5 reasons why England can win the ICC World T20

The English cricket team are looking good leading up to the World T20 this year and although the odds are not in their favour, England’s track record in T20 cricket for the past two years has been quite impressive.In 2015, England won all five of their T20I matches, including three victories against Pakistan and despite losing to the South Africans in the last T20 series in late February, the English have quite a few positives going into the sixth World T20. Their squad is among one of the most settled squads, which will give them confidence with the playing XI on the field and have a team that features and is tailored made for T20 cricket.Despite only ranking fifth on the T20I standings, their search for their second title doesn’t look as far out of their reach as their competitors think, and considering how they were not favourites in their 2010 championship, this year it does not look any different. Here are five reasons why the English could be cruising to victory at this year’s tournament in India:

#1 Theyre not going in as favourites

England are grouped with Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan

Considering that they are in the weakest group stage of the two, comprising of Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies, England are not the favourites between the above-mentioned teams. Their journey to the semi-final is not impossible and since all teams (excluding South Africa and the qualifying team) have already had a World Cup trophy under their belt, they all know about what it takes to come out on top.

If they keep playing aggressive cricket up front, the English could undermine their opponent’s insecurities and weaknesses. And since the pressure is off, they definitely have a chance to sneak their way into a semi-final and a possible final this year.

#2 They have one of the best middle orders

Joe Root and Ben Stokes are vital cogs of the English middle order

When you have the calibre of Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali coming in at the middle, you have nothing to worry about, especially if you’re a top order batsman. Having the ability to bat low down the order gives some batsmen leeway and the freedom to play aggressive and premeditated shots in the Powerplay overs of the game, and literally take the game away from the opposition.

Having Alex Hales and Jason Roy opening with Joe Root and skipper Eoin Morgan following suit, it just looks like the Three Lions could pose or chase any target thrown at them.

#3 Adil Rashids form and performance

Adil Rashid will be difficult to handle on turning wickets

Rashid is a key player for England as he is their only full-time spinner, so he needs to work hard in order to make the most out of the subcontinent pitches. His T20 record has been amazing this season, as he took 16 wickets for the Adelaide Strikers in the 2015/16 Big Bash League and took seven wickets in the recently concluded ODI and T20I series in South Africa.

If the unpredictable Rashid continues his notable performance during the World T20 might give his side a solid and fine chance to climb to the top of the tournament standings.

#4 Jos Buttler is the player to watch out for

Buttler is one of the best finishers in the game right now

Wicket-keeper batsman, Buttler is known as one of the best finishers in cricket and this may one of the reasons IPL team, Mumbai Indians snatched him up this season. He has a reputation for hitting the ball all over the park as he recorded the fastest ODI century against Pakistan late last year.

The 25-year-old was the second-highest run scorer, behind Hashim Amla during the T20I series against South Africa last month, and is hoping that he can take his team to the top with audacious strokeplay. If Buttler is on song, England can literally win almost and every game.

#5 Young T20 squad

England’s is one of the youngest squads in the tournament

Skipper Eoin Morgan alluded in a press conference that their young players, who’ve literally grown up playing T20 cricket, have the ability to play with more freedom. Morgan is the only current player in the 15-man squad, who was part of the winning England team in the 2010 World Cup held in West Indies.

This team is energetic and eager to get their early Round 2 exit from the previous 2014 World Cup off their back and having a balance of experience and youth could steer them in a good direction. There is also an added bonus of having match-winners in their squad that could take them easily to a semi-final and final position.

England World Cup squad:Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, James Vince, David Willey.

England’s first match of the World Cup will take place on the 16th of March against the West Indies at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.