared on course for a second final only for Michael Hussey to smash 26 from five deliveries (in a 24-ball 60 not out) to win the game with a ball to spare.
The significant strugglers were India and South Africa; one disturbed by the short ball, the other unable to pace a run chase. To the frustration of the commercial gurus in the game, India's elimination before the semi-finals again meant lost revenue. The two Associates - Ireland and Afghanistan - far from disgraced themselves.
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