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ICC T20 World Cup: Your guide to the favourites, minnows and dark horse

ICC T20 World Cup: Your guide to the favourites, minnows and dark horse

The Australia men’s cricket team are in the West Indies, looking to complete the triple crown of World Test champions, ODI World champions and T20 champions.

The cricket world converges on the West Indies and United States for this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with England hoping to retain its crown and Australia trying to reclaim the throne.

The tournament begins with the United States and Canada on Sunday morning AEST, and will be held throughout the month of June.

Twenty nations, from heavyweights including Australia and India, and minnows Papua New Guinea and Uganda, are vying to reach the final on June 30, AEST.

Mitchell Marsh will lead Australia throughout the tournament, with pool matches against Oman, England, Namibia and Scotland.

Here is your guide to this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Pool A

India

Rohit Sharma will captain India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.()

World ranking: 1

Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan

2022 World Cup result: Semifinalist

India comes into this year’s World Cup as the number one ranked team in the men’s game.

Despite being a favourite at every ICC tournament, India has not won a men’s ICC tournament since the 2013 Champions Trophy.  

India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.

They have an excellent chance of claiming a second T20 world title, with arguably the best squad in the competition.

Pakistan

Pakistan bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi runs to and celebrates with captain Babar.
Cricket — ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 — Pakistan v Afghanistan — MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India — October 23, 2023 Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrates after taking the wicket of Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz caught by Usama Mir.()

World ranking: 7

Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan

2022 World Cup result: Runner-up

Pakistan rode a wave of momentum in 2022 as they marched to the final of the T20 World Cup at the MCG.

The 2009 world champions fell at the final hurdle against England, but the performance continued Pakistan’s resurgence as a white-ball force.

A strong bowling attack led by quick Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to be a strength for Pakistan as they strive for a second T20 World championship.

Ireland

Irish cricketer Josh Little bowling during a night match
Cricket — T20 Series — Ireland v South Africa — Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, Britain — August 3, 2022 Ireland’s Josh Little in action.()

World ranking: 11

Squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

2022 World Cup result: Pool stage

Ireland qualified for the pool stage at the last T20 World Cup and claimed a famous win over eventual champions England.

On their day the Irish can keep the top nations honest, with skipper Paul Stirling and Josh Little their highest-ranked batter and bowler.

United States

Cricketers celebrate with a tropy after a series win
The United States national men’s cricket team celebrate with the trophy after defeating Bangladesh in a T20 series. ()

World ranking: 19

Squad: Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Nethralvakar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Shayan Jahangir. Reserves: Gajanand Singh, Juanoy Drysdale, Yasir Mohammad.

2022 World Cup result: Did not qualifier

The United States has become the centre of the cricket world as co-hosts of the world cup.

The US come into the world cup filled with confidence after a T20 series win over Bangladesh.

Canada

Two crickets celebrate individual after a wicket is taken
Players of the Canada national cricket team celebrate a wicket against Scotland, March 5, 2024.()

World ranking: 23

Squad: Saad Bin Zafar (c), Aaron Johnson, Ravinderpal Singh, Navneet Dhaliwal, Kaleem Sana, Dilon Heyliger, Jeremy Gordon, Nikhil Dutta, Pargat Singh, Nicholas Kirton, Rayyankhan Pathan, Junaid Siddiqui, Dilpreet Bajwa, Shreyas Movva, Rishiv Joshi. Reserves: Tajinder Singh, Aaditya Varadharajan, Ammar Khalid, Jatinder Matharu, Parveen Kumar

2022 World Cup result: Did not qualifier

Canada earned its place in this year’s world cup by winning the Amercias qualifier. 

They will be in the spotlight with the United States, participating in the opening match of the tournament. 

Aaron Johnson is the only member of the squad who is in ranked inside the ICC top 100 for either batting or bowling, ranked 93rd in batting.

Pool B

Australia

Australia cricket Mitchell Marsh folows through with a cricket shot during a World Cup final
Cricket — ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 — Final — India v Australia — Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India — November 19, 2023 Australia’s Mitchell Marsh in action.()

World ranking: 2

Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. Travelling Reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short

2022 World Cup result: Pool stage

Australia are one of the favourites to win the world cup in 2024, with talent and depth to envy most.

Winners in 2021, the Aussies missed out on the semifinals at their home event in 2022 due to run rate. 

Josh Hazelwood and Adam Zampa are two of the highest ranked T20 bowlers in the world, while Mitch Marsh can be a match winner with bat and ball.

England

England cricketer Jofra Archer celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Imad Wasim
Cricket — Second T20 International — England v Pakistan — Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, Britain — May 25, 2024 England’s Jofra Archer celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Imad Wasim, caught by Liam Livingstone.()

World ranking: 3

Squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood

2022 World Cup result: World champions

England enter the world cup as defending champions and have a squad good enough to go back-to-back.

Phil Salt is the second-highest ranked batter in T20 while Adil Rashid is the best ranked bowler in the world. 

Jofra Archer is in the squad after struggling with injuries for years, providing the English with a strike weapon if he is at his best.

Scotland

Scotland cricketer Richie Berrington follows through a shot in a match against New Zealand
Cricket — T20 Series — Scotland v New Zealand — The Grange Club, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain — July 29, 2022 Scotland’s Richie Berrington in action.()

World ranking: 13

Squad: Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal

2022 World Cup result: First round qualifier

Scotland won the European qualifier to earn their spot at this year’s world cup.

The Scots made it to Australia in 2022 but failed to make it into the group stage, being knocked-out of the first round qualifier.

Namibia

Namibia's JJ Smit catching a cricket ball with one hand as he prepares to bowl
Cricket — ICC Men’s T20 World Cup — Super 12 — Group 2 — India v Namibia — Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates — November 8, 2021 Namibia’s JJ Smit.()

World ranking: 13

Squad: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Michael Van Lingen, Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, Tangeni Lungameni, Niko Davin, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, JP Kotze, David Wiese, Bernard Scholtz, Malan Kruger, PD Blignaut

2022 World Cup result: First round qualifier

Namibia won the Africa qualifier to earn their spot at this year’s world cup.

Namibia made it to Australia in 2022 but failed to make it into the group stage, being knocked-out of the first round qualifier.

Oman

Photoshoot of the Oman national men's cricket team
Oman national cricket team, 2024.()

World ranking: 18

Squad: Aqib Ilyas (c), Zeeshan Maqsood, Kashyap Prajapati, Pratik Athavale, Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Mohammad Nadeem, Naseem Khushi, Mehran Khan, Bilal Khan, Rafiullah, Kaleemullah, Fayyaz Butt, Shakeel Ahmad, Khalid Kail. Reserves: Jatinder Singh, Samay Shrivastava, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra

2022 World Cup result: Did not qualify

Oman qualified for this year’s world cup by winning the Asian qualifier.

They were part of the group stage qualifiers of the tournament in 2021, but did not make it to the Super 12.

Pool C

New Zealand

New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson preparing to throw a cricket ball
Cricket — ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 — semifinal — India v New Zealand — Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India — November 15, 2023 New Zealand’s Kane Williamson in action fielding.()

World ranking: 5

Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. Reserve: Ben Sears

2022 World Cup result: Semifinalist

New Zealand have proven to be tournament specialists in recent history, without being able to secure the trophy.

Beaten finalists in 2021 and semifinalists in 2022, New Zealand will be hoping they have the team to finally win a white ball world cup.

Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchell are two of the best T20 batters in the world, while the emergence of Rachin Ravindra in last year’s 50-over ODI World Cup adds more firepower to the Black Caps.

West Indies

West Indies' Romario Shepherd running between the wickets with his partner
Cricket – First Twenty20 – South Africa v West Indies – SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium, Centurion, South Africa – March 25, 2023 West Indies’ Romario Shepherd in action before being run out by South Africa’s Wayne Parnell. ()

World ranking: 6

Squad: Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

2022 World Cup result: First round qualifier

Recent history has been rough at times for the West Indies but there is growing confidence for the hosts.

A Test match victory at the Gabba over Australia last summer seemed to usher in a new-found belief in West Indies cricket.

They are ranked sixth in the world in T20 and have good enough players to be a problem for tournament heavyweights. 

Afghanistan

Afghan cricketers Rashid Khan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz high-five.
Cricket – ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – South Africa v Afghanistan – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India – November 10, 2023 Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan celebrates with teammate Rahmanullah Gurbaz after taking the wicket of South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen. ()

World ranking: 10

Squad: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik. Reserves: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi

2022 World Cup result: Pool stage

Afghanistan are now a regular in big tournaments and demand respect from their opponents. 

Four wins at the 50-over ODI World Cup in 2023 showed they are a genuine chance every time they step onto the field.

Bowling is their strong-suit, with Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi both ranked in the top 15 T20 bowlers in the world. 

Papua New Guinea

Members of the Papua New Guinea squad for the 2024 IIC Men's T20 World Cup pose in the team's uniform.
Members of the Papua New Guinea squad for the 2024 IIC Men’s T20 World Cup pose in the team’s uniform.()

World ranking: 20

Squad: Assadollah Vala (c), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura

2022 World Cup result: Did not qualify 

Papua New Guinea earned their place in the world cup by winning the East Asia-Oceania qualifier.

Ranked 20th in the world, their participation in this year’s world cup is a major moment for PNG cricket.

Uganda

Frank Nusbuga of Uganda cricket attempts to take the bails off the stumps
Frank Nusbuga of Uganda bowls during the Uganda v Ireland match at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on November 22, 2013 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.()

World ranking: 22

Squad: Brian Masaba (c), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah, Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel. Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya

2022 World Cup result: Did not qualify

Uganda earned their place in this year’s T20 World Cup by placing second in the Africa qualifier.

They won five of their six matches, including wins over Zimbabwe and Kenya. Uganda’s only loss was to eventual winners Namibia.

Pool D

South Africa

Members of the South Africa men's T20 cricket team converge to celebrate a wicket
Cricket — Second T20 International — South Africa v India — St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa — December 12, 2023 South Africa’s Aiden Markram celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of India’s Jitesh Sharma caught by Tristan Stubbs.()

World ranking: 4

Squad: Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs

2022 World Cup result: Pool stage

South Africa will be looking to end cricket world cup heartache at this year’s tournament.

The Proteas have never made the final of the 20 or 50-over world cup, with several devastating losses in semifinals.

South Africa looked all but certain to make the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, before a shock loss to the Netherlands in their final pool game knocked them out of the tournament.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana celebrates with teammates after taking a wicket
Cricket — ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 — New Zealand v Sri Lanka — M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India — November 9, 2023 Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra.()

World ranking: 8

Squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka. Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage

2022 World Cup result: Pool stage

Sri Lanka always pose a threat in world cups and come into this year’s tournament with an enviable bowling attack.

Captain Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are both ranked in the top-five T20 bowlers in the world.

The 2014 world champions achieved wins over Afghanistan and Ireland in 2022, but fell to Australia, New Zealand and England.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh cricketer Mahmudullah raises his arms and bat after hitting a century
Cricket — ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 — South Africa v Bangladesh — Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India — October 24, 2023 Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah celebrates his century.()

World ranking: 9

Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Reserves: Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud

2022 World Cup result: Pool stage

Bangladesh are coming into this world cup having lost a T20 series to the United States.

Their two wins in the 2022 tournament (against the Netherlands and Zimbabwe) were both by less than 10 runs.

Bangladesh’s form will need to turn around quickly if they want to make an impression on this tournament. 

Netherlands

Netherlands cricketer Wesley Barresi playing a cover drive in a World Cup match
Cricket — ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 — England v Netherlands — Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, India — November 8, 2023 Netherlands’ Wesley Barresi in action.()

World ranking: 15

Squad: Scott Edwards (c), Aryan Dutt, Bas de Leede, Kyle Klein, Logan van Beek, Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Paul van Meekeren, Ryan Klein, Saqib Zulfiqar, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Teja Nidamanuru, ⁠⁠Tim Pringle, Vikram Singh, Viv Kingma, Wesley Barresi. Reserve: Ryan Klein

2022 World Cup result: Pool stage

The Netherlands have enjoyed white-ball success in recent world cups.

A famous win in the pool stages over South Africa in the 2022 T20 World Cup, was followed by another win over South Africa and Bangladesh in the 50-over tournament in 2023.

The Netherlands will be hoping to add more wins to their world cup history this year.

Nepal

Nepal cricketer Anil Kumar Shah playing a cover drive during a One Day International match
Nepali batsman Anil Kumar Shah is taking a shot during the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) League 2 match between Nepal and the Netherlands at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 17, 2024. In the 50 overs match played in the One Day International (ODI) format, Nepal is registering a victory over the Netherlands by 9 wickets.()

World ranking: 17

Squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee

2022 World Cup result: Did not qualify

Nepal came second in the Asia qualifier to earn their spot in this year’s world cup.

They lost the Asia qualifier final to Oman in a super over.

Ranked 17th in the world, their participation in this year’s world cup is a major moment for Nepal cricket.

Australia’s pool matches

  • June 6: Australia vs Oman, Kensington Oval, Barbados, 10:30am AEST
  • June 9: Australia vs England, Kensington Oval, Barbados, 3am AEST
  • June 12: Australia vs Namibia, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua and Barbuda, 10:30am AEST
  • June 16: Australia vs Scotland, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground/Beausejour Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia, 10:30am AEST

Tournament format