Batting Strategies used in the Power Play overs of the 2012 ICC Twentey20 World Cup

Abstract

Teams' knowledge and understanding of success in Twenty20 cricket is crucial when participating in major tournaments. Identifying the performance indicators and specific factors which influence teams’ performances should be identified to increase teams’ possibilities of succeeding. The study observed the batting strategies implemented within the 'Power Play' overs of a recent Twenty20 tournament which related to successful match outcomes. 22 matches were recorded in the study, which were divided into three different stages of the tournament (First Round, Super 8s, Semi-finals and Final). A comparison within the numerous batting and bowling variables was conducted with an independent samples t-test which identified any significant differences between the successful and unsuccessful teams (<0.05). Results established significant differences in teams’ batting strategies within the 'Power Play' overs which had influence on the match outcome. The main findings highlighted that teams who retained their wickets, hit more 4s and played lower risked shots had a higher probability of winning matches and proceeding through the tournament. Therefore it could be concluded that for overall success in Twenty20 matches, teams should put emphasis on retaining their wicket in the 'Power Play' overs by playing low risked shots which would be accumulated in 4s in order to become successful.