As the remaining three matches conclude, the group stage of the current 2024 T20 World Cup will be finished.
But before the conclusion of the group matches, the line-up for the super eight stage was decided on Monday. With Bangladesh securing the spot after defeating Nepal in the Group D tie.
What’s notable is, these super eight lineup were already decided, in previous week, and somehow predicted, that teams like India (Group A), Australia (Group B), England (Group A), Afghanistan (Group C), West Indies (Group C), South Africa (Group D), and USA (Group A) might make the cut.
Despite the matches resulting in draws, most teams are quite aware of where, when, and who their opponents will be in this Super Eight stage.
Like, India was well aware, that Australia would be one of their opponents in the Super Eight, even before the start of the tournament.
But the question still remains, that how can teams predict their opponents? The answer lies in the new seeding system launched by the ICC.
This pre-tournament seeding model was launched for the first time by ICC, this T20 world cup. Whose aim is to provide clarity over the schedule for spectators, who were visiting Caribbean islands.
Through this system, it was clear to Team India, that they will face three teams as their opponents in super 8, provided if they finish in the top two of the Group A. Hence, India is set to face Australia, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan in super 8 round.
However, if the pre-seeded team doesn’t qualify for super eight, then the seeding is then transferred to next highest performing team.
For example, after elimination of Pakistan from group stage, the second-best performing team of group A, USA got the A2 seeding.
Moreover, it has also made group performances almost irrelevant for teams who stand at top two positions,
Like, Despite Australia enjoying a perfect record in Group B, by defeating teams like Oman, England, Namibia, and Scotland. The ICC still allotted them B2 seed, which means, if they finish second in group b, they will play against teams like India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan in the Super Eight.
These super eight groups were primarily decided by seeding allotted to the teams in the preliminary stage, which had four groups.
A1 – India
A2 – Pakistan
B1 – England
B2 – Australia
C1 – New Zealand
C2 – West Indies
D1 – South Africa
D2 – Sri Lanka
GROUP 1: A1, B2, C1, D2 (India, Australia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh)
GROUP 2: A2, B1, C2, D1 (United States, England, West Indies and South Africa).
Meanwhile, India will face teams like Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Australia at Super8 stage in Caribbean islands.