Introduction
Since its inception, the T20 Cricket World Cup has been all galore for being a sport embodying zeal, vivacity, succinctness, and the spark of the young, as well as, the experienced players. Cricket is treated like a religion in our country and T20 is worshiped and revered much more. From time immemorial, Cricket has been in our blood and soul and we always strive to bring glory to our country by winning the titles, and by putting in our best efforts. The gigantic sport started being played in the year 2007, and who other than India brought the title to Home in the opening edition?
Any Cricket fan would know how players go through tense matches, with the intense pressure on both the batting and bowling lineups to showcase their talent, as well as, come out as winners in the end. The players and teams have high stakes and with the kind of rivalry and head-to-head clashes that come into play, the game of T20 becomes a game of extreme pride and honor.
The T20s Thus Far
Starting from 2007, eight editions have been played thus far in the T20 Cricket World Cup history. There have been as many as 21 teams who have contented and have been in the race to win the title. India has of course won the first title and has been on the lookout for its second title this year. The only countries to have won the title two times are the Caribbeans (West Indies) and the British (England). As most cricket fans would know the T20 Cricket World Cup is held every two years at various venues. The English have been the defending champions winning the title in 2022 defeating Pakistan in the finale.
The T20 This Year
This year the tournament is slated to take place in the USA and West Indies, simultaneously. The USA will be hosting the competition for the first time. This is the ninth edition of the T20 Cricket World Cup championship. 20 teams are competing for the coveted title and are in the league to win the competition. The race began on June 1, 2024, and will last till June 29, 2024. Canada and Uganda qualified for the first time for the T20 Championship and the USA got entry because it is hosting the World Cup.
The Group Stage
The Rohit Sharma squad began its race for the T20 Cricket World Cup championship on the 5th of June when the team played its first match with Ireland, defeating them in only 12.2 overs. Chasing only 96 runs, India easily attained the target.
Since then, it has been a roller coaster ride, with the Indian brigade topping the charts in the group stage by beating Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. The team under the captainship of Rohit Sharma defeated Pakistan with one over to spare and the USA with two overs to spare in the subsequent matches.
Yes, there was a hiccup in the form of one match being abandoned with Canada. Rain spoiled the Indian winning streak. But all is well that ends. India has reached the Super Eight stage without worrying much. But easier said than done. The hard work and continuous prepping for the matches by the players should not go unnoticed.
The Super Eight Stage
After the stupendous showcase of the talent in the Group stage, India has reached the Super Eight stage. The team has played just one match in this stage with Afghanistan. And not disappointing its fans, India has again demonstrated its prowess and will in their Super Eight opening match with Afghanistan. There are still 2 matches left with Bangladesh and Australia. But with the kind of team spirit and morale that is high after winning four matches, India is hopeful and fully capable of winning the rest of the matches.
What to Expect in the Upcoming?
With winning 4 matches on the trot (not counting the match that was abandoned due to rain), India has a bright chance of making it to the final and ultimately bringing the title back home. The top order has shown strength and enormous magnitude in the batting domain and the bowlers have shown immense scale and variety in the bowling. India has defeated the teams with huge margins and overs to spare. This shows how the team is all setup and how it is placed in the order of the matches yet to be played.
The probability of India’s win this year is almost 100%. With the kind of batters and bowlers combo, India is in every sense going to bring back the title. India is going to open the rage once again and come out as a winner this time over. India with winning almost all the matches must eye winning against Australia and Bangladesh and finally the trophy.
Indian team is an amalgam of fresh breath in the form of young players along with time-tested and experienced players. After a stellar show in the USA, Indians have every reason to dream for the title.
Conclusion
Going by the gut feeling and instinct of an ardent cricket fan, I say that Team India has every chance of winning this year’s title too. I will give full marks to team India for their performance in the matches played hitherto. Every Indian fan, including me, is hopeful of Team India winning the title once again and bringing back the grandeur to our country. Every Indian is eyeing the much sought-after title and is optimistic about fetching the trophy this time again.
The finale will soon be played between the two most competent and deserving countries. But I will certainly put my money on team India, who has a high chance of winning the title. Because of the players and the kind of prepping that the team has been doing, the team can certainly fancy their chances of winning the title.
Let us hope for the best and wish the team a stroke of good luck!