Group C of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a diverse mix of cricketing talent from around the globe set to clash on the field. Group C of the T20 World Cup features an intriguing three-team battle between New Zealand, West Indies, and Afghanistan for the top two spots. Additionally, the presence of Papua New Guinea and Uganda adds the potential for upsets. Each of the top three teams in this group has distinct strengths: New Zealand is a balanced squad, Afghanistan relies more on its bowlers, and West Indies has opted for a batting-heavy side.

Group C Preview

1. West Indies

Led by Rovman Powell, the West Indies team enters the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with high hopes and a formidable lineup. Despite a lackluster performance in the previous edition, the Caribbean side boasts a balanced squad with several all-rounders and big hitters capable of turning the game on its head.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024, Match 1: USA beat Canada by 7 wickets

Key Players

Rovman Powell

The all-rounder has been in excellent form since taking over captaincy duties in February 2023. The right-hander has enjoyed a promotion up to five in the order and averages close to 40 with a strike rate of 170 since the last World Cup. Powell has a strong preference for facing pace bowling through the death overs, where his strike rate jumps to 197.

Akeal Hosein

Left-arm spinner Hosein has quickly developed into a key part of the West Indies bowling attack. He is a powerplay specialist and has bowled 52% of his overs in this phase since the last World Cup, operating at a quicker and flatter trajectory than most spinners, with 65% of his deliveries above 56 mph. Right-hand batters find Hosein particularly tough to get away; he concedes under eight runs per over against his preferred match-up.

Fixtures

Sun, 2 June 2024 – West Indies v Papua New Guinea, Guyana, 10:30 AM LOCAL
Sat, 8 June 2024 – West Indies v Uganda, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Wed, 12 June 2024 – West Indies v New Zealand, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Mon, 17 June 2024 – West Indies v Afghanistan, St. Lucia, 08:30 PM LOCAL

West Indies: Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

2. New Zealand

New Zealand approaches the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a consistent squad, highlighting their stability and well-roundedness. Led by the seasoned Kane Williamson, the Blackcaps boast a wealth of experience alongside promising young talents like Rachin Ravindra and Finn Allen. With a strong emphasis on team balance, New Zealand features a formidable pace attack led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, complemented by spin options like Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi.

Key Players

Finn Allen

The right-hander’s boundary-hitting ability in the first half of the innings is phenomenal and will be key in providing the platform to build big totals. His powerplay strike rate of 149 in this World Cup cycle is among the highest of any player in T20 history. He will need to combine his raw power with maturity to turn those cameos into meaningful totals.

Mitch Santner

Left-arm spinner Santner has a phenomenal record in the Caribbean, averaging under 17 with the ball at an economy of 5.5. In no other geographical area in the world does he have a better bowling record? His ability to subtly change his speed, flight, and trajectory will make him tricky to face on potentially helpful tracks. With the hit-and-miss Ish Sodhi providing the high-variance leg-spin for the Kiwis, Santner has to offer reliability and a wicket-taking threat.

Fixtures

Fri, 7 June 2024 – New Zealand v Afghanistan, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
Wed, 12 June 2024 – New Zealand v West Indies, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Fri, 14 June 2024 – New Zealand v Uganda, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Mon, 17 June 2024 – New Zealand v Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, 10:30 AM LOCAL

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears

3. Afghanistan

Led by the dynamic Rashid Khan, the team boasts a formidable spin attack featuring the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi. Afghanistan’s recent series victories against Pakistan and Ireland showcase their growing prowess in the shortest format of the game.

Key Players

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Dynamic opening batter Gurbaz has been plying his trade in various franchise leagues across the globe, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and ILT20. In the powerplay, he will look to take on seam bowlers down the ground and pounce on any bowlers who overpitch. Since the end of the last World Cup, Gurbaz has more than doubled the number of runs than any other Afghanistan batter (1,504) and achieved this at a strike rate of 143.

Rashid Khan

Widely regarded as the best T20 bowler operating today, Rashid’s skills are in high demand across T20 franchise leagues globally. His brand of fast and direct mystery spin has been puzzling batters over his nine-year international career. Across this World Cup cycle, his wickets have come at an average of just below 20 and at a miserly economy rate of under seven. No bowler has taken more T20 wickets this decade than him.

Fixtures

Mon, 3 June 2024 – Afghanistan v Uganda, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Fri, 7 June 2024 – Afghanistan v New Zealand, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
Thur, 13 June 2024 – Afghanistan v Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Mon, 17 June 2024 – Afghanistan v West Indies, St. Lucia, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik. Reserves: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi

4. Uganda

Uganda’s journey to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has been nothing short of impressive. Coming off a stellar performance in the Africa region qualifier, where they secured their spot with convincing wins, Uganda enters the tournament with confidence and determination. Led by Brian Masaba, the team brings a blend of experience and emerging talent to the global stage.

Key Players

Simon Ssesazi

Consistent left-hander Ssesazi is his country’s leading run-scorer in T20 internationals and has been the leading run-scorer across all nations in this World Cup cycle. His strike rate has been above 130 against both pace and spin in this time, and his average of 43 against seamers provides great stability at the top of the order.

Alpesh Ramjani

Mumbai-born left-arm spinner Ramjani has taken 70 wickets from his 39 T20Is at an average of just 8.88. He is an all-phase bowler and brings consistency throughout, but through the middle overs, he has taken 33 wickets and concedes just 4.37 runs per over.

Fixtures

Mon, 3 June 2024 – Uganda v Afghanistan, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Wed, 5 June 2024 – Uganda v Papua New Guinea, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
Sat, 8 June 2024 – Uganda v West Indies, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Fri, 14 June 2024 – Uganda v New Zealand, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Uganda: Brian Masaba (c), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah, Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel. Travelling Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya

5. Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) arrives at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a sense of excitement and ambition. Led by Assadollah Vala, PNG brings a blend of talent and enthusiasm to the tournament. Their unbeaten record in the qualifiers, winning six consecutive matches, underscores their potential as a competitive force on the global stage.

Key Players

Tony Ura

Right-hander Ura is the backbone of the Papua New Guinea team. Opening the batting, Ura has been the leading run-scorer since the last World Cup, and he is the best run-scorer for his country overall in this format. His runs also come quickly – his strike rate of 151 in this cycle is the highest of any PNG batter to face more than 50 balls. He strikes at over 150 against both pace and spin and loves a flying start, striking at 166 in the powerplay. He’s the only PNG batter to have a century in international T20s.

Charles Amini

The leg-spinner has a crucial role as the main spinner in a side that has generally been very pace-heavy. Since the last World Cup, Amini has bowled comfortably more than half of the spin deliveries sent down by PNG, taking 18 wickets. On Caribbean surfaces, his performance will be significant to his side.

Fixtures

Sun, 2 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v West Indies, Guyana, 10:30 AM LOCAL
Wed, 5 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v Uganda, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
Thur, 13 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v Afghanistan, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Mon, 17 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v New Zealand, Trinidad, 10:30 AM LOCAL

Papua New Guinea: Assadollah Vala (c), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura

Group C Prediction: Top Two Teams

Given their experience and squad strength, New Zealand and the West Indies are the favorites to advance from Group C. Afghanistan has the potential to upset the established order, while Uganda and PNG can spring surprises if they play to their strengths.

The Caribbean conditions, known for their slower pitches, will favor spinners and all-rounders. Teams with strong spin attacks and adaptable batting lineups will have an advantage.

Each team in Group C must capitalize on their strengths and adapt to the conditions to advance. Consistency and strategic play will be key to securing a spot in the Super Eight. From the batting powerhouses of the West Indies to the spin prowess of Afghanistan, the competition promises to be fierce. As the tournament unfolds, cricket fans worldwide will be treated to a spectacular display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to bring an unparalleled level of excitement and competition. As cricket fans around the world gear up for this grand event, all eyes are on Group A, where traditional rivals India and Pakistan co-hosts USA and Canada, and the spirited Irish team will clash in a battle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.

Group A Overview

Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 features a fascinating mix of teams. India and Pakistan, long-time cricketing adversaries, are the heavyweights expected to lead the charge. Joining them are the USA and Canada, who, as co-hosts, bring their flair and enthusiasm to the competition. Ireland, known for its ability to surprise top-tier teams, adds another layer of intrigue to this group. The combination of traditional powerhouses and emerging cricketing nations makes Group A a focal point of the tournament.

Group A Preview

1. India’s Squad Analysis

India enters the tournament with a well-rounded squad boasting experienced stalwarts and dynamic young talents. Key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli provide stability at the top of the order. At the same time, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya offer explosive potential in the middle. India’s strategy appears to lean towards a spin-heavy attack, a decision influenced by the conditions expected in the Caribbean and the USA.

See Also: T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli’s massive six off Haris Rauf voted ‘Greatest Moment’ in tournament’s history

Key Indian Players to Watch

Suryakumar Yadav

Among the eight Indian batters who have scored over 1,000 runs in all T20 cricket during this World Cup cycle, none have done so at a higher rate than Suryakumar Yadav. His ability to score at over 10 runs per over and his 360-degree batting style make him a critical asset for India.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav, after a period of inconsistency, has reestablished himself as one of the premier wrist spinners globally. With 15 wickets at an average of just 14 since the last T20 World Cup, Kuldeep’s skills will be crucial, especially given the favorable conditions in the Caribbean.

Fixtures

• vs Ireland: June 5, New York
• vs Pakistan: June 9, New York
• vs USA: June 12, New York
• vs Canada: June 15, Florida

India: 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, Mohd. Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan

2. Pakistan’s Squad Analysis

Pakistan’s squad is a blend of reliability and explosive potential. Key batters like Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman are complemented by a versatile bowling attack led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan. However, recent defeats and concerns over team composition have raised questions about Pakistan’s readiness.

Key Pakistani Players to Watch

Azam Khan

Azam Khan is a pivotal player for Pakistan, known for his powerful hitting and high strike rate. His ability to dominate spin bowlers and deliver quick runs will be essential for Pakistan’s success in the tournament.

Imad Wasim

Imad Wasim brings vast experience and expertise in Caribbean conditions, having played extensively in the Caribbean Premier League. His left-arm spin and strategic bowling will be key for Pakistan as they navigate Group A.

Fixtures

• vs USA: June 6, Texas
• vs India: June 9, New York
• vs Canada: June 11, New York
• vs Ireland: June 16, Florida

Pakistan: 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

3. Canada’s Squad Analysis

Canada’s squad is balanced between seasoned players and promising talents. With key players like Ravinderpal Singh and Jeremy Gordon, Canada aims to make a significant impact. Their experience in domestic and international T20 leagues will be vital as they compete against top-tier teams.

Key Canadian Players to Watch

Aaron Johnson

Aaron Johnson has been a standout performer for Canada since his debut in 2022. His impressive average and strike rate have propelled Canada into the spotlight, making him a player to watch in the World Cup.

Kaleem Sana

Kaleem Sana, a Pakistan-born fast bowler, has made a name for himself in Canadian cricket. With a remarkable average and experience in the GT20 tournament, Sana’s performances will be crucial for Canada’s success.

Fixtures

• vs USA: June 1, Dallas
• vs Ireland: June 7, New York
• vs Pakistan: June 11, New York
• vs India: June 15, Florida

Canada: 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. Reserves: Tajinder Singh, Aaditya Varadharajan, Ammar Khalid, Jatinder Matharu, Parveen Kumar

4. USA’s Squad Analysis

The USA’s squad is a mix of experience and youth, with players like Steven Taylor and Aaron Jones providing stability. Ali Khan’s bowling attack will be essential in their World Cup campaign. The USA aims to leverage home conditions and make a mark in their debut World Cup appearance.

Key USA Players to Watch

Steven Taylor

Steven Taylor, the USA’s highest T20I run-scorer, will be a key player in their lineup. Known for his big hitting and ability to capitalize on powerplays, Taylor’s performance will be pivotal for the USA.

Nisarg Patel

Nisarg Patel, the leading T20 wicket-taker for the USA, specializes in the middle overs. His left-arm spin will be crucial in controlling the game and taking important wickets.

Fixtures

• vs Canada: June 1, Dallas
• vs Pakistan: June 6, Texas
• vs India: June 12, New York
• vs Ireland: June 14, Florida

United States: 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. Reserve Players: Gajanand Singh, Juanoy Drysdale, Yasir Mohammad.

5. Ireland’s Squad Analysis

Ireland’s squad blends experience with promising young talents. Key players like Harry Tector and Josh Little are expected to play significant roles. Ireland’s strength lies in its balanced team composition, which makes it capable of challenging the best in the group.

Key Irish Players to Watch

Paul Stirling

Paul Stirling has been Ireland’s most prominent batter, with extensive experience in various T20 leagues. His knowledge of Caribbean conditions and leadership will be vital for Ireland’s campaign.

Josh Little

Josh Little’s pace and ability to swing the ball make him a formidable bowler. His performances in the Indian Premier League have showcased his talent, and he will be a key figure for Ireland in the World Cup.

Fixtures

• vs India: June 5, New York
• vs Canada: June 7, New York
• vs USA: June 14, Florida
• vs Pakistan: June 16, Florida

Ireland: 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

Group A Prediction: Top Two Teams

India and Pakistan are the front-runners to advance from Group A, given their superior squads and cricketing pedigree. However, Ireland has the potential to pull off surprises, making it a group to watch closely. The USA and Canada, while considered underdogs, will aim to gain valuable experience and make memorable contributions to the tournament.

As traditional rivals India and Pakistan gear up to lead the charge, co-hosts USA and Canada, along with the spirited Irish team, are set to make this group a focal point of the tournament. With electrifying matches on the horizon, cricket fans worldwide are in for a treat.