Australia have been grouped with old rivals England, defending champions the West Indies and South Africa in this year’s Twenty20 World Cup in the UAE.
The groups have been revised based on the International Cricket Council’s rankings as of March 20.
India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Afghanistan are in the other group for the Super 12s stage, with two qualifiers to join each group.
Eight teams will contest the first round including automatic qualifiers Sri Lanka and Bangladesh with the remaining six who booked their spot through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019.
Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia join Sri Lanka in Group A, while Oman, PNG and Scotland will face Bangladesh in Group B.
The venues for the T20 World Cup 2021 are Dubai International Stadium, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Stadium, and the Oman Cricket Academy Ground.
ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to announce the groups for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
“Given the disruption caused by COVID-19, we selected the cut-off date as close as possible to the event to ensure we were able to include the maximum amount of cricket in the rankings, which determine the groups.”
Tigerbill44
Roar Guru
Oh, okay.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
The groups were based on ICC rankings, so it wasn't guaranteed they'd meet.
Tigerbill44
Roar Guru
Isn't that the case always? I think all the major cricket events ensure that there is at least one Pak v Ind match.
Targa
Roar Rookie
Also I guess if NZ wins we'll go to no 1 in the world (from currently 3rd). We are number 1 in tests and ODIs at the moment- has any team ever been no 1 in all formats at the same time?
Targa
Roar Rookie
Nah. India, NZ, and Pakistan are 2,3,4 in the world. That's a very tough group too. Pakistan scored 230 odd vs England in a T20 today and NZ are trying to make 3 finals in a row (ODI, test, T20).
Paul
Roar Guru
In this format, on any given day, any of the top 10 teams can beat another pretty easily. I don't know there's a huge difference between the two groups, especially if Bangladesh ends up in group 2 which is likely. They should do well in the UAE & Oman.
La grandeur d'Athéna
Roar Rookie
Lol. Australia, West Indies, South Africa, England in same group. That is essentially the death group. I had Australia, England, India, West Indies as semi finalists. All the best.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
They needn't bother going home if they don't.
Paul
Roar Guru
I just hope the "real" Pakistan turns up to play that one. Could be one of the games of the tournament if they do.
Paul
Roar Guru
I found this article confusing so went to the ICC website, which is explains it far better. There's a diagram which shows the teams that will play in the WC for sure, as well as those teams that need to play each other to determine the last 4 spots in the competition proper. https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2180074
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Excellent. A guaranteed India v Pakistan clash.