The T20 World Cup 2024 has taken off with grandeur in the USA and Caribbean. With twenty teams vying for the coveted title, the event is set to entertain fans for almost a month. The likes of India and England start tournaments as favourites, but it will be futile to rule out rejuvenated teams like West Indies and South Africa.
T20 World Cups always bring some thrilling matches, but this one is expected to be slightly different. Having more teams means more upsets and some of the fixtures coming up in the group stage are mouthwatering. We have compiled a list of must-watch games you should mark on your calendar.
Here are five World Cup Group Stage matches that you should keep an eye on:
Afghanistan vs New Zealand, June 7, 2024
Having gained considerable stature in recent years, Afghanistan is an underdog at this year’s T20 World Cup. The Afghans put on a record-breaking performance last time around in India, and given the slow Caribbean wickets, Afghanistan has the potential to cause upsets this summer. However, they are placed in a tough group with New Zealand and West Indies. 
Their match against New Zealand on June 6 promises to be mouth-watering. There is a chance that the result of this game will determine the route of their group and which two teams will advance to the next round. Despite their good spin play, most New Zealanders aren’t in good form at the moment.
While Kane Williamson struggled in the IPL, Devon Convey is on the mend, and Rachin Ravindra didn’t have a good time with CSK. The Afghans should be able to choke out the Kiwis in this game if they spin their web to perfection. Afghans have been in good form since the 2023 World Cup. They had a decent performance against India earlier this year, and while the majority of their players were playing in the IPL, they will be a confident lot against New Zealand.
England vs Australia, June 8, 2024
The Ashes rivals will go against each other on June 8 in Barbados. With big names on either side, England and Australia are strong contenders for the title. A confident victory over Pakistan boosts England, and their lineup looks well-balanced. Meanwhile, most Australian players have a good IPL season behind them.
The Australians will look to avenge their loss against England in the 2022 T20 World Cup due to their inferior run rate. Not having fully recovered, Mitchell Marsh is unlikely to bowl in the early part of the tournament. Another worrying factor for the Aussies is David Warner’s form, who scored only 168 runs in the IPL. Australia’s success heavily depends on his man.
For England, though most of their players are in form, the focus will be on Phil Salt. He has scored 435 runs in the IPL and looked in deft touch during the series against Pakistan. Along with Jos Buttler, they can outplay Australia early in the game if they click during the powerplay.
West Indies vs Afghanistan, June 18, 2024
Having missed the T20 World Cup in 2022 and the ODI World Cup in 2023, West Indies have suffered serious setbacks. However, things have turned around since then, having beaten India and South Africa in the last few years. With their current form and home advantage, the Windies could be en route to their 3rd title.
Windies face Afghanistan in their 3rd group match, which could pose a serious challenge. Afghanistan are a tough side, and having beaten West Indies 2-1 in a series at home in 2019, they will go into the match with confidence. Moreover, the likes of Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor Ahemad, Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen Ul Haq are beaming with confidence after a good IPL season behind them.
There are a few powerpack players in West Indies’ batting order, but they haven’t been effective against spinners. The West Indies may have a tiring day at the office if the pitch offers something for bowlers. This game can be a big one, given that it is the last group stage match and qualification can be at stake for both sides.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, June 8, 2024
In recent times, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have emerged as fierce rivals. In a match of this magnitude, emotions will stay high. Their recent encounters have always been filled with drama, which will likely continue into this meeting.
Recently, both teams faced off in all three formats, with Sri Lanka winning the T20I series. After embarrassing losses to the USA and Zimbabwe, Bangladesh is low on confidence. Shakib and Mahmudullah must work their magic to get them through this.
Sri Lanka will start the clash as favourites, especially with Wanindu Hasaranga back.
India vs Pakistan, June 9, 2024
If rivalries are discussed in Cricket, it cannot be completed without mentioning India and Pakistan. The fiercest rivals will face off once again on June 9 at Nassau County, New York. In T20Is, their encounters are always a spectacle. Considering what happened in the T20 World Cup 2022, fans may be in for another memorable match.
The Pakistani team was a finalist in the T20 World Cup 2022, but their current form is a big concern. They were dismantled in their last series against England, with neither their batting nor bowling up to the mark. Most of their bowling lineup consists of pacers, and the reports of New York’s drop in pitch behaviour may backfire.
In contrast, India will be confident going into the match, but their batters will be scrutinized. While Yashasvi Jaiswal had a disappointing IPL, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shivam Dube lost the plot in the second half of the season. It is possible that this match can break all records of fandom because of uncertainty over how the pitch will behave.
