New Zealand look the strongest so far in Cup

Away from the hoopla and brouhaha surrounding the Indo-Pak contest, this Twenty20 World Championship has already produced some outstanding performances.

Leaving aside what transpires in Saturday’s clash at the Eden Gardens which will obviously produce its own heroes (and villains!) I’ve picked two individuals and two teams who have stirred and shaken the cricket world.

Among batsmen, Chris Gayle’s 47-ball century against England towers over everything else. The manner in which he clouted the bowlers at Wankhede Stadium made it look like a slapstick show than an international match.

I doubt anybody hits the ball higher, longer and more frequently over the ropes that the rangy Jamaican. Phil Simmons compared his destructive batting to that by Viv Richards, and what could be higher praise

Gayle puts the fear of god in bowlers and opposing teams. In this format, he is undoubtedly 'The Boss’, and not too far behind in the 50-50 game either.

Considering he’s got two Test triple centuries, makes you wonder why Gayle’s not been such a huge success in the five-day format. But that’s a different story, which comes attached with controversy and heartburn.

Among bowlers, my pick is 24-year-old Mitchell Santner. If most readers ask ''Santner who ’’ it is understandable. The Kiwi left-arm spinner is a newbie. Though he played the 50-over World Cup last year, he was seen as a young apprentice at best.

Indeed, he was perhaps not even expected to play matches regularly in this tournament. But two superb performances against India and Australia have marked him out as a future major domo.

At the time of writing, he is the highest wicket-taker (6) at a fantastic economy rate of 5.12 per over. These figures, it must be emphasised, have come against reputedly the best players of spin bowling. A star is born.

Among teams, England recovering from the massive defeat against West Indies to chase down a record 229 against South Africa was an extraordinary effort that has no parallel.

All things considered, my pick for the best performance till Saturday has been from Team New Zealand who beat India and Australia, two of the strongest teams in the tournament. It is not just the results but how New Zealand achieved these which was most impressive. Given their performances yet, I will be very surprised if New Zealand don’t make the semis. But it will be no surprise at all if they go on to win tournament.