Dallas, USA – The Twenty20 World Cup kicks off with a historic clash between the co-host U.S. team and Canada in Dallas, marking the beginning of cricket’s oldest international rivalry. Dating back to 1844, long before the establishment of other renowned rivalries like Australia vs. England and India vs. Pakistan, the teams from the U.S. and Canada have a storied history in the sport.
Despite the fading popularity of cricket in North America, the T20 World Cup has attracted attention from around the globe. With 20 countries split into four groups, there’s no clear favorite for the title in cricket’s fastest format. While two-time champion West Indies hosts the bulk of the games in the Caribbean, matches in Dallas, New York, and Lauderhill will play a crucial role in determining the teams that advance to the knockout stage.
Here’s a breakdown of the groups:
GROUP A: Favorites India and Pakistan, along with Ireland, are expected to advance to the Super 8 stage.
GROUP B: Defending champion England and 2021 winner Australia headline this group, which also includes Namibia, Oman, and Scotland.
GROUP C: West Indies, New Zealand, and Afghanistan face tough competition in a group where only the top two can advance.
GROUP D: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Nepal compete in a group where South Africa hopes to overcome its past struggles in ICC tournaments.
With a mix of established powerhouses and emerging cricketing nations, the T20 World Cup promises excitement and unpredictability as teams vie for cricketing glory on the global stage.