The ICC T20 World Cup 2022 begins in less than a week in Australia as teams will battle it out for the prestigious title. The heavyweights are set to clash once again exactly after a year as hosts Australia are the reigning, defending champions of the world and will not hold back in retaining the title.
The teams contesting in the eighth edition of the T20 World Cup are placed in two groups (Group 1 & Group 2) wherein six teams will play each other in a round-robin format of the Super 12. As the teams will lock horns, there are numerous matches where fireworks can be expected. The sport’s biggest names are primed to set the showpiece alight between them in the marquee tournament.
While the teams cross swords, a number of duels can be expected, which will be a treat for the fans to watch. The India-Pakistan rivalry will take centre stage on October 23 as the Men in Blue will seek redemption after losing to the Babar Azam-led side by 10 wickets last year on the same stage. In any case, the biggest names clashing against one another on the grand stage is precisely what fans would wish for.
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5 Player Battles To Watch Out For:
Virat Kohli vs Shaheen Afridi
The duel between Virat Kohli and Shaheen Afridi is one to watch out for as the former appears to be regaining his form in the recent Australia and South Africa T20I series after taking a short sabbatical from the sport. On the other hand, Afridi is set to make his comeback from an injury layoff that kept him on the sidelines, and he will be more than hungry to scalp wickets.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Babar Azam
Another clash will be that of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. Last time, Azam and Rizwan’s magical stand against the Men in Blue became the talking point as the latter were unable to break the partnership. The skipper seems to be in decent form. However, Bhuvneshwar will look to use the Australian conditions to his advantage and get the better of Azam.
Sam Curran vs David Warner
Similarly, Sam Curran and David Warner is another interesting duel that could project fireworks on the grand stage. The Australian talisman will be key in the attempt to secure back-to-back titles, whereas Curran has the potential to destroy any top order with his destructive blockhole deliveries.
Arshdeep Singh vs Temba Bavuma
The addition of Arshdeep Singh to the bowling line-up for the Indian side is an exciting one as the player can offer a lot during the crunch moments of the game. Bavuma is clearly out of form and is facing issues getting off the mark. It will be interesting to see if Bavuma can turn things around or will Arshdeep make a difference for the Men in Blue. Only time will tell.
Trent Boult vs Jos Buttler
Buttler has always risen on big occasions, and fans will expect nothing less in the forthcoming T20 World Cup. The opener hit four sixes in his 32-ball 68 during England’s warm-up match against Australia, showing why he is skilled in taking on the big teams. Veteran fast bowler Trent Boult has kept up his form since last year’s T20 World Cup and will prove to be key when England take on New Zealand in the group stage. The Boult-Buttler rivalry will be an interesting treat for the fans as it will be tricky to say who could emerge as the better one in the match.