Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

Although a relatively new invention, Twenty20 cricket seems like the game Afridi was born to play. A bundle of energy, fans in his homeland pack stadiums just to watch his devil-may-care batsmanship. An effective leg-spinner as well, he will shoulder much of his side's hopes.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India)

In an Indian squad shorn of a host of experienced limited-overs players, Dhoni has been handed both the captaincy and the responsibility of producing match-winning contributions. His leadership from behind the stumps will be crucial while his always inventive batting could produce fireworks.

Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Gayle suffered an ignominious World Cup as both he and his team flagged in front of their own fans earlier this year. Now, with increased responsibility in the absence of Brian Lara, he will be eager to use his imposing, muscular batting to make amends. His languid off-spin and sturdy hands at slip could also make the difference.

Adam Gilchrist (Australia)

Although he looks to be coming to the end of what has been a once-in-a-generation career, Gilchrist could dominate in South Africa. Perhaps the most aggressive opening batsman of his generation he can win a game in no time - which is certainly an enviable attribute in Twenty20. Bags of experience and an intimidating presence behind the stumps.

Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Jayasuriya dispatches the notion that Twenty20 is solely a young man's game. The 39-year-old has accrued a strike rate of 173.58 runs per 100 balls with bat in hand, boosted by a 23-ball half-century against New Zealand, and a miserly return with his left-arm spin, which could be beneficial to a side which will be lacking first-choice spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

Kevin Pietersen (England)

A recent number one in the one-day batting rankings, KP is as formidable a lubber of the ball as exists in international cricket. Add to the mix a boundless self-confidence bordering on disdain for bowlers and an appetite for new and unique strokeplay and he promises to be nothing less than box office in the country of his birth.

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Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Despite harbouring publicly-aired reservations over the shortest form of the game, the Australia captain is sure to be a heavy scorer in the tournament. He hits hard and true and at number three will be ideally set to take advantage of early fielding restrictions. Could be lifting more silverware following his triumph at the recent World Cup.

Graeme Smith (South Africa)

As captain and opening batsman, Smith will set the tone for the duration of his team's bid for honours. He scores at a punishing rate from the first ball and demands his colleagues compete fiercely in every discipline.

Scott Styris (New Zealand)

A less celebrated performer than some on this list, Styris is nevertheless one of the world's tidiest limited-overs players. The 32-year-old is a consistent scorer in the middle order, while his medium pace is deceptively hard to score quickly from.

Andrew Symonds (Australia)

The third Baggy Green to make this list, highlighting the world champions' perceived dominance, Symonds is an all-action cricketer. At the crease he consistently finds - and clears - the ropes, while his varied bowling and
athletic fielding mean he is never out of the game.