The ICC T20 World Cup began on October 17, 2021, and India’s campaign will begin on October 24, 2021, in Dubai, against arch-rivals Pakistan.
From two groups, England, India, West Indies, and Pakistan are regarded favourites to reach the semifinals of the flagship event; nevertheless, other teams such as New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka are considered dark horses capable of surprising any team in the globe. Let’s take a closer look at these groups currently playing in the T20 2021 World Cup.
New Zealand
A team led by Kane Williamson, which recently won the ICC World Test Championship final against India, has a lot to prove in shorter formats, and they have some quality players in their lineup, including Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, and Tim Southee, who can pose a threat to world-class batting lineups. However, their failure to win after reaching the ICC tournament semifinals and finals in the white-ball format makes them a significant dark horse in the main event.
Afghanistan
Many experts and fans have given Afghanistan little chance in the mega event, but the spinners they have in their arsenal, such as Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, and Mohammad Nabi, are simply world-class players with experience in all of the major T20 leagues around the world. Their experience can come in handy for their national side, and if their batting clicks, they can become equally dangerous for any side in the world. Fancy them to go far in this tournament with Betway.
Sri Lanka
True, the current Sri Lankan team does not boast the same firepower as they did before 2015. They are a brand new team under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka at the moment, but one thing Sri Lanka has done well is appointing Mahela Jayawardene as the team’s consultant, who can share his valuable inputs with his players, and his ability to win five IPL titles as the coach of the Mumbai Indians may come in handy for his team when it comes to Sri Lanka.
Kevin Petersen Backs England
Kevin Pietersen believes England will win the T20 World Cup ahead of India, but adds that it would be a ‘fantastic’ tournament. Pakistan is also in the mix and should be regarded as ‘dark horses’ in the competition.
Eoin Morgan’s side will play reigning champions West Indies on Saturday in a quest to become the first team in history to hold both the 50-over and T20 World Cup championships at the same time.
England is the best T20 cricket team in the world, and Pietersen, who won the championship in 2010, believes they can win it again in the coming months.
‘I think it’s between India and England, it’s always tough to call between two good teams in the T20 format,’ said Pietersen. An iconic comment of Ian Bishop “The players on the field make these moments” comes relevant more than ever in this case.
‘I do think Morgan’s team have got a really good chance, though. Every single team fears England. Their firepower with the bat is the envy of other players on the circuit. They play without fear, without consequences, and when you have the backing of everybody in the dressing room to do what you do then you’re going to get results. I think the selection of Mills swings it in their direction.’
England are Betway favourites to win this year’s edition, but surprises are expected from any of the participating teams.
England romped to an eight-wicket Super 12 triumph against Bangladesh in sweltering Abu Dhabi, with opener Jason Roy celebrating his 50th Twenty20 appearance with a brilliant 61 off 38 balls.
After beating West Indies on Saturday, Eoin Morgan’s side won their second solid win of the ICC T20 World Cup. Roy hit three sixes and five fours.
The two sides have never met in a T20 international before, and it will be an event Bangladesh will want to forget after a poor performance that has left them with a small chance of qualifying from Group 1 following two losses in a row.
England’s triumph was built on a brilliant bowling effort spearheaded by Tymal Mills (3-27), Liam Livingstone (2-15), and Moeen Ali, who bowled their way to a score of 124-9. (2-18).
Pakistan maintain perfect start against New Zealand
Pakistan overcame a mid-innings stutter to beat New Zealand by five wickets and make it two wins out of two in the T20 World Cup.
After being selected to bat first, Haris Rauf was the standout with the ball, taking 4-22 as New Zealand were held to 134-8 from their 20 overs.
However, Pakistan were 87-5 in the chase with just 31 balls to go when Asif Ali (27no from 12 balls) stepped in and hammered three sixes, including two in a succession off Tim Southee, to help Babar Azam’s men cross the line in the 19th over.
After inflicting a loss on the Black Caps in their opening match, Pakistan maintains their perfect start to the tournament and sits atop Group 2 after their historic triumph against India on Sunday.
