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Twenty20 cricket has only been a regular part of the cricket calendar for a decade. Despite this, the sport has rapidly passed the other formats and is now arguably the most popular.
Who are its best exponents in this period? Who would make an All time World XI?
Here are my selections. The side is heavy on slow bowling which seems to be the most effective way to prevent scoring and enormous fire power at the top of the order.
1. Chris Gayle
The most flamboyant and polarising personality in the game is also its most dominant batsman. In all competitions he has played 149 matches and averages 43.
He holds the record for the highest score in the Indian Premier Leauge (IPL) and in internationals has scored 1406 runs at 35 with a strike rate of 142. He is an effective bowling option with his off spin as well.
2. Brendon McCullum
The leading run scorer in internationals with 2140 at 35.66 is the only man to make two centuries in internationals. His strike rate is 136 and his ability to improvise is peerless. He is an obvious choice for captain with his aggressive and astute leadership.
3. Virat Kohli
The young Indian is a model of consistency in all formats of the game. In Twenty20 internationals he averages 44 with a strike rate of 132. In all 175 matches he has made 32 half centuries.
4. Brad Hodge
The 41 year old Australian is a marvel, a triumph of talent and durability. Though he hasn’t played much international cricket he is in hot demand in various leagues around the world. In over 200 matches he averages 37 and strikes at 132.
5. Kumar Sangakkara
The Sri Lankan is one of the finest one batsman of his generation, capable of tearing apart any attack on any surface. His average of 31 and strike rate of 119 in internationals proves his effectiveness. A left-hander he adds contrast to the batting order.
6. Ryan ten Doeschate
The only individual in the side not to play a single international, the Dutchman none the less is a regular on the international circuit where his all-round excellence is highly valued. An aggressive batsman he has scored 5356 runs at 29 with a strike rate of 137.
Ten Doeschate bowls medium pace and his changes of pace make him tricky to score from.
7. Shahid Afridi
The explosive Pakistani has an average of 18 and strike rate of 148 in internationals, but his bowling has been even more potent. He is the leading wicket taker with 88 wickets and an ROP of 6.56.
8. Daniel Vettori
One of the most clever and skilful bowlers in the game, Vettori ended his international career of 34 matches with an RPO of below six an over – the only man to have played that many matches and achieve such a low RPO.
9. Dale Steyn
The South African paceman is near the top of the bowling rankings in all three formats. In Twenty20 matches his searing pace early in the innings can change the complexion of a match very quickly and he is a fine death bowler. In 38 internationals he has taken 55 wickets at 15.49.
10. Saeed Ajmal
The 38 year old Pakistani has been a wonderfully consistent performer. In 64 internationals he has taken 85 wickets with an RPO of less than six and a half an over. He changes his pace, turns the ball and frustrates batsman.
11. Lasith Malinga
The Sri Lankan with his slinging action and furious pace can rip apart any batting line-up as his best figures of 6/7 illustrate. He helped Sri Lanka win a World Cup in 2013 and in 220 matches in all competitions has sneered 295 wickets at 18.19.
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