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ToggleNew Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme offered insights on the playing conditions expected during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Colin de Grandhomme selected his top three teams for the ICC tournament, excluding the defending champions, England.
The T20I World Cup is set to be played in the United States of America (USA) and the Caribbean Islands from June 4 to 30. A total of 20 countries will compete in the tournament, marking the first occasion when such a large number of teams participate in the World Cup.
I Don’t Know Much About The USA – Colin de Grandhomme
Colin de Grandhomme highlighted the favorable conditions for spinners in the West Indies, drawing a comparison to those in India. He suggested that big-hitting batters would enjoy playing in such environments.
“I don’t know much about the USA. But in the West Indies, most of the grounds will be suitable for the spinners. The conditions are quite the same as in India. The batsmen, who like to hit sixes out of the ground, would enjoy playing there,” de Grandhomme told TimesofIndia.com.
The prestigious event will commence with a match between the USA and Canada at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas on June 1. Co-hosts West Indies will start their campaign against Papua New Guinea at the Guyana National Stadium in Guyana on June 2.
India Will Be In The Top Four – Colin de Grandhomme
Colin de Grandhomme picked his top contenders for the upcoming T20 World Cup, naming India and Australia. He mentioned that New Zealand can also be a strong contender if they demonstrate resilience.
“Obviously, India will be in the top four. They have been an excellent group. Probably Australia would also be there. They are smart, and they back themselves to beat anyone. That has always been their mentality, to knock down anyone. And if we could come back strong, then New Zealand could make the cut,” added the former New Zealand star.
Group A consists of India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and the United States, while Group B features England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, and Oman. New Zealand, the West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea are grouped in Group C, and Group D comprises South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Nepal.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 round, where they will be divided into two groups, each consisting of four teams. The top two nations will move on to the knockout stage, which will include two semi-final matches followed by a final.
They Would’ve Easily Got Through – Colin de Grandhomme
Discussing New Zealand’s challenges in white-ball cricket knockouts, de Grandhomme stressed the significance of consistency and delivering under pressure. He noted that a few missed opportunities have hindered their progress in such matches.
“It is obviously about not doing enough on the day. It is just a couple of guys not stepping up on the day. There have always been a few key moments that haven’t gone their way. Otherwise, as a group, they would’ve easily got through,” he concluded.
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