The preliminary stage of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup, which starts on Wednesday in the West Indies and concludes on Monday with Group C matches in Trinidad and Gros Islet, has already determined the fixtures for the next round, the Super Eight. In this upcoming stage, beginning on Wednesday, June 19, eight teams will compete for the four semi-final spots.
According to the ICC tournament format, the top two teams from each of the four groups in the preliminary round of the World Cup advance to the Super Eight. This year, India (Group A), Australia (Group B), England (Group A), Afghanistan (Group C), West Indies (Group C), South Africa (Group D), and USA (Group A) have qualified for this prestigious stage. The final team will be determined from Group D after Sunday’s matches: Bangladesh vs. Nepal in Kingstown and Sri Lanka vs. the Netherlands in Gros Islet. Bangladesh and the Netherlands are notably vying for the final spot.
India, Australia, Afghanistan, West Indies, and South Africa are the only teams to advance to the Super Eight undefeated. Conversely, the USA and England progressed despite suffering losses to India and Australia, respectively, during the group stage.
India, Australia, Afghanistan, and either Bangladesh or the Netherlands will be part of Group 1, while Group 2 will include the West Indies, South Africa, England, and the USA.
The Super Eight stage begins on June 19 in Antigua, featuring a match between the USA and South Africa, while Gros Islet will host the clash between the West Indies and England that same evening. The following day, Group 1 teams will compete, with 2007 champions India facing Afghanistan in Barbados. This match will mark India’s first appearance in the West Indies during the tournament.
A particularly crucial fixture for India will be against the 2021 champions, Australia, on June 24, where Rohit Sharma’s team will seek to avenge their loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final at home last November.
In Group 2, the two key fixtures to watch are defending champions England, who qualified after Australia’s victory over Scotland on Sunday, facing two-time winners West Indies, followed by the West Indies’ match against South Africa. Historically, South Africa has dominated the Men in Maroon, despite suffering a whitewash at home last month.
Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent, these iconic venues, will host all 12 games in this round, fostering a sense of connection for the fans.
20 June: Afghanistan v India, Bridgetown, Barbados
20 June: Australia v D2, North Sound, Antigua
22 June: India v D2, North Sound, Antigua
22 June: Afghanistan v Australia, Arnos Vale, St Vincent
24 June: Australia v India, Gros Islet, St Lucia
24 June: Afghanistan v D2, Arnos Vale, St Vincent
19 June: USA v South Africa, North Sound, Antigua
19 June: England v West Indies, Gros Islet, St Lucia
21 June: England v South Africa, Gros Islet, St Lucia
21 June: USA v West Indies, Bridgetown, Barbados
23 June: USA v England, Bridgetown, Barbados
23 June: West Indies v South Africa, North Sound, Antigua