The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling tournament, with Group C featuring a mix of established cricketing powerhouses and rising contenders. Two-time champions and co-hosts West Indies are grouped with New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea. While the West Indies and New Zealand are the top-ranked teams, the group stage will be fiercely contested as each team aims to advance to the second round.

West Indies: Poised for Redemption

The West Indies, led by Rovman Powell, are eager to make a strong impression on home soil. Despite a disappointing performance in the 2022 edition, a series victory against defending champions England towards the end of last year highlighted their potential when at full strength. The inclusion of Shamar Joseph, who recently debuted in T20Is against South Africa, adds fresh talent to an already potent squad.

New Zealand: Consistency and Experience

New Zealand enters the tournament with minimal changes from their 2022 squad, underscoring their stability and depth. With 36 T20Is since the last World Cup, the Blackcaps are well-prepared. Kane Williamson, leading in his sixth T20 World Cup, heads a team blending experience with youthful exuberance, exemplified by players like Rachin Ravindra and Finn Allen.

Key Players and Strengths:

Veteran Leadership: Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee provide experience and stability.
Pace and Spin Options: The squad includes formidable pace bowlers like Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, and spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi.
Batting Depth: With explosive batsmen like Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway, New Zealand can adapt to various match situations.

Fixtures:

vs Afghanistan – June 7, Guyana
vs West Indies – June 12, Trinidad
vs Uganda – June 14, Trinidad
vs Papua New Guinea – June 17, Trinidad

Afghanistan: Potential for Upsets

Afghanistan, ranked 10th in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, are known for their ability to surprise higher-ranked teams. They have secured series victories against UAE, Pakistan, and Ireland since the last T20 World Cup. The return of Rashid Khan, after a long injury layoff, bolsters a strong spin department.

Key Players and Strengths:

Spin Attack: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi form a formidable spin quartet.
All-Round Capabilities: Players like Gulbadin Naib and Karim Janat provide depth in both batting and bowling.
Batting Lineup: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran add firepower to the batting lineup.

Fixtures:

vs Uganda – June 3, Guyana
vs New Zealand – June 7, Guyana
vs Papua New Guinea – June 13, Trinidad
vs West Indies – June 17, St. Lucia

Uganda: Rising Stars

Uganda, led by Brian Masaba, qualified for the T20 World Cup by dominating the Africa region qualifier. With 41 wins in their last 49 T20Is, they have a strong record leading up to the tournament. The squad features experienced players like Frank Nsubuga and emerging talents like Alpesh Ramjani.

Key Players and Strengths:

Experienced Leaders: Captain Brian Masaba and veteran Frank Nsubuga bring valuable experience.
Formidable Form: The team’s recent success in qualifiers reflects their strong form and cohesive play.
All-Round Talent: Players like Dinesh Nakrani and Riazat Ali Shah offer depth and versatility.

Fixtures:

vs Afghanistan – June 3, Guyana
vs Papua New Guinea – June 5, Guyana
vs West Indies – June 8, Guyana
vs New Zealand – June 14, Trinidad

Papua New Guinea: Dark Horses

Papua New Guinea, led by Assad Vala, enter their second T20 World Cup with a stellar qualification campaign, winning all six matches. Their squad is packed with all-rounders, making them a versatile and unpredictable opponent.

Key Players and Strengths:

All-Round Versatility: Players like Assad Vala, Norman Vanua, and Tony Ura provide flexibility in both batting and bowling.
Strong Form: PNG’s unbeaten run in qualifiers demonstrates their capability to challenge stronger teams.
Dynamic Play: With a mix of explosive batting and disciplined bowling, PNG can adapt to various match scenarios.

Fixtures: