We examine some of the crucial games of the 2019 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, including storied rivalries and match-ups that may determine how far the tournament advances.
First Round
Sri Lanka v Namibia – Sunday 16 October – Geelong
Both teams square off in the opening game of the 2022 tournament after meeting in the tournament opener the previous year.
The Eagles will want to demonstrate how far they’ve gone since their historic Super 12 qualifying, even though Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus took the positives from the match that prepared them for the remaining two games of the group stage last year.
Both teams square off in the opening game of the 2022 tournament after meeting in the tournament opener the previous year.
The Eagles will want to demonstrate how far they’ve gone since their historic Super 12 qualifying, even though Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus took the positives from the match that prepared them for the remaining two games of the group stage last year.
West Indies v Scotland – Monday 17 October – Hobart
The Scots will never forget their heartbreaking loss to the West Indies in the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier, which put them out of contention for the 2019 50-over competition.
Since the match, this will be the first time the two teams have faced one another in any capacity, and Scotland will undoubtedly think they have a good chance against a West Indies team without the firepower of old.
The Hobart surface should also play more to Scotland’s preferences because they famously defeated another Full Member in Bangladesh in the tournament’s opening match the previous year.
Netherlands v Namibia – Tuesday 18 October – Geelong
Due to their victory in the previous year’s match, the Eagles retain the advantage, and a win here would likely be necessary for both teams to advance to the Super 12s.
David Wiese’s 66* (40) run, which he timed almost perfectly to avoid the batting efforts of captain Erasmus and JJ Smit, demonstrated Namibia’s careful planning in their pursuit of 165 in the match.
After a turbulent campaign last year, the Dutch have come together and ought to perform better in Geelong.
Ireland v Scotland – Wednesday 19 October – Hobart
The all-European region matchup could offer a distinctive spectacle thanks to two teams that are familiar with one another and a Bellerive Oval surface that should be favourable to a wonderful encounter for the neutral.
Despite having a stronger showing in the 2021 competition, Scotland is on the losing end of a 7-3 head-to-head record between the sides in T20I cricket (two no results, one tie).
Ireland has much to prove after being eliminated in the first round last year. They just had a victorious home series against Super 12 team Afghanistan.
Scotland v Zimbabwe – Friday 21 October – Hobart
Although Zimbabwe did not participate in the previous competition cycle owing to their ICC suspension, Scotland will try to replicate their success from 2021 and present a new challenge in what might be the decider for a Super 12 spot.
With Dave Houghton as their head coach, Zimbabwe is a team on the rise, and reaching the Super 12 stage will now be their minimum objective.
The Scots lost a home T20I series against Zimbabwe in 2021, and they also dropped their lone encounter at the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Super 12s
Australia v New Zealand – Saturday 22 October – Sydney
There isn’t much more to throw in to promote this fixture than a rematch of the tournament final from the previous year, played against rivals from across the Tasman, and serving as the Super 12 opener.
The hosts have never lost against the Kiwis in this format at home, easily winning a match that was hampered by rain at the SCG in February 2018.
Australia’s batting order will be the subject of the most speculation in the lead-up, and their first match lineup will expose their strategy. Tim David appears to be the largest player for the team defending the trophy, but the guy left out will be an indication of the team’s batting vigour. To know more about New Zealand vs Australia Tickets click here.
India v Pakistan – Sunday 23 October – Melbourne
Back in February, when tickets for this event first went on sale, they were completely sold out in five minutes.
Over a billion pairs of eyes will probably be watching the Melbourne Cricket Ground for this keenly anticipated match, envious of the 100,000 fans present.
The 10-wicket loss to Pakistan India suffered last year should provide as all the motivation Rohit Sharma needs.
One way for India to get revenge on Pakistan for the 2021 loss would be to take multiple wickets during the Powerplay, exposing a middle order that is struggling to score runs. To know more about India vs Pakistan Tickets click here.
South Africa v Bangladesh – Thursday 27 October – Sydney
Bangladesh will be eager to give a better account of themselves after being knocked out for just 84 in the previous match. South Africa, on the other hand, has had a successful year in this format and would probably need to win this match to strengthen their cause for the semi-finals.
The Tigers have not yet defeated South Africa in a T20I cricket match, hence Shakib Al Hasan’s team has previous against them.
India v South Africa – Sunday 30 October – Perth
Both teams would have marked this game on their calendars because they knew that winning would put them both in the semifinals.
The teams are now battling in a T20I series as a warm-up in India, and the Asian team proved to be far too strong, winning the first game of the series decisively.
Pakistan would still stand in South Africa’s way of making it to the final four, however the Proteas may prefer the Perth surface.
Afghanistan v Group A Winner – Tuesday 1 November – Brisbane
No matter who they play on November 1st, there are intriguing scenarios for the opening game of a Brisbane doubleheader.
First-round Group A favourites Sri Lanka were defeated by Afghanistan in the tournament’s opening match in August, but Dasun Shanaka’s team rallied to win the competition.
If another team wins its First Round group, they’ll probably focus on Afghanistan as their greatest chance of winning the Super 12.
England v New Zealand – Tuesday 1 November – Brisbane
The England vs. New Zealand game at The Gabba might end up becoming a de facto quarterfinal should the hosts dominate the group stage.
The teams only faced off against one other in the semi-final last year after playing in opposing Super 12 groups, with Kane Williamson’s team largely dominating an explosive England batting lineup.
During the top of the order’s decisive reply, Daryl Mitchell made 72* (47), winning Player of the Match honours as New Zealand surpassed the target of 167 with one over remaining.
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