Which team has the best form coming into the Super-Eights of 2024 T20 World Cup
The 2024 T20 World Cup is done with the group-stage matches and it’s time to move on to the Super-Eight encounters. The form that the teams are in will play an essential part in crunch games going forward. Fans have previously seen how form and confidence can help a team go all the way and clinch a title.
In the 2021 T20 World Cup, Australia were beaten by England in their second Super-12 game. However, the Men in Yellow found their mojo and won the remaining four matches (including two knockouts) to win the championship.
A similar incident happened in the 2022 T20 World Cup when England lost their second Super-12 match against Ireland. However, the English team defeated New Zealand and Sri Lanka in their remaining Super-12 matches. The Jos Buttler-led team then defeated India in the semi-finals before beating Pakistan in the final to win their second T20 World Cup title.
Coming to the 2024 T20 World Cup, some teams remained unbeaten in the group stage and are looking threatening. However, now it’s time for the best vs. the best. In this article, we will rank the teams from eight to one, based on their form coming into the Super-Eights of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Teams' form ahead of 2024 T20 World Cup Super-Eights
#8 United States of America
The United States of America were in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, Canada, and Ireland. The majority of cricket fans worldwide would have predicted that Pakistan and India would be the two sides to advance to the following round.
However, the USA played some amazing cricket, as they defeated Pakistan to turn things around. Aaron James and Saurabh Netravalkar have been the finds of this USA team.
Now, they find themselves in Group 2 of the Super 8 alongside the West Indies, South Africa, and defending champions England. Although the United States have shown great signs, they might face big challenges in the coming matches.
It will be interesting to see how they carry forward their confidence after beating big teams like Pakistan and giving a fight to India.
#7 Bangladesh
Bangladesh started their campaign with a win against Sri Lanka. They also showed great fighting spirit against South Africa, though they lost the match by four runs. The Bangla Tigers played some good cricket as they finished second in Group D.
Fans saw different players stepping up for Bangladesh in every match. Their bowling line-up, led by Mustafizur Rahman, has done a decent job so far. Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan showed his class with a brilliant fifty against the Netherlands, and Mahmudullah has been finishing the innings well.
#6 Afghanistan
Afghanistan are perhaps the most improved team in the cricket world. In the conditions that helped their bowlers, the Afghan team not only gave a tough fight but convincingly defeated New Zealand. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Fazalhaq Farooqi have been the two standout players for Afghanistan.
However, the West Indies blew away Rashid Khan’s team in their last group-stage match, as the hosts won by 104 runs. Fans will hope for Afghanistan to return to form in the Super-Eights and fight for a place in the semi-finals.
#5 South Africa
Although South Africa went through the group stages undefeated, their performance lacked the spark that other teams showed. Chasing 104 against the Netherlands, the Proteas were in deep trouble at one point. However, David Miller remained composed and took them over the line.
They played another close match against Bangladesh, as South Africa won by four runs. Nepal almost defeated the Proteas in their last league match. Even though South Africa isn't known for winning big games, their fans would hope that their luck would hold and they would ultimately win an ICC trophy.
#4 England
The weather, some excellent play, and Scotland's defeat allowed the defending champions to advance to the Super-Eights. Harry Brook played a brilliant innings against Namibia, and the arrival of Jofra Archer has boosted the confidence of England's bowling line-up.
The English team has some big players and is a perfectly balanced side. Given the way they played their last two games, Jos Buttler’s team will be confident heading into the next round.
#3 India
The Men in Blue are on a hunt for their first ICC trophy since 2013. Team India looked in decent touch as they defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan in a thrilling encounter. The Men in Blue’s bowling line-up has been brilliant, though the batters haven’t lived up to fans' expectations. Rohit Sharma got out cheaply in the last two games, while Virat Kohli only has five runs in three games.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has been great with the ball and has done a good job alongside other bowlers. It wouldn’t be a surprise if India qualified for the semifinals. However, it will be interesting to see if they can finally show up on a big day and get the trophy.
#2 West Indies
The co-hosts of the 2024 T20 World Cup couldn't qualify for the previous edition. However, this time, they want to leave a mark. The two-time champions are in brilliant form and have won all their group-stage matches.
Nicholas Pooran was on fire against Afghanistan as he missed a well-deserving century by two runs. Be it Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Alzarri Joseph, or Akeal Hosein, all the West Indies players have stepped up when their team needed them the most.
With conditions supporting them, the West Indies are on track to lift their third T20 World Cup trophy.
#1 Australia
Australia and ICC tournaments are a love story that has continued for a long time now. The Men in Yellow always tend to bring their A-game in ICC tournaments. Mitchell Marsh’s team has played brilliantly and is the favorite to win the championship after having won the Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Marcus Stoinis has been in sublime form. He has scored 156 runs in three innings at an average of 78 and a strike rate of 190.2. Meanwhile, Adam Zampa has been brilliant with the ball, picking up nine wickets in four matches.
The Australian team has played brilliantly so far in the tournament and will be looking to add yet another ICC trophy to their cabinet.