CRICKET
4 big clashes in group stage of T20 World Cup 2024
The group format and schedule for the T20 WC 2024 are out. The teams are divided into 4 groups of 5 teams each. For the first time in a cricket tournament, there are 20 or more teams taking part at the same time. No tournament in the history of the sport has involved as many teams as possible. The USA will be making its debut in the tournament in hosting. For the first time in cricket, the North American team would be hosting.
India and Pakistan are grouped alongside the likes of Ireland, Canada, and the USA in Group A. Australia and England are in Group B along with Namibia, Scotland, and Oman. In Group C, there are three big teams New Zealand, West Indies, and Afghanistan. Along with them, there are other teams like Papua and New Guinea and Uganda. It would be a group of death for some teams along with Group D.
In Group D, there are three major teams Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and South Africa. Along with them, there are 2 other competitive sides the Netherlands and Nepal. Check out the 4 big games scheduled to take place in the tournament.
4. South Africa vs Sri Lanka
South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Source: X)
It will be the biggest match from Group D. The two teams have been up against each other for a lot of time in the past. In the T20 WC 2021, the two teams were involved in a thrilling game. In the 2023 ODI WC, the two teams produced a high-scoring game at Delhi where a new World Cup record was set.
South Africa seems to be the side that does not perform well in the Knockouts. In the league stage, they usually dominate, and their players give terrific performances. On the other hand, Sri Lanka has won both the T20 World Cup and the ODI World Cup. The battle between the two sides would be interesting.
3. West Indies vs New Zealand
West Indies vs New Zealand (Source: X)
West Indies would be taking on New Zealand in the biggest match of Group C. The two teams have played some of the most incredible matches on the big stage. The best of them was in the ODI WC 2019, where WI came so close to beating New Zealand. Unfortunately, the efforts of Carlos Brathwaite went in vain.
This time around, WI might get an opportunity to finish the story. One might think they do not have a good record in big tournaments in recent times. But given the home advantage and a hat-trick of series wins against SA, India, and England, they cannot be underestimated. New Zealand is the dark horse of the tournament.
2. Australia vs England
England vs Australia (Source: X)
Australia and England would be up against each other in the biggest match of Group B. The two teams have a rivalry dating back to the 19th century. While England has not had a good time in the last 4-5 months, Australia has had a sensational year or so in cricket. England were terrible in the ODI WC 2023 as a team.
Australia won the WTC final, ODI World Cup, and Ashes in 2023. Both the teams have won T20 WC in the recent past. Australia won it for the first time in 2021 and England became only the second team to win it twice in 2022. Given the rivalry in the past and the strengths of the sides, it might be one of the contests of the tournament.
1. India vs Pakistan
India vs Pakistan (Source: X)
It will be the biggest match of the group stage. The match will arguably be the biggest in the entire tournament. The match between the two teams will be huge in Group A. The huge rivalry between the 2 sides gained momentum in the 1980s and has been so fierce over the years. The fans from either side are looking forward to it already.
The match between the two sides involves not just cricketing elements. It is an emotion for both the fans. In the T20 WC 2022, the two sides produced one of the greatest cricket matches in Melbourne. Given the hype for the big match, fans would be up and running to get an opportunity to watch the match live in New York.