This weekend marks the start of one of the most significant events in international cricket – the first matches of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup.
England claimed victory in the tournament for the second time two years ago, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the final held in Melbourne, Australia.
This time around, England is slated to be one of the leading contenders for the title. However, they will be grappling with an uncertain history. There has never been a back-to-back champion in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup, and the reigning champions have never even reached the final in the subsequent tournament.
The United States and West Indies are set to co-host this year’s tournament. The USA, making its debut in the tournament, will kick off the action on Saturday night with a Group A showdown against Canada at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Expectations for the USA are low, which is not surprising. However, their group could potentially include the ultimate champions. Tournament favorites India and top contenders Pakistan are also in Group A, together with Ireland.
Do you lack knowledge about T20 cricket or cricket overall, yet have an interest in making some tournament selections? We’ll simplify things for you below, but first, let’s examine some odds for the Men’s T20 World Cup futures.
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Odds to Win the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup
- India +250
- Australia +350
- England +450
- South Africa +600
- West Indies +700
- Pakistan +1000
- New Zealand +1000
- Sri Lanka +4000
- Bangladesh +7500
- Afghanistan +7500
- Ireland +25000
- Netherlands +25000
See the rest of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup odds at BetOnline, a longtime fixture in the sports betting industry. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then grab yourself a nice sign-up bonus to bet on the tournament there.
What Is the Format of the Men’s T20 World Cup?
Similar to the FIFA World Cup or Rugby World Cup, the tournament’s initial phase is group play.
In the Men’s T20 World Cup edition, the 20 teams are divided into four sections, each containing five teams.
- Canada, India, Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States constitute Group A.
- B Group: Australia, England, Namibia, Oman, Scotland
- C Group: Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Uganda, West Indies
- D Group: Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, South Africa, Sri Lanka
Every team will participate in a match with the other teams in their group once. The two teams with the best performance in each group will progress to the Super 8s, which is another group stage that consists of two groups, each containing four teams.
- Group 1: A1, B2, C1, D2
- Group 2: A2, B1, C2, D1
In the Super 8s, every team will compete once against the others in their group. The two leading teams from each group will then move forward to the semifinals.
- The first semifinal will take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago on June 26. The match will be between the winner of Group 1 and the runner-up of Group 2.
- The second semifinal, which will take place at Providence Stadium, Georgetown, Guyana on June 27, will see the winner of Group 2 go head-to-head with the runner-up of Group 1.
The final of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup will be held at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 29.
Who Are the Favorites to Win the Men’s T20 World Cup?
India (+250)
In the first edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007, India emerged victorious by defeating Pakistan in the final held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Their best performance in the event since then has been reaching the 2014 final, where they were defeated by Sri Lanka.
For captain Rohit Sharma (37), Virat Kohli (35), and Ravindra Jadeja (35), this could be the final chance to win a significant international trophy.
Ability is not the issue; the question is, can that ability be harnessed when it counts? In the previous ODI World Cup, India had an undefeated streak all the way to the final, but failed to deliver against Australia. This time, however, they will be spared the pressure of having to perform on their own turf.
Australia (+350)
Is it possible for Australia, the 2021 tournament winner, to simultaneously hold the Test Championship, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup titles?
England (+450)
The smart bet would be to not support the current champions due to the previously mentioned history. However, England still sees a good chance of defending their 2022 title.
South Africa (+600)
Could South Africa’s anticipation for a men’s ODI or T20 World Cup title finally be over? They have not yet made it to the T20 World Cup final, their best performances being semifinal defeats in 2009 (against Pakistan) and 2014 (against India).
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What Is the Outlook for the USA?
Absolutely, it would be exciting for the USA to make some noise in their first appearance in the men’s T20 World Cup.
Is it likely to happen? No.
They are strong favorites to win against Canada and have a good chance against Ireland. However, they are unlikely to progress beyond the group stage unless the situation becomes unpredictable and chaotic.
Nonetheless, they start the tournament on a high note after winning two out of three games in a series with Bangladesh. This was the first time the USA triumphed over one of the ICC’s Full Members, an achievement that holds immense significance for the present and possibly the future. This cannot be understated.
This, at the bare minimum, signifies a great chance for the top talents of the USA to display their skills on the most grandiose stages.
Predictions & Picks for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup
Prediction: Afghanistan will reach the Super 8s
This may not be the most audacious forecast, but Afghanistan is predicted to surpass either New Zealand or the West Indies to make it to the Super 8s.
Afghanistan should be able to handle Uganda and Papua New Guinea with minimal stress. This would then require them to defeat either New Zealand in their second Group C match or the West Indies in their final Group C game, while also maintaining a superior net run rate. All of this is entirely achievable.
Prediction: The USA will upset Ireland
The USA is set to face Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida on June 14, in what is likely to be their last match of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Considering the match’s schedule, it is probable that it will be a significant game for Ireland. They are set to play against India and Canada before their final Group A match against the USA and Pakistan on June 16.
For the USA to succeed, they’ll need a significant show of skill in both batting and balling – something they’ve previously demonstrated. In December 2021, they achieved their first victory against a Test-playing nation by overcoming Ireland by 26 runs. This happened at the same venue where their World Cup match is scheduled to be held.
2024 Men’s T20 World Cup Winner Prediction & Pick: South Africa (+600)
South Africa’s squad is brimming with talent and experience. If things align, this could potentially be their breakthrough year.
The primary concern with the Proteas, as it often is, pertains to their presence and performance in crucial matches and moments. Historically, their luck has been compared to that of Charlie Brown’s, but surely, that has to shift at some stage, doesn’t it?
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