Group C Preview: West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea Set for T20 World Cup Clash

Group C Preview: West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea

The 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to commence in the West Indies and USA on June 2, and Group C promises to be a thrilling contest. Let's take a closer look at the teams involved:

West Indies:

The co-host enters the tournament in excellent form, having won four of its last five T20I series. With a star-studded lineup featuring Andre Russell, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Shimron Hetmyer, the West Indies are a formidable force. However, they will miss the services of experienced all-rounder Jason Holder due to injury.

New Zealand:

The Kiwis rely on their experienced core in their quest for a maiden T20 World Cup title. Kane Williamson leads the side for the fourth time, while pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult make their seventh and fifth tournament appearances respectively. The likes of Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Boult are in top form after the IPL 2024 campaign.

Afghanistan:

Afghanistan's rise from minnow to contender was evident in the 2023 50-over Cricket World Cup. Their T20 style suits them well, with Najibullah Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Nabi providing explosive batting and a well-rounded spin attack. Several Afghan players gained valuable experience in the IPL 2024.

Uganda:

Uganda makes its World Cup debut, having overcome Zimbabwe and Kenya in the Africa leg of the qualifiers. An upset win over one of the favorites would be a major boost for cricket in Uganda. Veteran all-rounder Frank Nsubuga, at 43, is the oldest player in the tournament.

Papua New Guinea:

PNG had a relatively easy path to the main draw, cruising past Vanuatu, Japan, and Philippines. Former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu is the head coach of PNG. Tony Ura is their most successful batter with 1618 runs in 56 T20Is.

Key Players:

* Andre Russell (West Indies): The all-rounder has enjoyed a career resurgence and is a crucial part of Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL title-winning team.

* Trent Boult (New Zealand): The left-arm pacer's dangerous shape and curl with the new ball can swing the early momentum towards New Zealand.

* Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan): The pacer finished as LSG's highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 14 wickets.

* Frank Nsubuga (Uganda): The veteran all-rounder brings experience and leadership to the Ugandan team.

* Tony Ura (Papua New Guinea): The nation's most successful batter will be crucial for PNG's hopes of making an impact.

Tags: #T20WorldCup, #Cricket, #WestIndies, #NewZealand, #Afghanistan