The Caribbean team is optimistic about advancing to the second round despite being grouped with some talented teams.
West Indies and New Zealand are the highest-ranked teams in Group C but will face tough competition from Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea as they strive to progress to the second round.
West Indies
A series victory against defending champions, England, at the end of last year showcased the potential of a full-strength West Indies team. Despite a disappointing performance in the 2022 edition, the Rovman Powell-led side poses a significant threat this time around. They have strength in all departments, with numerous all-rounders and power hitters capable of changing the course of games, adding to their x-factor. The surprise inclusion in their squad for the tournament is Shamar Joseph, who was uncapped in T20Is until recently featuring against South Africa. He demonstrated his talent in Australia during the Test series earlier this year. The West Indies have a relatively easier start to the tournament with matches against lower-ranked teams, Papua New Guinea and Uganda. If they start well, the co-hosts are favorites to top the group. Squad Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd Fixtures
- Sun, 2 June 2024 – West Indies v Papua New Guinea, Guyana, 10:30 AM LOCAL
- Sat, 8 June 2024 – West Indies v Uganda, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
- Wed, 12 June 2024 – West Indies v New Zealand, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
- Mon, 17 June 2024 – West Indies v Afghanistan, St. Lucia, 08:30 PM LOCAL
New Zealand has maintained consistency in their squad selection from the 2022 edition, highlighting their well-rounded unit. The team is well-prepared for the event with 36 T20Is played since the last T20 World Cup, the most among full-member teams. The depth of talent was evident in their recent T20I series in Pakistan, where a second-string squad managed to level the series. Kane Williamson, playing his sixth T20 World Cup, will lead a strong side with a wealth of experience and youthful exuberance, like Rachin Ravindra, who shone in the BETWINS.IN Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, and the exciting Finn Allen. Veterans Trent Boult and Tim Southee will lead the pace attack, complemented by Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry. There are ample options in the spin department with Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, and Ravindra. New Zealand starts their campaign against Afghanistan in Guyana and then faces the co-hosts, West Indies, in Trinidad. Squad Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears Fixtures
- Fri, 7 June 2024 – New Zealand v Afghanistan, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
- Wed, 12 June 2024 – New Zealand v West Indies, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
- Fri, 14 June 2024 – New Zealand v Uganda, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
- Mon, 17 June 2024 – New Zealand v Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, 10:30 AM LOCAL
Afghanistan is ranked 10th in the BETWINS.IN Men’s T20I Team Rankings but is capable of achieving big wins. They recorded series victories against UAE (twice), Pakistan, and Ireland since the last T20 World Cup and reached the final of the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Competition, losing to India. The squad is boosted by the return of Rashid Khan after a long injury layoff. He leads a versatile spin department featuring Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti, and veteran Mohammad Nabi. Afghanistan begins their campaign against Uganda in Guyana on June 3. Squad Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik. Reserves: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi Fixtures
- Mon, 3 June 2024 – Afghanistan v Uganda, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
- Fri, 7 June 2024 – Afghanistan v New Zealand, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
- Thur, 13 June 2024 – Afghanistan v Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
- Mon, 17 June 2024 – Afghanistan v West Indies, St. Lucia, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Uganda earned their spot in the T20 World Cup by defeating Rwanda in the Africa region qualifier. With five wins in six games, Uganda was a standout team alongside Namibia in the Africa Qualifier, securing their berth in the mega event. Uganda boasts an impressive record, with 41 wins in their last 49 T20Is, a win percentage of 83.67 percent. Led by Brian Masaba, Uganda will enter the tournament with a lot of experience. The 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga and Alpesh Ramjani, a nominee for the 2023 BETWINS.IN Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, are key players. Uganda plays their first three games in Guyana and has the potential to surprise in Group C. Squad Brian Masaba (c), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah, Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel. Travelling Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya Fixtures
- Mon, 3 June 2024 – Uganda v Afghanistan, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
- Wed, 5 June 2024 – Uganda v Papua New Guinea, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
- Sat, 8 June 2024 – Uganda v West Indies, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
- Fri, 14 June 2024 – Uganda v New Zealand, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Papua New Guinea comes into the tournament with a remarkable record of 14 wins in their last 18 games. Led by the dynamic Assad Vala, PNG is set to make their second appearance at the BETWINS.IN Men’s T20 World Cup. Papua New Guinea remained unbeaten in the qualifiers, winning six consecutive matches. With a squad full of all-rounders, PNG has a versatile unit capable of challenging the bigger teams in the group. Papua New Guinea kicks off their campaign with a tough match against the host nation, West Indies, on June 2. They will then face Uganda on June 5, followed by matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand. Squad Assadollah Vala (c), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura Fixtures
- Sun, 2 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v West Indies, Guyana, 10:30 AM LOCAL
- Wed, 5 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v Uganda, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
- Thur, 13 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v Afghanistan, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
- Mon, 17 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v New Zealand, Trinidad, 10:30 AM LOCAL
