ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Group A Preview

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is on the horizon, featuring 20 teams vying for the ultimate prize in T20 international cricket. In Group A, neighbors India and Pakistan, along with the USA, Canada, and Ireland, will compete for a place in the next stage of the tournament. India India enters the T20 World…


The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is on the horizon, featuring 20 teams vying for the ultimate prize in T20 international cricket.

In Group A, neighbors India and Pakistan, along with the USA, Canada, and Ireland, will compete for a place in the next stage of the tournament.

India

India enters the T20 World Cup with a strong desire to end their run of near-misses in recent world events. Their last T20 World Cup win was the inaugural edition in 2007, and they are eager to add another title to their name.

Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, making his second appearance as captain in a T20 World Cup, India boasts a powerful squad. Key players include Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav in the top order, with Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson in excellent form, creating a selection challenge for the wicket-keeper role.

India’s all-round strength is highlighted by Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube. Their bowling attack, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Yadav, ensures a balanced team.

India’s first match is against Ireland on June 5, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on June 9 in New York.

Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Fixtures:

– vs Ireland – Wed, June 5, 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

– vs Pakistan – Sun, June 9, 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

– vs USA – Wed, June 12, 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

– vs Canada – Sat, June 15, 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player – Jasprit Bumrah:

Jasprit Bumrah’s return is crucial for India. After missing the 2022 T20 World Cup due to injury, Bumrah showcased his skills with 20 wickets in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and 20 wickets in the IPL. His ability to adapt will be vital in the unique conditions of the USA and Windies.

Pakistan

Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, enters the tournament with a determination to win an ICC trophy after coming close in the last two editions. Babar, alongside Mohammad Rizwan, forms the backbone of the batting line-up, supported by Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Iftikhar Ahmed.

Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, includes Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir, and Abbas Afridi. Spin options feature Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan’s opening match is against the USA on June 6, followed by the key match against India on June 9.

Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan

Fixtures:

– vs USA – Thu, June 6, 2024, Texas, 10:30 AM local time

– vs India – Sun, June 9, 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

– vs Canada – Tue, June 11, 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

– vs Ireland – Sun, June 16, 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player – Babar Azam:

Babar Azam has faced a turbulent period but remains pivotal for Pakistan. With 3987 runs in 118 matches, Babar’s consistency and leadership are crucial for Pakistan’s success in the tournament.

Ireland

Ireland, making their eighth consecutive T20 World Cup appearance, is under new leadership with Paul Stirling taking over as captain. The batting line-up features Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, and Curtis Campher.

Their bowling attack is led by Mark Adair and Josh Little, with spin options from Ben White and Gareth Delany. Ireland faces a tough opener against India on June 5.

Squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

Fixtures:

– vs India – Wed, June 5, 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

– vs Canada – Fri, June 7, 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

– vs USA – Fri, June 14, 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

– vs Pakistan – Sun, June 16, 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player – Paul Stirling:

Paul Stirling, Ireland’s leading run-scorer in T20Is, is crucial for their success. With 3589 runs in 142 matches, his experience and explosive batting will be key in Ireland’s quest to advance beyond the group stage.

USA

Making their debut at the T20 World Cup, the USA is led by Monank Patel. Key players include Aaron Jones, Steven Taylor, and former New Zealand international Corey Anderson. Ali Khan’s return strengthens their bowling attack.

The USA starts their campaign against Canada on June 1, aiming for a strong start.

Squad: Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Nethralvakar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Shayan Jahangir

Fixtures:

– vs Canada – Sat, June 1, 2024, Dallas, 7:30 PM local time

– vs Pakistan – Thu, June 6, 2024, Texas, 10:30 AM local time

– vs India – Wed, June 12, 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

– vs Ireland – Fri, June 14, 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player – Ali Khan:

Ali Khan’s return is pivotal for the USA. Known for his lethal yorkers, Khan aims to make a mark on the international stage. Despite limited opportunities, his talent has been evident in the CPL and PSL.

Canada

Canada also makes their T20 World Cup debut. Led by Saad Bin Zafar, the team includes veterans and young talent. Key players like Jeremy Gordon and Junaid Siddiqui add depth.

Canada’s campaign starts against the USA on June 1.

Squad: Saad Bin Zafar (c), Aaron Johnson, Ravinderpal Singh, Navneet Dhaliwal, Kaleem Sana, Dilon Heyliger, Jeremy Gordon, Nikhil Dutta, Pargat Singh, Nicholas Kirton, Rayyankhan Pathan, Junaid Siddiqui, Dilpreet Bajwa, Shreyas Movva, Rishiv Joshi

Fixtures:

– vs USA – Sat, June 1, 2024, Dallas, 7:30 PM local time

– vs Ireland – Fri, June 7, 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

– vs Pakistan – Tue, June 11, 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

– vs India – Sat, June 15, 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player – Saad Bin Zafar:

Saad Bin Zafar is crucial for Canada. As captain and a leading all-rounder, his experience and skills in both batting and bowling will be vital for Canada’s success in their T20 World Cup debut.