Group C T20 World Cup 2024: Co-Hosts West Indies brace for tough competition

In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Group C brings together the co-hosts West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea. While West Indies and New Zealand are the top-ranked teams, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea are ready to challenge the established order with their spirited performances.

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Group C T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies, New Zealand favourites; Afghanistan the dark horses

West Indies

The West Indies, co-hosting the event, enter the tournament with a confident outlook following a series victory against defending champions England. Captain Rovman Powell leads a team that combines experienced players with emerging talents, such as uncapped Shamar Joseph. Known for their powerful batting and all-round capabilities, the West Indies aim to leverage their home advantage and build momentum with early wins against lower-ranked teams PNG and Uganda.

Fixtures:

  • vs Papua New Guinea – Sun, 2 June 2024, Guyana, 10:30 AM LOCAL
  • vs Uganda – Sat, 8 June 2024, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs New Zealand – Wed, 12 June 2024, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs Afghanistan – Mon, 17 June 2024, St. Lucia, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Squad: Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.

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New Zealand

New Zealand comes into the tournament with a stable squad that reflects their consistency and depth. With 36 T20Is played since the last World Cup, they are one of the most prepared teams. Led by Kane Williamson, New Zealand features a mix of seasoned players and promising youngsters like Rachin Ravindra and Finn Allen. The squad is bolstered by a formidable pace attack and a strong spin department, making them a tough competitor in the group.

Fixtures:

  • vs Afghanistan – Fri, 7 June 2024, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs West Indies – Wed, 12 June 2024, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs Uganda – Fri, 14 June 2024, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs Papua New Guinea – Mon, 17 June 2024, Trinidad, 10:30 AM LOCAL

Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears.

Afghanistan

Ranked 10th in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, Afghanistan is known for their potential to upset stronger teams. With series wins against UAE, Pakistan, and Ireland, and a strong showing in the Asian Games Men's Cricket Competition, Afghanistan is ready for the challenge. Rashid Khan returns to lead a versatile spin attack that includes Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad.

Fixtures:

  • vs Uganda – Mon, 3 June 2024, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs New Zealand – Fri, 7 June 2024, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs Papua New Guinea – Thu, 13 June 2024, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs West Indies – Mon, 17 June 2024, St. Lucia, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Squad: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik. Reserves: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi.

Group C T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan in three-way race
Photo by Icon Sport

Uganda

Uganda clinched their T20 World Cup spot by dominating the Africa region qualifier. With an impressive win rate in their last 49 T20Is, Uganda is led by Brian Masaba and includes experienced players like Frank Nsubuga and Alpesh Ramjani. Their strong form and team spirit make them a potential surprise package in Group C.

Fixtures:

  • vs Afghanistan – Mon, 3 June 2024, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs Papua New Guinea – Wed, 5 June 2024, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs West Indies – Sat, 8 June 2024, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs New Zealand – Fri, 14 June 2024, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Squad: Brian Masaba (c), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah, Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel. Travelling Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, led by Assad Vala, arrives at the tournament with a remarkable record of 14 wins in their last 18 games. Their unbeaten streak in the qualifiers and a squad filled with versatile all-rounders make PNG a formidable challenger. They start their campaign against the co-hosts West Indies, ready to showcase their resilience.

Fixtures:

  • vs West Indies – Sun, 2 June 2024, Guyana, 10:30 AM LOCAL
  • vs Uganda – Wed, 5 June 2024, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs Afghanistan – Thu, 13 June 2024, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
  • vs New Zealand – Mon, 17 June 2024, Trinidad, 10:30 AM LOCAL

Squad: Assadollah Vala (c), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura.

Group C of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises exciting matches and unexpected results. With top-ranked teams and ambitious challengers, every game is set to be a thrilling spectacle.

RohitRohit

Rohit is an experienced cricket writer based in India