Sports
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024: The thrilling climax and what’s next in cricket
BY KRISHNA MISTRY
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is almost at its end. T20 is a renowned cricket tournament that is enjoyed by many fans all across the globe. The tournament started at the beginning of this month, with many new teams competing.
This year a couple of new countries decided to join cricket, including: Canada, the United States of America, and Papua New Guinea. These teams had amazing performances throughout the month for this being the first time they competed at an International level.
A total of twenty teams competed, which were equally split up into four groups. The group stage began on June 1st and ended on June 17th, with teams now competing in the Super Eight. The Super Eight is the top two teams from each group. These eight teams compete against each other to proceed to the semi-finals.
The eight teams competing in the Super Eight are the: West Indies, South Africa, India, the United States, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, and Australia. Unfortunately, only four teams will advance to the semi-finals, three of which have already been determined. South Africa, India and England have already advanced to the semifinals.
South Africa will compete in the semi-finals on June 26th, 2024, with the opponent still to be determined, and India and England to play on June 27th, 2024. Two teams will then proceed to the finals, winning the title.
India, South Africa and England have been playing exceptionally in this tournament. Both South Africa and India are tied with six points, and England with four points. It is between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Who will proceed to the semifinals and compete against South Africa on Thursday?
From previous performances, Afghanistan has a great chance of proceeding to the semi-finals. They’ve been playing amazingly throughout the tournament winning almost all games. The Afghanistan cricket team is known for many things such as their incredible bowling and aggressive batting. They are known for their spin attacks by their exceptional bowlers, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi.
Their aggressive batting is also something talked about in the cricket world. Players like: Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai are known for their aggressive and fearless approach when batting.
Bangladesh also has a chance of winning this match and proceeding to the semi-finals. Bangladesh has defeated many strong teams in tournaments, earning them the name “giant killers.” Victories that helped them earn this title are: defeating India and South Africa in the 2007 Cricket World Cup allowing Bangladesh to advance to the Super Eight, advancing into the final by beating India and Sri Lanka in the 2012 Asia World Cup, and progressing to the semi-finals by beating England in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
Bangladesh players are known to be all-rounders who have made significant contributions. Players such as Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah. Hasan is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world. He has shown consistency with both batting and balling. Mahmudullah is known for his strong batting skills and plays an important role in the Bangladesh cricket team.
Though T20 is coming to an end, there are so many more things to look forward to. From August 28th to October 6th. The 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL24) will take place across the Caribbean, with key matches in Antigua. The West Indies team will also be playing three international home tournaments against: England, South Africa and Bangladesh. The West Indies will be travelling to England in July for a test tour. Followed by matches with the South African cricket team. Then to play a white ball season with Sri Lanka in October, and then welcome England to the Caribbean from October 31st to November 17th. And lastly, end the year off with Bangladesh as they play eight matches.
Tune in to all the cricket fun that West Indies has to offer and get your ticket before they sell out.