The seventh edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be played in UAE and Oman from 17th October 2021. Before the Super 12 stage of the tournament begins on 23rd October, eight teams will be competing in the first round for the four spots in Super 12.
Hosts and favourites to win the tournament, India, are placed in Super 12 Group 2 along with New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. India’s journey in the 2021 T20 World Cup will begin with their clash against the arch-rivals, Pakistan, on 24th October in Dubai.
Azam Khan, Asif Ali Make It To Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Squad
The 2009 T20 World Cup champions have announced their squad with 15 members for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The inclusion of Azam Khan, a big-hitting wicket-keeper batsman, has come as a surprise.
The 23-year-old star made his T20 international debut in a game against England in 2021 and has six runs to his name from two innings. As Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah return to the Pakistan T20 setup, Fakhar Zaman has missed out on the squad for the T20 World Cup.
Another major selection in this squad is that of Sohaib Maqsood, who was chosen over Fakhar Zaman. Maqsood has proven his ability to hit the long ball and perform anywhere in the batting order. With the focus on adding more firepower to the batting lineup, Pakistan promises an exciting contest when they take on their nemesis, India.
New Zealand Packs A Punch
India’s second group-stage match will be against New Zealand on 31st October in Dubai. The Blackcaps have included their best bowlers in the T20 World Cup squad.
The experience of Tim Southee and Trent Boult along with the skill of Kyle Jamieson and the raw pace of Lockie Ferguson, New Zealand will be a force to reckon with.
Some of the other major selections to watch out for in this squad are Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway, James Neesham, and Daryl Mitchell. Overall, the NZ squad looks well-balanced and will pose a challenge to the favourites, India.
In the Super 12 Group 2, two teams have announced their squads so far with India likely to announce their T20 WC squad soon.
In addition to New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, India will also be playing two other teams on the group stage. These teams will advance to Super 12 after competing in the first round.
Bangladesh failed to qualify for Super 12 and will have to finish in the top two of their group to advance to the next stage of the tournament. Considering their recent form, Bangladesh seems to be most likely the contender to face India on 5th November in the Super 12 group stage match.
The last time India played Bangladesh in a T20 World Cup was in 2016, where the men in blue won by one run in an epic thriller.
Only time can tell what the 2021 T20 World Cup has in store for us. For the latest game previews and match predictions, check out the team at Cricket Baazigar who covers every game of the T20 World Cup tournament.
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