(AFP Photo)
Renowned cricketers Matthew Hayden, Paul Collingwood, and Graeme Swann have collectively identified the top four teams that are likely to reach the latter stages of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The tournament will kick off with a group stage, where each of the 20 participating nations will aim to secure a top-two finish in their respective groups to qualify for the next round. The Super 8s will follow, featuring a round-robin format where teams will face off against each other, ultimately culminating in the selection of the final four teams that will compete in the semi-finals.
Matthew Hayden, a seasoned Australian cricketer who has experienced the thrill of competing in the T20 World Cup semi-finals, is predicting a repeat showdown between India and Australia in the upcoming tournament. The former opening batsman is eager to see the intense rivalry between the two nations continue, which has already produced some electrifying moments in recent finals. With a hint of national pride, Hayden would likely be delighted to see his country emerge victorious once again, if they were to meet India in the championship match.
Paul Collingwood says England and West Indies will go all the way
Paul Collingwood, a former English all-rounder who has cherished memories of the 2010 T20 World Cup, believes that England and the West Indies are the two strongest contenders in the upcoming tournament. As captain of the English team during their maiden ICC title win in 2010, Collingwood has a special affinity for the event and is keenly anticipating the possibility of another triumphant campaign. The West Indies, who have fond memories of hosting the tournament in 2010, will be hoping to emulate their previous success under Collingwood’s leadership.
Collingwood believes England can make it to their 4th T20 WC final and play against West Indies in the replay of the 2016 WC final in Eden Gardens. “Top two is going to be England and the West Indies, I think they will go all the way.”
Collingwood’s optimism is also fueled by the fact that England will enter the tournament as reigning champions, having lifted the 2022 T20 World Cup title. Under the leadership of Jos Buttler, they secured their second T20 World Championship crown by defeating India in the semi-final and then outplaying Pakistan in the final. The English team will be eager to make their title defense a successful one, hoping to avoid a repeat of their disappointing performance in the 2023 50-over World Cup.
Graeme Swann picks ENG, IND, AUS, and WI as the top 4 teams
Former England cricketer Paul Collingwood’s 2010 T20 World Cup teammate Graeme Swann shared his thoughts with ANI on the upcoming tournament, predicting that India, England, the West Indies, and Australia will be the four teams that make it to the semi-finals. Swann’s conversation with ANI took a slightly more somber tone when he referred to Australia’s chances, using the phrase “unfortunately” before mentioning them as the final four teams to qualify.
It would be fair to say that Swann doesn’t want to see Mitchell Marsh’s side anywhere around the top 4. “The top four teams I would go for are India and England, and then Australia, unfortunately, and then the West Indies.” – Graeme Swann told ANI.
