Probable draw for 2024 T20 World Cup unveiled

Jan. 5 (Telegraph) - The first two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Eights, in which their starting position has already been arranged

The draw for the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup will include a second group stage in which the best teams already know their starting positions, it can be revealed.

The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup will be played in the West Indies and United States of America in June and features 20 nations, who will initially be divided into four groups of five. Countries have already been sent their opponents in the competition, which Telegraph Sport can reveal:

• In Group B, played entirely in the Caribbean, defending champions England are to play Australia, Scotland, Namibia and Oman.
• In Group A, played entirely in the USA, Ireland will face India and Pakistan, who will play against each other at Eisenhower Park, 30 miles east of Manhattan 
• The Super Eight draw will be determined by pre-tournament seedings, regardless of whether teams finish first or second in their groups.

Based on rankings, and should they qualify through the group stage, England are expected to play hosts West Indies, Pakistan and South Africa in the Super Eight stages of the competition, even if they all top their opening groups.

The format has been shared with competing nations and barring any final changes will be officially announced imminently. In Group C, West Indies will meet New Zealand, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea and Uganda. In the final pool – the only group to feature matches in both the US and West Indies – South Africa will meet Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands and Nepal.