West Indies to open against England in ICC World T20 Cup in October
/ Our Today
administrator
Defending champions West Indies will begin their quest for a third title on October 23 when they take on world number one team England in Abu Dhabi in ICC World T20 Cup set to begin on October 17.
The West Indies have been drawn in a tough Super 12 Group that also includes Australia, South Africa plus the winner of Group A in the preliminary stage of the competition and the second-placed team from Group B.
The other Super 12 group has India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan along with the runner-up of Group A and the winner of Group B.
Group A consists of Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Scotland, Papau New Guinea and Oman.
Two teams each from the group stage, consisting of four teams each, will join the eight direct entrants to complete the Super 12s line-up. If Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualify from the first round, they will retain the seedings of A1 and B1 respectively for the Super 12s.
“West Indian cricketers have always played an exciting brand of cricket and I am sure our fans in the Caribbean and all over the world are highly anticipating seeing us in action.”
West Indies Captain Kieron Pollard
Notwithstanding the difficult draw Captain Kieron Pollard said he and his team are relishing the challenge of winning a third title.
“We are excited to begin the defense of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title later this year. T20 cricket is dynamic and the international scene is highly competitive, with players constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and we are expecting a spectacular event in the United Arab Emirates and Oman,” Pollard said.
“We have a particularly interesting Super 12 group, which sees us come up against Australia, England and South Africa. We can’t wait to get started! West Indian cricketers have always played an exciting brand of cricket and I am sure our fans in the Caribbean and all over the world are highly anticipating seeing us in action.”
The top two teams from each group of the Super 12s will make the knockouts, the matchups being – A1 v B2 and B2 v A1.
The West Indies’ schedule sees them playing South Africa in Dubai on October 26 and then the second-place team from Group B in Sharjah on October 29.
The Caribbean men will then take on the winner of Group A in Abu Dhabi on November 4 before taking on Australia at the same venue on November 6.
Should they advance, the West Indies will play their semi-final match in Abu Dhabi on November 10. The final is scheduled to take place in Dubai on November 14.
Comments