The shortest official version of the game of Cricket, officially known as Twenty20 is all set to stage its first world event starting tonight. In this version, both sides get to play 20 overs each. Shorter duration means more excitement, more fun and more fast paced action. There will be no shortage of boundaries and sixes as the best in the world compete amongst themselves.

In all 12 international teams are taking part in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 to be hosted in South Africa. The teams have been divided into four different groups A, B, C and D. The top two from each group will proceed towards the Super Eight stage and from there the semi-finalists will be picked. The finals will be played on 24th September 2007 at Johanesburg.

The groups and their respective teams are as follows -

Group A: South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh
Group B: Australia, England, Zimbabwe
Group C: New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Kenya
Group D: Pakistan, India, Scotland

Super Eight groups are as follows -

Group E: A1, B2, C1, D2
Group F: A2, B1, C2, D1

The official fixtures are as follows -

11 September: South Africa v West Indies (Johannesburg, 1800)
12 September: New Zealand v Kenya (Durban, 1000)
12 September: Pakistan v Scotland (1400)
12 September: Australia v Zimbabwe (1800)
13 September: West Indies v Bangladesh (Johannesburg, 1000)
13 September: Zimbabwe v England (1400)
13 September: India v Scotland (1800)
14 September: Sri Lanka v Kenya (Johannesburg, 1000)
14 September: Australia v England (1400)
14 September: India v Pakistan (1800)
15 September: Sri Lanka v New Zealand (Johannesburg, 1400)
15 September: South Africa v Bangladesh (Cape Town, 1800)

Super Eights: 16-20 September (12 matches)
Semi-Finals: 22 September (Cape Town at 1400, Durban at 1800)
Final: 24 September (Johannesburg)