T20 Cricket World Cup 2024: Your Ultimate Betting Guide

The T20 Cricket World Cup is already underway, having started on June 1 and running through to the final on June 29. This year’s tournament spans multiple iconic venues across the United States and the West Indies.

Host Nations and Venues

The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a landmark event co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies, marking the first time the tournament is held in the USA. This collaboration brings the excitement of T20 cricket to new and diverse audiences across nine cities. 

USA

Matches are being played in Lauderhill, Florida; Nassau County, New York; and Dallas, Texas. These venues offer state-of-the-art facilities and are set to provide nail-biting experiences for cricket fans.

West Indies
Six nations are playing host: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Each location is steeped in cricketing history and culture, providing picturesque backdrops and vibrant atmospheres for the matches. From the bustling energy of the Kensington Oval in Barbados to the serene beauty of the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, the diverse venues add to the global appeal and festive spirit of the T20 World Cup.

A Glimpse at the Schedule

The T20 World Cup 2024 promises edge-of-the-seat entertainment from the get-go, featuring an intense tournament structure. Here’s a detailed rundown of the key phases in the T20 World Cup 2024 schedule:

Group Stages: The group stages (currently underway) showcase fierce battles as teams vie for a spot in the Super 8s. Each match is crucial, with teams striving to secure their place in the next round. With 20 teams participating for the first time, the competition is stiffer and more competitive than ever before.

Super 8s: Starting on June 19, the Super 8 stage will intensify the competition. The top two teams from each group will be divided into two groups of four, playing in a single round-robin format. The T20 World Cup 2024 schedule will see these teams battling it out for a coveted spot in the knockout stage. This phase is critical, as only the top two teams from each Super 8 group will advance to the semi-finals, ensuring high-stakes matches filled with drama and excitement.

Semi-Finals: The four best teams will face off in the semi-finals, which will be held on Thursday, 28 June. These matches will determine who gets the chance to compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. The semi-finals are expected to be fiercely contested, with teams putting everything on the line for a shot at the title.

The Final Showdown: Mark your calendars for June 29, when the grand finale will take place at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados. The two best teams from the tournament will battle it out for the coveted T20 World Cup trophy, culminating in what promises to be a spectacular and unforgettable match.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Teams and Groups

The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super 8 stage, where the competition will heat up as they compete for semi-final spots. 

The Contenders: Teams to Watch

The T20 World Cup 2024 features a stellar lineup of teams, each bringing their unique flair to the competition. As fans around the world eagerly follow the T20 World Cup 2024 schedule, here’s a closer look at the key contenders:

India

• With a formidable batting lineup and a versatile bowling attack, India is always a strong contender in the T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli’s leadership and batting prowess make him a player to watch, while Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal bowling adds depth to their attack. India, having won the T20 World Cup once in 2007, is determined to reclaim the title and prove their dominance on the global stage.

Australia

• Known for their aggressive style, Australia enters the tournament with high expectations. Led by the dynamic duo of Aaron Finch and Pat Cummins, the Aussies are renowned for their competitive spirit and tactical acumen. Their history in the T20 World Cup includes winning the 2021 edition, and they are poised to add another title to their collection with a balanced team full of match-winners.

England

• The reigning champions boast a balanced team with power hitters like Jos Buttler and versatile all-rounders such as Ben Stokes. England’s approach to T20 cricket is aggressive and innovative, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch. Having won the T20 World Cup in 2010 and 2022, they are aiming for a third title and solidifying their reputation as a T20 powerhouse.

Pakistan

• Unpredictable yet brilliant, Pakistan’s chances hinge on the performances of stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. Babar’s elegant batting and Shaheen’s fiery bowling make them formidable opponents. Pakistan’s only T20 World Cup win came in 2009, and they are eager to replicate that success in 2024.

South Africa

• Often labelled as the underachievers in ICC tournaments, South Africa has a squad full of talent and experience. With players like Anrich Nortje, who has already made a mark in the 2024 tournament, and Quinton de Kock, they are strong contenders. The Proteas are looking to break their World Cup jinx and finally lift the trophy.

New Zealand

• The Kiwis are known for their consistency and fighting spirit. With Kane Williamson at the helm and a well-rounded squad, New Zealand is always a threat. They reached the finals in the 2021 T20 World Cup and are eager to go one step further in 2024.

West Indies

• Co-hosts of the tournament, the West Indies bring flair and excitement. Known for their powerful batting lineup, including the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, they are two-time champions (2012 and 2016). They are striving to leverage home advantage for a third title.

Other Teams

• Teams like Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are also set to light up the stage with their talent and tenacity. Afghanistan’s rise in T20 cricket, fueled by players like Rashid Khan, makes them a dark horse. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with their experienced players, can never be underestimated in a high-stakes tournament.

The Tournament So Far: A Dramatic Start

The T20 World Cup 2024 kicked off with a bang, and we’ve already witnessed some jaw-dropping moments in the first week. One of the most sensational highlights was the USA’s stunning upset against Pakistan in a dramatic Super Over, marking one of the greatest upsets in T20 World Cup history.

South Africa’s Bowling Masterclass

South Africa's fast bowler Anrich Nortje, has made headlines with his extraordinary performance against Sri Lanka. Nortje’s figures of 4/7 from his four overs not only decimated Sri Lanka but also set a new record for the best figures by a Proteas bowler in the Men's T20 World Cups, surpassing his previous record of 4/10 against Bangladesh in 2022.

South Africa's T20 World Cup Journey

South Africa's journey in the T20 World Cup has been marked by promising performances and heartbreaks. Ranked third in ODIs, the Proteas have yet to secure a T20 World Cup title, with their best finish being a semi-final appearance. Despite their struggles, South Africa's talent and competitive spirit have made them perennial contenders in every edition.

In the 2024 T20 World Cup, South Africa fields a strong squad led by Aiden Markram. The team includes key players such as Quinton de Kock, a formidable wicket-keeper batsman, and Anrich Nortje, who has already made a significant impact with record-breaking bowling figures. Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi add depth to the bowling attack, while David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen bolster the middle order with their aggressive batting.

The Proteas are set to face the Netherlands next on June 8, a crucial match as they aim to secure their spot in the Super 8s. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely, hopeful that this blend of experienced stalwarts and exciting young talent can finally bring home the coveted T20 World Cup trophy.

Top Betting Sites for the T20 World Cup

Navigating the world of sports betting can be daunting, but choosing the right platform can make all the difference. Here are our top picks:

• Bet365: Renowned for its extensive market coverage and live betting options, Bet365 offers competitive odds for every match.

• Betway: With a user-friendly interface and excellent customer service, Betway is a favourite among cricket bettors.

• 888sport: Known for its attractive bonuses and promotions, 888sport provides a seamless betting experience.

Special Offers and Promotions

Betway

Betway offers a chance to win a share of R700,000. Simply place any bet on the Proteas during their T20 World Cup matches. Each matchday, 200 lucky winners will receive R500 cash. The promotion runs from 3 to 29 June 2024. Enter by placing pre-match or live bets and get rewarded instantly. Terms and conditions apply.

Bet.co.za 

Cricket Live In-Play Promo: Bet R1000 on live in-play cricket bets in a week and get a R100 Bonus Bet. Bets must be settled and meet minimum odds criteria to qualify. Bonus Bets must be wagered once on sports before withdrawal.

Cricket MVP Promo: Bet on a player to be Player of the Match in any T20, ODI, or Test Match, and get a 100% win boost up to R500 as a Bonus Bet if your bet wins. Bonus Bet must be used within 30 days and meet minimum odds requirements.

Ton of Fun Promo: Bet on a player to be the top batsman in any T20, ODI, or Test Match and get a Bonus Bet equal to half your stake if he scores a century. The maximum Bonus Bet is R1000, and it must be used within 30 days.

Super Over Special: Bet on a team to win any T20 or ODI, and get a double payout if they win in a Super Over. The Bonus must be turned over 6 times before withdrawal, and the maximum credited is R1000.

Betting on T20 cricket requires a blend of strategy, knowledge, and a bit of luck. Here are some expert tips to guide you:

• Analyse Team Form: Recent performances and head-to-head records can provide valuable insights.

• Focus on Key Players: In T20 cricket, individual brilliance often turns the game. Keep an eye on players in form, like Pakistan youngster batter Babar Azam.

• Weather and Pitch Conditions: These factors can significantly influence the outcome. Pitches that favour spinners or seamers can be a game-changer.

What the Pundits Predict

Cricket pundits and analysts have their eyes on a few key trends and potential outcomes:

• England’s Defence: Can England defend their title, or will a new champion emerge?

• The Underdogs: Teams like Afghanistan and Bangladesh have shown they can punch above their weight. Could they cause major upsets?

• Batting Bonanza: With flat pitches expected, high-scoring games might be the norm. Bet on the big hitters to make an impact.

Upcoming Matches in the T20 Cricket World Cup 2024

As we progress through the group stages of the T20 Cricket World Cup 2024, here are some of the must-watch matches coming up:

As the T20 World Cup 2024 unfolds, cricket fans in South Africa are glued to their screens, united in support of the Proteas. This tournament not only showcases the best teams and players in T20 cricket but also offers an exhilarating mix of high-stakes matches and unforgettable cricketing moments. This year, more than ever, the passionate support of South African fans is crucial as the Proteas aim to break their World Cup jinx and bring home the trophy.