Short. Fast. Colorful. Three terms that can be used to describe the new Twenty20 Cricket World Cup that is going on in South Africa. This new form of cricket that marks the third stage of evolution of the ‘Shepherd’s Game’ from 5-day tests to 1-Day Internationals (50 Overs) to just 20 Overs a side. The game has been compressed more and more by the passing of the ages.
But this is not a bad thing if the frenzy at South Africa around the Twenty20 World Cup is any indicator. The new form has proved to be a run-away hit. The stands are full. The organizers are happy. The spectators can look forward to watching matches, each one promising to be explosive to say the least. Just look at the number of sixes and fours that have been smashed in this World Cup alone. Yuvraj Singh has become the fastest run taker smashing an incredible 50 off 12 balls in an innings that saw him hit every ball of an over for six (the poor bowler!).
I think the new form of the game is an excellent way to revive the game that was losing its sheen of late. The Twentry20 version of the game has truly given Cricket a new lease of life.
Caution: Words Ahead! 