Super 8 Stage Set for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024: Co-Hosts USA and West Indies Advance

The groups and fixtures for the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 have been announced, confirming that both co-hosts, the West Indies and the USA, have advanced to this crucial phase where eight teams will vie for semifinal spots.

Following the group stage, India and the debutant USA emerged from Group A, Australia and England from Group B, two-time champions West Indies and Afghanistan from Group C, and South Africa along with Bangladesh from Group D.

The Super 8 stage has divided these teams into two groups: Group A includes India, Australia, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of the USA, England, West Indies, and South Africa.

Interestingly, both host nations, the West Indies and the USA, are in the same group.

Of the eight teams, four have previously won the World Cup: India, England, West Indies, and Australia. The Super 8 matches are scheduled to take place at four venues in the West Indies: Antigua and Barbuda (hosting four matches), Barbados (three matches), Saint Lucia (three matches), and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (two matches).

The Super 8 stage kicks off with a match between the USA and South Africa at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, at 8 pm IST on Wednesday.

India will begin their Super 8 campaign against Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, at 8 pm on Thursday. This matchup is viewed by many as a potentially tricky encounter for the 2007 champions, given Afghanistan’s remarkable performance in the T20 World Cup, following their impressive run in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

Rohit Sharma’s India will face Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on June 22, and will conclude their Super 8 stage matches against former champions Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, on June 24.

The top two teams from each Super 8 group will advance to the semifinals, scheduled for June 27 (IST). The final match will be held at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, at 8 pm IST on June 29.

Babar Azam Surpasses MS Dhoni to Become Leading T20 World Cup Captain in Runs

Under-fire Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Sunday achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing legendary MS Dhoni in the list of most run-getters as a captain in T20 World Cup history. This achievement came during their match against Ireland in Lauderhill, United States.

Despite facing criticism, Babar’s fighting unbeaten knock helped Pakistan secure a narrow three-wicket win in a low-scoring thriller. Chasing a modest target of 107, Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 62 for six in 11 overs. However, skipper Babar (32 not out) and Abbas Afridi (17) managed to share a crucial 33-run partnership, steering their team to victory at 111 for seven in 18.5 overs.

Pakistan, already out of the Super 8 contention, concluded their T20 World Cup campaign with a third-place finish in Group A. Arch-rivals India and co-hosts USA advanced to the next round, securing the first and second positions respectively.

Captains like Babar Azam have shown exceptional skill and composure under pressure, leaving their mark on the tournament with significant run tallies.

Babar leads this esteemed list with 549 runs in just 17 innings. Known for his elegant stroke play and impeccable timing, Babar has consistently anchored his team’s innings, providing both stability and a reliable scoring option. His calm demeanor in high-pressure situations has been instrumental in his success, making him a standout performer in T20 World Cups.

Dhoni, with 529 runs in 29 innings, is second on the list. Renowned for his finishing prowess and strategic acumen, Dhoni’s contributions with the bat were crucial in many tight contests. His calm and calculated approach in the death overs made him one of the most feared finishers in the game, ensuring India’s competitive edge in numerous tournaments.

Most runs as captain in T20 World Cups:

– 549 – Babar Azam (17 inns)*

– 529 – MS Dhoni (29 inns)

– 527 – Kane Williamson (19 inns)

– 360 – M Jayawardene (11 inns)

– 352 – Graeme Smith (16 inns)

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, with 527 runs in 19 innings, holds the third spot and exemplifies consistency and grace under pressure. His tactical brilliance and ability to adapt to different match situations have been key to New Zealand’s success. Williamson’s composed and technically sound batting style has made him a reliable leader and a vital run-scorer for his team.

Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene, accumulating 360 runs in just 11 innings, showcased his class and elegance, earning the fourth spot. Despite playing fewer matches, his impact was profound, often leading from the front and guiding his team through challenging phases with his experience and skill.

South Africa’s Graeme Smith, with 352 runs in 16 innings, rounds off this elite group. Smith’s aggressive and fearless approach set the tone for his team, providing quick starts and building solid foundations for South Africa’s innings.

Indian American Physicians Laud And Support Indian Cricket Teams

“It was indeed a historic moment, as the United States Cricket Team led by Captain Monank Patel of Indian origin pulled off a sensational victory against Pakistan, winning by 5 runs in a Super Over during the T20 World Cup on Thursday, June 6th, 2024 at the Grand Prairie Stadium on Long Island, NY,” said Dr. Anjana Samadder, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) here.

As Team India, led by Rohit Sharma will play chief rival Pakistan in a group-stage game at the ICC Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday, June 9, 2024, Dr. Samadder along with a large number of Indian American Physicians has come down to New York to be part of and expressing their support for the Indian Team.

The marquee clash, and all games in the ongoing tournament, are being played in the “Twenty20” (T20) format—which is both the youngest and shortest version of international cricket and matches usually lasting around three-and-a-half hours long.

As the India Team is scheduled to take on Pakistan, the match between the arch-rivals is expected to be one of the most-watched sporting events of the year, and the sportsman spirit among Physicians of Indian Origin will come alive as hundrteds of them have come down to New York today to be part iof the annual General Body Meeting of AAPI and thereafter, to watch the game in person at the Stadium.

While the United States Cricket Team that has a large number of players of Indian origin has caused a massive upset in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, stunning former champions Pakistan by five runs in a Super Over after their encounter ended in a tie at the Grand Prairie Stadium here.

This was the USA’s second victory in Group A after they started with a win against Canada in the tournament lung-opener on June 1. Pakistan lost their first match and will take on arch-rivals India on Sunday in New York. This win marks the USA’s second triumph in Group A, showcasing the team’s growing prowess on the international stage. Led by an eclectic mix of domestic talent and experienced international players, the USA squad is rapidly becoming a formidable force in world cricket.

The 55 games are being played across six venues in the West Indies (Kensington Oval, Barbados; Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad; Providence Stadium, Guyana; Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua; Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia; Arnos Vale Stadium, St Vincent) and three venues in the USA (Eisenhower Park, New York; Lauderhill, Florida; and Grand Prairie, Texas).

The 2024 T20 World Cup are being contested by 20 teams – an increase from the 16 that took part in the 2022 tournament in Australia – split into four groups of five each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 round, in which the teams will be further divided into two groups of four each: A1, B2, C1 and D2 in one group, and A2, B1, C2 and D1 in the other group. The group stage will run from June 1 to 18, and the Super 8 round from June 19 to 24 entirely in the West Indies. The top two teams in each Super 8 group will then qualify for the semi-finals.

England are the defending champions, having beaten Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup final in Melbourne. Canada, USA and Uganda will be making their first appearance at a Men’s T20 World Cup.

The tournament, which is being co-hosted by USA and the West Indies, began on June 1, with USA playing Canada in Dallas, and will end with the final on June 29 in Barbados. The semi-finals are scheduled for June 26 in Guyana and June 27 in Trinidad.

The growing influence of physicians of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in healthcare, academic, research, and administrative positions across the nation. We the physicians of Indian origin are proud of our great achievements and contributions to our motherland, India, our adopted land, the US, and in a very significant way to the transformation of Indo-US relations.

Serving 1 in every 7 patients in the US, AAPI members care for millions of patients every day. At the same time, several of them have risen to hold high-flying jobs, shaping the policies, programs, and inventions that shape the landscape of healthcare in the US and around the world.

“Since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been at the forefront, representing a conglomeration of more than 125,000 practicing physicians in the United States, seeking to be the united voice for the physicians of Indian origin,” said Dr. Anjana Samadder. For more details about AAPI, please visit: www.appiusa,org

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