T20 World Cup 2024: Favorite Teams to Win and Latest Updates

The ICC T20 Cricket World Cup is finally coming back this year, and excitement is brewing for the 2024 edition that will be held in different stadiums in the West Indies and the United States. 

With just a few weeks away from the tournament kicking off, we’re sure all the national teams are busy sharpening their strategies. Meanwhile, the underdog teams are already eyeing potential upsets. 

We can then expect explosive clashes, reignition of the most iconic rivalries in the sport, and even surprising victories. But which teams are the favorite teams to win so far and what are these rivalries any cricket fan shouldn’t miss out on?  We’ll tackle all that in this article.

Favorite Contenders So Far

There are a few powerhouses that are now standing as early favorites. Don't be surprised if you see these teams battling it out in the latter stages of the tournament. 

Here are this year’s top contenders based on the latest odds and cricket expert opinions:

India

India’s key players this year include Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Their fielding consistency could prove costly in tight matches. 

They do have a good lineup for pace attacks, but their spin department seems to lack the same reputation which could be one of their challenges. 

Australia

The Australian side boasts a world-class fast-bowling attack spearheaded by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. Their ability to dismantle opposing batting lineups is a constant threat. 

Australia's potential Achilles heel remains a vulnerability against skilled spin bowling on slower surfaces. The experience of David Warner at the top of the order and his aggressive intent will surely be vital for Australian success.

England

Many agree that England's batting firepower is unmatched, especially with players like Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan who possess the ability to change the course of a game single-handedly.  

Jofra Archer, if fit, should be able to add express pace and variation to their attack. England's vulnerability mostly lies in a tendency for inconsistent form throughout tournaments. It is noticeable that many of their successes rely heavily on their star batters.

South Africa

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje lead one of the most fearsome pace attacks in the tournament. Their ability to take early wickets will be crucial to the South African team’s success. 

In addition, Aiden Markram adds stability to the middle order and provides a useful spin option.  Historically, South Africa has struggled against world-class spin, and a lack of a top-tier all-rounder could leave them unbalanced in certain conditions.

New Zealand and Pakistan

New Zealand's strengths lie in their tactical adaptability, meticulous game plans, and the steadying influence of Kane Williamson. Trent Boult's ability to swing the ball remains a significant weapon, and Devon Conway adds solidity to their batting lineup. 

On the other hand, Pakistan is unpredictable and dangerous. This team is fueled by match-winners like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan. For both NZ and Pakistan, consistency will be a key factor in achieving deep tournament runs.

Possible Dark Horses

The beauty of the World Cup is its potential for upsets. Keep these teams on your radar because they might just surprise the favorites we’ve listed above:

• Namibia: To some, Namibia may lack the same depth of experience as the tournament favorites, but their fearless approach and ability to adapt quickly to different conditions make them dangerous opponents. 
• Uganda:  As a rising star in African cricket, Uganda could make waves in their maiden World Cup appearance. After all, this is their chance to showcase their potential on the international stage. Their youthful energy, raw talent, and hunger to succeed could lead to some surprising wins.
• USA and Canada:  Playing on home soil could provide the boost these teams need to make their mark on the world stage.  Both teams have also improved a lot in recent years, and with the potential for individual brilliance, they have the chance to spring a surprise or two this season.

T20 Cricket World Cup 2024: Schedule and Venues

The tournament kicks off on June 1, 2024.  The Super 8 stage begins on June 20, followed by the semi-finals on June 26. 

The much-anticipated final is scheduled for June 29. The matches will be held across the United States and the West Indies. 

Here are all the venues this year:

• Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua and Barbuda
• Kensington Oval, Barbados (Final)
• Providence Stadium, Guyana
• Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia
• Arnos Vale Stadium, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
• Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago (Semi-final)
• Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, United States of America
• Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, United States of America
• Grand Prairie Stadium, United States of America

If you're considering the excitement of betting on the T20 World Cup this year, it's wise to keep an eye on contenders. So, be sure to always check the latest T20 World Cup betting odds for up-to-date insights.

Conclusion

The countdown is on for cricket’s most prestigious stage. Don't miss a moment of this year’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024. Be sure to check Disney+ Hotstar, ICC.tv, and other dedicated sports broadcast channels to stream and watch the matches live.