As the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 enters the thrilling Super Eights phase, the two groups are brimming with the promise of fierce battles for the semi-final spots. Group 1 is a cauldron of cricketing prowess, featuring India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the reigning champions from 2021, Australia, each vying for supremacy at the top of the table. Let's delve into the offerings of Group 1 in this pivotal round of the tournament.
Bangladesh
The Tigers commenced their campaign with vigour, securing a victory over Sri Lanka by chasing a modest target of 125 in 19 overs. Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain each bagged a trio of wickets, while Towhid Hridoy's blistering 40 off 20 balls set the tone. Despite a narrow defeat to South Africa, Bangladesh bounced back, defeating the Netherlands and Nepal, propelled by Shakib Al Hasan's batting prowess and Tanzim Sakib's four-wicket haul, eyeing their first ICC trophy with earnest ambition.
Squad
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Tanvir Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Fixtures
Against Australia – 20th June, Antigua and Barbuda, 20:30 (local time).
Versus India – 22nd June, Antigua and Barbuda, 10:30 local time
Versus Afghanistan – 24th June, St. Vincent, 20:30 local time
Key Player – Tanzim Hasan Sakib
The young prodigy has claimed nine wickets to date, including a remarkable four-wicket haul against Nepal. Despite a setback against South Africa, Sakib's economical bowling has been a silver lining. With Bangladesh's batting yet to fire on all cylinders, Sakib's role with the ball becomes ever more crucial.
India The Men in Blue, champions of the inaugural T20 World Cup, have sailed into the Super Eights undefeated, with their eyes set on the trophy that has eluded them since 2007. Despite a rain-affected draw against Canada, India's pace battery, led by Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh, has been instrumental in clinching victories on challenging pitches. With the semi-finals in sight, the Indian batting line-up, featuring the likes of Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav, is expected to up the ante.
Squad
Rohit Sharma (captain), 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, Mohammed Siraj
Fixtures
Against Afghanistan – 20th June, Barbados, 10:30 local time
Versus Bangladesh – 22nd June, Antigua and Barbuda, 10:30 (local time).
Versus Australia – 24th June, St. Lucia, 10:30 local time
Key Player – Hardik Pandya
Pandya has bounced back from a lacklustre IPL season, proving his mettle as a key player. His ability to take wickets in crucial junctures has been a boon for India, and his performances will be pivotal in the Caribbean conditions.
Australia
The Australians have been nothing short of spectacular, sweeping through the first round with comprehensive victories. Under Mitchell Marsh's captaincy, they've showcased a formidable all-round game. Marcus Stoinis, in particular, has been a standout performer, excelling with both bat and ball. The team's depth and balance have been on full display, setting them up as strong contenders for the title.
Squad
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
Fixtures
Against Bangladesh – 20th June, Antigua and Barbuda, 20:30 (local time).
Versus Afghanistan – 22nd June, St. Vincent, 20:30 local time
Versus India – 24th June, St. Lucia, 10:30 local time
Key Player – Marcus Stoinis: Stoinis has been a revelation, combining aggressive batting with effective bowling. His performances have been integral to Australia's success, and his dual role will be crucial as they chase a second T20 World Cup title.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan has been the dark horse of the tournament, outplaying opponents with both bat and ball. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Fazalhaq Farooqi have led the charge as the tournament's top run-scorer and wicket-taker, respectively. Their victories over Uganda and New Zealand were particularly emphatic, showcasing their potential to cause upsets in the Super Eights.
Squad
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (captain), Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Fixtures
Against India – 20th June, Barbados, 10:30 local time
Versus Australia – 22nd June, St. Vincent, 20:30 (local time).
Versus Bangladesh – 24th June, St. Vincent, 20:30 local time
Key Player – Fazalhaq Farooqi
Farooqi's breakthrough performances have been a highlight for Afghanistan. His ability to take wickets consistently has made him a formidable force and a player to watch in the upcoming matches.
