On Friday, ICC announced the schedule and the grouping for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. It was on the expected lines with India and Pakistan falling in the same group. In recent tournaments, we have seen the underdogs punch above their weight. Hence, it might not be all that easy for some of the established nations. On that note, here, we take a look at two top nations that could struggle to cross the group stage in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
1) Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been inconsistent in recent years. While they do well in certain games, they tend to lose matches to some weaker opposition. The 2023 ODI World Cup was not a memorable campaign for them. They will look to make amends in the next World Cup.
That said, Sri Lanka is struck with South Africa, Bangladesh, Nepal and the Netherlands. Netherlands is capable of pulling off an upset while the Bangla vs Sri Lanka match will be a battle of equals. With South Africa as the strongest team in the group, Sri Lanka could struggle.
2) West Indies
West Indies is one of the nations that could struggle to cross the group stage in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Last edition, as well, West Indies struggled to reach the next stage in the World Cup. They failed to qualify altogether for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
This time around, the pressure will be more because the West Indies will be hosting the event along with the USA. The team is definitely improving but they will have a challenge against the other sides in the group. The group consists of also New Zealand and Afghanistan. The Afghans are brilliant in the T20 format and can be considered as stronger than the West Indies. Hence, the hosts could struggle to do well in the World Cup.
Get ready for the ultimate cricket carnival in the West Indies and the USA 🥁
AdvertisementUnveiling the fixtures for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 🗓️ 🤩#T20WorldCup | Details 👇
— ICC (@ICC) January 5, 2024
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