The first matches of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, one of the most significant events in international cricket, will commence this weekend.
England secured their second tournament victory two years ago, triumphing over Pakistan by five wickets in the final held in Melbourne, Australia.
England is poised to be a strong contender for the title this time, but their path is fraught with dubious history. No team has ever clinched the Men’s T20 World Cup twice consecutively, and the current champions have not even reached the final of the subsequent tournament.
The United States and West Indies will co-host this year’s tournament. The action will kick off on Saturday night as the USA, making their tournament debut, faces Canada in a Group A showdown at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Expectations for the USA are minimal, unsurprisingly. However, their group, Group A, might host the future champions. It includes the tournament favorites, India, and other strong contenders like Pakistan and Ireland.
Are you new to T20 cricket or cricket overall but keen on making some tournament picks? We’ll simplify things for you below, but first, let’s check out some Men’s T20 World Cup futures odds.
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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 groups, each containing five teams.
- Canada, India, Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States belong to 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 face the other teams in their group one time. The two teams with the best results from each group will advance to the Super 8s, which is another group stage. This stage will consist 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 other teams in their group. The two teams with the highest rankings in each group will proceed to the semifinals.
- The first semifinal, which will take place on June 26 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago, will feature the winner of Group 1 against the runner-up of Group 2.
- The second semifinal, to be held at Providence Stadium in Georgetown, Guyana on June 27, will feature the winner of Group 2 against the runner-up of Group 1.
The final of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to 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 2007, India emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup, beating Pakistan in the final held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Their best performance in the event since then is 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 secure a major international trophy.
Talent isn’t the issue; the question is, can that talent deliver when it counts? In the previous ODI World Cup, India had a flawless journey to the final, only to stumble against Australia. This time around, however, they won’t face the strain of having to triumph on their home ground.
Australia (+350)
Is it possible for Australia, the 2021 tournament champion, to simultaneously hold the Test Championship, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup titles?
England (+450)
Wise bets advise against supporting the current champions due to the previously mentioned history. However, England is optimistic about defending their 2022 title.
South Africa (+600)
Could South Africa’s long wait for a men’s ODI or T20 World Cup title finally be over? So far, they haven’t made it to the final of the T20 World Cup, their best performances being semifinal losses in 2009 (to Pakistan) and 2014 (to 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 of beating Ireland. However, unless something highly unexpected occurs, they are unlikely to advance past the group stage.
However, they enter the tournament on a high note, having secured two out of three series wins against Bangladesh. It marked USA’s maiden series victory over one of the ICC’s Full Members, a milestone whose importance for the present and potential implications for the future cannot be downplayed.
This, at the very least, signifies a significant opportunity for USA’s top talents to display their abilities on the grandest stages.
Predictions & Picks for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup
Prediction: Afghanistan will reach the Super 8s
It’s not the most audacious prediction, but Afghanistan is likely to surpass either New Zealand or the West Indies to make it to the Super 8s.
Afghanistan should be able to easily handle Uganda and Papua New Guinea. Then, they would need to secure a victory over either New Zealand in their second Group C match, or the West Indies in their final Group C game, also ensuring a superior net run rate. This is all within the realm of possibility.
Prediction: The USA will upset Ireland
The USA is likely to play their final match of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup against Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida on June 14.
Considering the match’s schedule, it’s likely to be a significant game for Ireland, who will confront India and Canada before their final Group A match against the USA and Pakistan on June 16.
A monumental batting and bowling performance will be required for the USA to achieve this feat, although they have a history of doing so. In December 2021, they managed to triumph over a Test-playing country for the first time ever by defeating Ireland by 26 runs at the same ground where their World Cup match is scheduled.
2024 Men’s T20 World Cup Winner Prediction & Pick: South Africa (+600)
South Africa’s squad is abundant in talent and experience. If things align, this could potentially be their breakthrough year.
The critical query concerning the Proteas, as always, is their performance in the crucial matches and significant moments. Historically, their luck has been akin to that of Charlie Brown, but surely that has to improve eventually, doesn’t it?
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