The 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup kicks off on 16 October, with Australia finally getting to host the prestigious competition after the postponement of the 2020 edition. The Aussies enter the eighth ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as reigning champions and favourites.
The first round of warm-up matches involves first-round teams like UAE, Netherlands and Scotland. Afterward, the Super 12 teams will play, with the heavyweight matchup between New Zealand and India on 18 October a particularly exciting fixture.
India was originally meant to hold the 2021 T20 World Cup, before it was moved to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. With talented players like Suryakumar Yadav powering the team forward, India are widely regarded as one of the top favourites for this year’s competition.
Don’t forget about the Kiwis, who are in the running after their final defeat to Australia last year. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an especially exciting time for sports bettors. The quality on offer this year is extraordinary and it’s difficult to tell who will win.
Australia, England, India and New Zealand are currently the frontrunners. Bookmakers in the UK and worldwide have given these four the best odds, but don’t discount dark horses like the West Indies ruining the party.
The 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up matches are fantastic opportunities to gain more knowledge on team form.
New Zealand vs. India is one of the biggest clashes. India have a point to prove after their disappointing showing last year, while the Kiwis will want to avenge their final loss. Keep reading for a preview of this compelling ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up match.
New Zealand vs India: Essential information
New Zealand and India’s T20 World Cup warm-up match is scheduled for 18 October. The tournament’s first round will already be in full swing, but as both countries are part of the Super 12 phase, they won’t participate.
New Zealand vs. India will take place at The Gabba in Brisbane, giving both teams a chance to acclimatise to the weather and playing surface. With a capacity of 36,000 for international cricket, it’s the sixth largest cricket stadium on Australian soil.
All warm-up matches allow teams to field all 15 squad members, so they technically aren’t covered by Twenty20 International or T20 statuses. India vs. New Zealand is the last scheduled warm-up match and cricket fans will be itching to see who comes out on top.
It’s the most exciting matchup, other than the earlier clash between India and Australia on 17 October. The victors will gain a massive confidence boost ahead of the actual tournament but it won’t count for anything if they can’t carry their form into competitive matches.
New Zealand T20 team overview
New Zealand’s 2021 T20 World Cup ended in tears as they lost to Australia by five wickets in the final. The Kiwis will no doubt be back with a vengeance, keen to get their revenge on Aussie soil.
The Black Caps have a largely similar squad to last year, with only three changes. Lockie Ferguson, Michael Bracewell and Finn Allen have come in, swapped with Kyle Jamieson, Todd Astle and Tim Seifert.
Kane Williamson will lead the Kiwis for the third successive time at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. His experience will be an important foundation to get the best out of key players such as Tim Southee, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner.
New Zealand’s perfectly balanced squad has rightfully placed them among the favourites. Here is the full announced squad:
Kane Williamson (Captain)
Tim Southee
Ish Sodhi
Mitchell Santner
Glenn Phillips
Jimmy Neesham
Daryl Mitchell
Adam Milne
Martin Guptil
Lachlan Ferguson
Devon Conway
Mark Chapman
Michael Bracewell
Trent Boult
Finn Allen
India T20 team overview
While the New Zealand Men’s T20 team has remained largely the same over the last year, India’s has experienced some significant changes. New captain and coach Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid come in after a disappointing display in the 2021 T20 World Cup and Asia Cup.
India haven’t made any wholesale changes since their two consecutive defeats in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup in September. The Blue Tigers have been boosted by the return of Harshal Patel after injury, but will rue the services of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
They have also stuck with young talents like Arshdeep Singh. His performance against Pakistan in the Asia Cup was error-strewn, but coach Rahul Dravid will be hoping a successful tournament in Australia can raise his confidence.
One significant challenge for India that New Zealand won’t suffer from quite as much is acclimatising to the pitches. They are faster and harder than elsewhere, and the team must adapt quickly.
India are one of the favourites for this year’s World Cup, despite their poor showing in the last two competitive ICC Men’s T20 competitions. You can find the confirmed squad below:
Rohit Sharma (Captain)
KL Rahul
Virat Kohli
Suryakumar Yadav
Rishabh Pant
Deepak Hooda
Dinesh Karthik
Hardik Pandya
Ravichandran Ashwin
Yuzvendra Chahal
Axar Patel
Harshal Patel
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Arshdeep Singh
Who’s going to make the difference for New Zealand or India?
The tricky spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin is also capable of making the difference for India. Known for his artful variations, he could be a nightmare for the Kiwi batters.
The Black Caps have a well-rounded team with no glaring weaknesses. After a scintillating start to the 2022 season, new addition Michael Bracewell is quickly becoming an integral part of the New Zealand spin attack.
We might just have a new ICC T20 star if he can carry his form into the World Cup this year. Other players such as Glenn Phillips and Jimmy Neesham will be important, primarily because of their versatility.
New Zealand vs India: Who will win?
It’s difficult to say who will come out on top between these two teams. New Zealand are the favourites going by current form, but India have been bolstered by the return of Patel.
The match could swing either way. Cricket fans and betting enthusiasts will be watching closely, as these two teams are among the main favourites to win the entire 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup favourites
Warm-up matches are one thing, but what about the favourites for the actual 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup? Looking at recent team form is arguably the best way to predict the winner, although at the highest competitive level, this can quickly go out the window.
Check out the top four favourites below:
Australia
Reigning champions looking to defend the title on home soil, Australia are an ominous proposition and the main favourites.
England
England have a point to prove after home series losses to South Africa and India. They will need top performances from the likes of Luke Wood and Adil Rashid if they want to be in with a chance.
India
India are another favourite coming off a good run of form. They have changed their batting template for the better. Returning player Harshal Patel will give them a huge boost and they are now among the main contenders.
New Zealand
The Black Caps lost the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final to Australia, but there’s every chance they can go one step better this year. A settled and well-rounded squad may well work in their favour.
