The T20 World Cup has returned for its ninth edition in 2024, continuing its legacy as the premier global T20 cricket tournament. Since its inception, the tournament has grown in stature and excitement, with each season bringing new thrills and surprises. As the world awaits more exhilarating competition, the battle is well and truly on for the coveted title.
Canada
Batter to Watch: Aaron Johnson
Since debuting in 2022, Aaron Johnson has been instrumental for Canada, driving them to their first ICC tournament since 2011. With a T20I average of just under 51 and a strike rate of 167, Johnson is a formidable presence at the crease. He also brings experience from playing with the Brampton Wolves in the GT20 Tournament, alongside international stars like Colin de Grandhomme and Tim Southee.
Bowler to Watch: Kaleem Sana
The Pakistan-born left-arm fast bowler made his debut for Canada in 2019. With 27 T20 wickets at an average of just over 12, Sana is a key player for Canada. His experience in first-class cricket in Pakistan and consistent performances in the GT20 tournament, where he has dismissed notable players like Alex Hales and Yuvraj Singh, make him a crucial asset for Canada.
India’s Rishabh Pant (right) and Suryakumar Yadav
India
Batter to Watch: Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav stands out among Indian batters, having scored over 1,000 runs at a strike rate of more than 10 runs per over in this World Cup cycle. Known for his 360-degree playing style, SKY’s batting impact score is the top globally, highlighting his value to the team.
Bowler to Watch: Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav has reestablished himself as a top wrist-spinner, with 15 wickets at an average of 14 since the last T20 World Cup. His left-arm spin is expected to be highly effective in Caribbean conditions, making him a pivotal player for India’s bowling attack.
Ireland
Batter to Watch: Paul Stirling
Paul Stirling, Ireland’s most high-profile batter, has significant experience in T20 franchise leagues worldwide. Though his recent form hasn’t been stellar, his knowledge of Caribbean conditions, with twice as many games as any other Irish batter, will be crucial. Stirling’s experience and leadership are vital for Ireland.
Bowler to Watch: Josh Little
Josh Little’s left-arm pace, speed, and ability to swing the ball make him a standout. As the only Irish player in the IPL, playing for Gujarat Titans, Little’s fiery nature and consistent pace—31 per cent of his deliveries in 2023 surpassing 87mph.
Pakistan
Batter to Watch: Azam Khan
Azam Khan, a powerful right-hander, is crucial for Pakistan’s success. With Babar Azam providing stability, Azam’s high strike rate of 157 and his prowess against spin, hitting a boundary every five balls, make him essential for achieving high totals.
Bowler to Watch: Imad Wasim
An experienced left-arm spinner, he has excelled in the Caribbean Premier League with 54 matches for Jamaica Tallahwahs. His 58 wickets in the region at an average of 18 underline his expertise in Caribbean conditions, making him a key figure for Pakistan.
USA
Batter to Watch: Steven Taylor
Steven Taylor, the USA’s highest T20I run-scorer, will be pivotal in their World Cup debut. The big-hitting left-hander excels in the powerplay, striking above 150. Taylor’s highest T20I score of 101* is the only T20I century for the USA, underscoring his importance.
Bowler to Watch: Nisarg Patel
Nisarg Patel, a left-arm spinner, leads the USA in T20 wickets with 27. His role in the middle overs is crucial, having taken 11 wickets in eight games over the past two years. Patel’s consistency and effectiveness make him a vital part of the USA’s bowling attack.
Australia
Batter to Watch: Travis Head
Travis Head is emerging as a key figure for Australia in white-ball cricket. Fresh from a match-winning performance in the 50-over World Cup final and a stunning IPL season, where he scored a 39-ball hundred, Head is a force to reckon with. His strike rate of over 175 in this World Cup cycle and an impressive average of over 50 against pace bowlers make him a significant threat.
Bowler to Watch: Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc, now the most expensive player in IPL history, excels in powerplays and death overs. With 27 wickets in 20 T20 World Cup matches, he is Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament. Starc’s ability to deliver fast, swinging deliveries and precise yorkers will be crucial for Australia.
England
Batter to Watch: Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler continues to prove his worth, with two centuries for Rajasthan in the recent IPL. He leads in T20 runs since the start of 2023, with 22 scores above 50. Buttler’s versatile game, averaging over 30 and striking above 130 against all bowler types, makes him indispensable for England.
Bowler to Watch: Adil Rashid
At 36, Adil Rashid remains England’s most successful limited-overs spinner. Leading T20 wicket-taker for England in this cycle, Rashid thrives in Caribbean conditions, boasting 21 wickets at an average of less than 14 and an economy rate under six. His experience and skill will be pivotal for England.
Namibia
Batter to Watch: J.J. Smit
J.J. Smit has been exceptional for Namibia, with a strike rate of 151 and an average of 66 over the past two years. His destructive batting, especially against pace bowlers at the innings’ end, makes him a crucial player, striking at 164 and averaging 84 in this phase.
Bowler to Watch: Gerhard Erasmus
Leg-spinner Gerhard Erasmus has taken nearly 30 wickets at an average of 12 in this World Cup cycle. His economy of less than a run-a-ball and experience in franchise T20 cricket with the Gulf Giants position him as a key bowler for Namibia.
Oman
Batter to Watch: Aqib Ilyas
Aqib Ilyas, Oman’s leading run-scorer and newly appointed captain, is a consistent performer with six half-centuries since the last T20 World Cup. His strike rate of 161 through the middle overs helps stabilize Oman’s innings, making him a cornerstone of their batting lineup.
Bowler to Watch: Bilal Khan
Bilal Khan, Oman’s left-arm yorker specialist, leads their bowling attack with 106 T20 wickets. Effective both at the start and end of innings, he has taken 10 powerplay wickets at an economy of 4.96 and 13 death-over wickets at an economy of 8.9 in the past 18 months.
Scotland
Batter to Watch: George Munsey
George Munsey’s aggressive and unique batting style is a highlight for Scotland. Renowned for sweeping 40 per cent of balls from spinners, Munsey disrupts opposition plans and is adept at field manipulation. His approach at the top of the order makes him a key player.
Bowler to Watch: Mark Watt
Left-arm spinner Mark Watt has been impressive in T20 World Cups, with 16 wickets at an average of 20 and an economy of six. Known for his pace variations and innovative delivery from next to the umpire, Watt will be crucial in controlling opposition batters and restricting totals.
Afghanistan
Batter to Watch: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Gurbaz has excelled in franchise leagues, including IPL and ILT20, amassing 1,504 runs since the last World Cup at a strike-rate of 143. His aggressive powerplay approach is crucial for Afghanistan’s success.
Bowler to Watch: Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, the premier T20 bowler, uses his fast mystery spin to trouble batters. Averaging below 20 with an economy under seven, he leads in T20 wickets this decade, making him indispensable for Afghanistan.
New Zealand
Batter to Watch: Finn Allen
Allen’s explosive powerplay strike-rate of 149 is among the highest in T20 history. Converting quick starts into significant totals will be essential for New Zealand’s aspirations.
Bowler to Watch: Mitch Santner
Santner thrives in the Caribbean, averaging under 17 with an economy of 5.5. His variations in speed, flight, and trajectory make him a reliable and effective bowler in these conditions.
Papua New Guinea
Batter to Watch: Tony Ura
PNG’s leading run-scorer, strikes at 151, with a notable powerplay rate of 166. His fast starts and consistency are pivotal for the team’s batting strategy.
Bowler to Watch: Charles Amini
Amini, PNG’s main spinner, has taken 18 wickets since the last World Cup. His performance on Caribbean surfaces will be crucial for PNG’s bowling attack.
Uganda
Batter to Watch: Simon Ssesazi
Ssesazi is Uganda’s top run-scorer with a strike-rate over 130. His consistency against pace and spin, averaging 43 against seamers, provides stability at the top order.
Bowler to Watch: Alpesh Ramjani
Ramjani, with 70 wickets at an average of 8.88, excels in all phases. His middle-over economy of 4.37 and wicket-taking ability are vital.
West Indies
Batter to Watch: Rovman Powell
Powell, since taking over as captain, averages nearly 40 with a strike-rate of 170. His ability to dominate in death overs, with a strike-rate of 197, is crucial.
Bowler to Watch: Akeal Hosein
Hosein, a powerplay specialist, bowls 52 per cent of his overs in this phase with an economy under eight against right-handers. His role is pivotal for the West Indies.
Bangladesh
Batter to Watch: Towhid Hridoy
Hridoy’s all-round batting has improved, averaging over 40 against spin and striking above 150 against pace. His consistent form in BPL makes him essential for Bangladesh.
Bowler to Watch: Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib, a key player in all departments, excels with the ball. Closing in on 50 wickets this cycle, he maintains an economy just above six. His experience in the Caribbean is invaluable.
Nepal
Batter to Watch: Dipendra Airee
Airee’s aggressive style, with over 500 runs at a strike-rate of 191, makes him a formidable force. His prowess in the final overs rivals top international players.
Bowler to Watch: Abinash Bohara
Nepal’s top wicket-taker since the last World Cup, he excels in death overs, taking 76 per cent of his wickets there. His average of 17 and economy of 9.2 in that phase are crucial.
Netherlands
Batter to Watch: Sybrand Engelbrecht
Engelbrecht’s return to cricket has been impactful, averaging over 50 with a strike-rate above 150. His middle-order stability is key for the Dutch.
Bowler to Watch: Logan van Beek
Leading in T20 wickets this cycle, excels throughout the innings, particularly at the death. His average of 15.28 in the final overs is critical for the Netherlands.
South Africa
Batter to Watch: Heinrich Klaasen
Klaasen’s exceptional numbers, averaging 41 with a strike-rate of 182, make him a standout. His dominance against spin, averaging 59 and striking at 192, is unmatched.
South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen
Bowler to Watch: Tabraiz Shamsi
Shamsi’s extensive experience in the Caribbean, with nearly 50 wickets, and leading wicket-taker status this cycle, make him crucial for South Africa. His wicket-taking ability is vital for the team.
Sri Lanka
Batter to Watch: Kusal Mendis
Mendis, leading with nearly 1,200 runs this cycle, excels against left-arm spin, averaging 41. His inventive batting style was pivotal in last year’s 50-over World Cup.
Bowler to Watch: Matheesha Pathirana
His fast, dip-heavy deliveries are reminiscent of Lasith Malinga. In the IPL, he took 13 wickets at an average of 13, excelling at the death with speeds up to 93mph.