The ninth edition of the 20-over WorldCup is all set to be staged in the United States of America and the West Indies. The competition will feature 20 teams divided into four groups of five each. The T20 World Cup 2024 will be the first ICC Cup tournament to hold matches in the United States. Let’s dive into a deeper look into what group C holds for the competition. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Eight. Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Uganda, and the West Indies are part of the third group of this tournament. Here’s the World Cup 2024 Group C preview.
World Cup 2024 Group C
New Zealand
T20 Ranking: 5th
Best Result in the T20 World Cup: ICC T20 World 2021 Finalists
What to Expect: Qualify for the finals
Overview:
One of the best and most competitive T20 sides. New Zealand, under Kane Williamson, will go hard for the silverware this time, especially with the probability of this Cup being Williamson’s last outing in the T20 World Cup.
Their squad exudes experience, balance, and immense talent. Matt Henry and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra are the only two players to feature in their first short-format tourney. With a lethal bowling duo of Trent Bolt and Tim Southee at the bowling end and with ripened batters like Williamson, Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchells at the batter’s end, the black Ferns leave no chance of any scenario less than a qualification for the finals.
Interesting to Read: Fan’s Favourite Group of ICC T20 WorldCup 2024
Top Ranked Batsman: Finn Allen – 12th
Top Ranked Bowler: Mitchell Santner – 17th
Schedule:
- 8th June – vs Afghanistan
- 13th June – vs West Indies
- 15th June – vs Uganda
- 17th June – vs PNG
Afghanistan
T20 Ranking: 10th
Best Result in the T20 World Cup: Never qualified for the semi-finals
What to Expect: Will not qualify
Overview:
It’s easier to write Afghanistan off by looking at the history of their records when it comes to ICC trophies. But one can never be sure of what the men in blue and red might achieve. Laced with extremely skilled spinners and fast bowlers, the Afghan team can bring down the most stable of batting line-ups.
Afghanistan’s ace spinner Rashid Khan will lead his side. His team will be hopeful to rope in a few wins, unlike their last tournament where the squad could not catch a single win. But Rashid’s men have stepped up in all the cricket realms over the last couple of months. They were already thriving with the ball, but now with the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib, the team now boasts of a strengthened batting line-up.
Top Ranked Batsman: Rahmanullag Gurbaz – 23
Top Ranked Bowler: Rashid Khan – 9
Schedule:
- 4th June – vs Uganda
- 8th June – vs New Zealand
- 14th June – vs PNG
- 18th June – vs West Indies
West Indies
T20 Ranking: 6th
Best Result in the T20 World Cup: Never qualified for the semi-finals
What to Expect: Will qualify for the Super Eight
Overview
West Indies observed a shocking exit from the 2022 World Cup. An embarrassing defeat at the hands of Ireland and Scotland meant the end of the tournament for them. The year prior, they only bagged one win out of five. Such has been the state of Caribbean Cricket. But the team has been working on this too shall pass mantra and the grey clouds of doom seem to be parting away for the men in Maroon. Their power hitting comes second to none
They play the T20 World Cup 2024 in their backyard, which gives them a huge advantage and increases their confidence up a few notches. Coach Darren Sammy already has two T20 trophies in his name and he and the team will be eyeing a third one. It’s not about the Cup alone for them, but also the lost glory.
Top Ranked Batsman: Brandon King – 13
Top Ranked Bowler: Akeal Hossein – 3
Schedule:
- 2nd June – vs PNG
- 9th June – vs Uganda
- 13th June – vs New Zealand
- 18th June – vs Afghanistan
Papua New Guinea
T20 Ranking: 20th
Best Result in the T20 World Cup: Never made it past the group stage
What to Expect: Will not qualify
Overview:
Papua New Guinea will make its second entrance into the T20 World Cup 2024. They made their way into the grand event via the East Asia Pacific Regional Final played in the summer of 2023. They went unbeaten throughout the tournament, marking a smooth sail towards their qualification.
Skipper Assad Vala who played a major role in securing a spot in the final twenty says his men are better prepared for this year’s tourney. In contrast, their last appearance had preparations hindered by the COVID lockdown complications. 20-year-old John Kariko is the youngest player in the squad and has experience playing in the Carribean pitches.
Top Ranked Batsman: Tony Ura – 68
Top Ranked Bowler: No bowler ranked in the top hundred
Schedule:
- 2nd June – vs West Indies
- 6th June – vs Uganda
- 14th June – vs Afghanistan
- 17th June – vs New Zealand
Uganda
T20 Ranking: 22nd
Best Result in the T20 World Cup: First time playing T20 World Cup
What to Expect: Will not qualify
Overview:
Uganda is the name very less frequently talked about in the cricketing world. But not anymore, as the team is all hyped up to make their first appearance ever in the T20 World Cup. they booked their place by beating Zimbabwe in a match that shocked many in the cricket fraternity.
Team Uganda will be led by bowler Brian Masaba and vice-captained by all-rounder Riazat Ali Shah. 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga is the oldest player to feature in their squad and carries a plethora of experience. Their bowling line-up is their main strength. Uganda open their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a match against mighty Afghanistan on 4th June.
Top Ranked Batsman: No batter ranked in the top hundred
Top Ranked Bowler: No bowler ranked in the top hundred
Schedule:
- 4th June – vs Afghanistan
- 6th June – vs PNG
- 9th June – vs West Indies
- 15th June – vs New Zealand
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