T20 World Cup 2021: Latest Schedule, Points Table, Teams, Live Score and Match Updates
Latest T20 World Cup 2021 updates with complete schedules, time table, live score and news. The T20 World Cup is scheduled from 17th October to 14th November with 12 teams participating in the event. The event is being held in UAE and Oman. Get the most comprehensive coverage for the tournament with complete schedule and statistics. Subscribe to daily alerts for daily updates about the T20 World Cup.
T20 World Cup 2021 - Upcoming Matches List
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 – UAE/Oman
The much-awaited ICC T20 World Cup is to be held in UAE and Oman from October 17, 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the tournament twice since last year (2020). Initially, it is was supposed to be played back in Australia before moving to India but the ICC has confirmed final venues to be in UAE and Oman this year.
Before the pandemic, Australia was scheduled to host the ICC T20 World-Cup 2021 but by mutual agreement, Australia and India had swapped the hosting rights. Therefore Australia will host the WT20 in 2022, while India will be hosting this year (in UAE). India, last time had hosted the T20 World Cup in 2016. It will be for the first that India will host back-to-back ICC T20 World Cups.
A T20 World Cup tournament is always a celebration for cricket fans all over the world. T20 is such an unpredictable format that it allows even undergoes to win matches and titles.
This T20 World Cup will financially benefit all the teams as teams can compensate for the loss during the pandemic time. Three ICC events are line-up for three consecutive years hence the players must be ready for a jampacked calendar of cricket coming up.
T20 World Cup 2021 Venues
On 17 April 2021, the BCCI proposed the name of the cities which are scheduled to be hosting the matches. Bangalore, Chennai, Dharamshala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and New Delhi were the venues along with Ahmedabad, hosting the final of the event. On 18 April 2021, it was announced that Pakistan would play two of their group matches in Delhi, while Mumbai and Kolkata would host the semi-finals. On 28 June 2021, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly confirmed that board has officially communicated to the ICC about their decision to move the event from India to the UAE. Some of the preliminary round matches of the event are also set to be held in Oman. On 29 June 2021, the ICC confirmed that the T20 World Cup would be played in the UAE and Oman. The tournament will take place in four venues: the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and the Oman Cricket Academy Ground.
4 Cities/Stadiums to host the WT20 matches are as following:
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Dubai)
- Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Sharjah)
- Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium (Abu Dhabi)
- Oman Cricket Academy Ground (Muscat/Oman)
Teams Participating in the World T20 Event
A total of 16 teams will compete in this year’s edition of World T20. 10 teams are the permanent teams with T20I status by ICC as these teams have played the previous edition of WT20.
There are six new teams that had made up to the WT20 by winning the qualification round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019 which was hosted in UAE.
Here is the list of teams participating in the WT20.
- India (host)
- England
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- South Africa
- West Indies
- Afghanistan
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
Teams that have qualified for the WT20 via ICC men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier:
- Netherlands
- Papua New Guinea
- Ireland
- Namibia
- Scotland
- Oman
T20 World Cup 2021 Format & Groups
The full schedule and the group division haven’t been announced officially, but it is expected to go based on the schedule which was earlier planned for WT20 – 2020.
Firstly the bottom eight teams including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be split up into two groups (group A and group B).
Group A consists of Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Ireland, and Oman
Group B consists of Bangladesh, Netherlands, Namibia, and Scotland.
Each team will play 3 matches against the teams of their own group. The top-2 teams from each group (A and B) will head to the super-12 leg (which has the top 8 teams).
The super-12 will also be divided into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2)
The winner of group A (A1) and runner-up of group B (B1) will join group 1 of the super-12 which consists of other teams namely Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and West Indies.
The winner of group B (B1) and runner-up of group A (A2) will join group 2 of the super-12 containing India, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa.
T20 World Cup Super 12 Table
Group 1 | Group 2 |
Australia | India |
New Zealand | England |
Pakistan | Afghanistan |
West Indies | South Africa |
A1 | B1 |
B2 | A2 |
Finally, the top 2 teams from each group (group 1 and 2) will play knock-out matches (semi-final and then final)
Note: The groups and schedule could change as it hasn’t been announced officially
T20 World Cup Team Records
The West Indies who are the defending champions have won the most number of ICC T20 World Cup tiles. They have won two titles in 2016 and 2012. India had won the inaugural edition of WT20 in 2007.
WT20 Champions (year-wise)
- West Indies (2016)
- Sri Lanka (2014)
- West Indies (2012)
- England (2010)
- Pakistan (2009)
- India (2007)
Teams with most wins:
Sri Lanka has won the most number of matches in ICC WT20 history, followed by Pakistan and India.
Top-10 teams (victory-wise)
- Sri Lanka (22)
- India (20)
- Pakistan (19)
- South Africa (18)
- West Indies (17)
- Australia (16)
- England (15)
- New Zealand (15)
- Afghanistan (5)
- Bangladesh (5)
Top-5 teams with most defeats
- Bangladesh (19)
- England (16)
- Pakistan (14)
- Australia (13)
- New Zealand (13)
Player Records in T20 World Cup
Who are the top-10 Run getters of ICC T20 World Cups?
- Mahela Jayawardene [SL] – 1016 runs at an average of 39.07
- Chris Gayle [WI] – 920 runs at an average of 40
- Tillakaratne Dilshan [SL] – 897 runs at an average of 39.93
- Virat Kohli [IND] – 777 runs at an average of 86.33
- AB De Villiers [SA] – 717 runs at an average of 29.87
- Rohit Sharma [IND] – 673 runs at an average of 39.58
- Kumar Sangakkara [SL] – 661 runs at an average of 25.42
- Brendon McCullum [NZ] – 637 runs at an average of 28.95
- Yuvraj Singh [IND] – 593 runs at an average of 23.72
- Kevin Pietersen [ENG] – 580 runs at an average of 44.61
Who are the top-10 wicket-takers of ICC WT20?
- Shahid Afridi [PAK] – 39 wickets
- Lasith Malinga [SL] -38 wickets
- Saeed Ajmal [PAK] – 36 wickets
- Mendis [SL] – 35 Wickets
- Umar Gul [PAK] – 35 wickets
- Shakib Al Hasan [BAN] – 30 wickets
- Dale Steyn [SA] – 30 wickets
- Stuart Broad [ENG] – 30 wickets
- DJ Bravo [WI] – 25 wickets
- Samuel Badree [WI] – 24 wickets
Which players have taken the most catches in ICC WT20’s?
- AB De Villiers [SA] – 23 catches
- Martin Guptill [NZ] – 15 catches
- David Warner [AUS] – 15 catches
- DJ Bravo [WI] – 15 catches
- Ross Taylor [NZ] (14 catches)
- Nathan McCullum [NZ] – 13 catches
- Darren Sammy [WI] -13 catches
- Mahela Jayawardene [SL] -13 catches
- Mike Hussey [AUS] – 12 catches
- Rohit Sharma [IND] – 12 catches
Most Sixes
- Chirs Gayle [WI] – 60 sixes
- Yuvraj Singh [IND] – 33 Sixes
- Shane Watson [AUS] – 31 sixes
- AB De Villers [SA] – 30 sixes
- Mahela Jayawardene [SL] – 25 sixes
- DJ Bravo [WI] – 24 sixes
- Rohit Sharma [IND] – 24 sixes
- JP Duminy [SA] – 23 sixes
- Ross Taylor [NZ] -23 sixes
- Marlon Samuels [WI] – 21 sixes
Contest to Watch out for in 2021 T20 World Cup
India vs Pakistan
India and Pakistan are two neighboring countries where the passion for cricket is always at its peak. These two nations have a rich history of rivalry as games go down the wire till the last over.
Over the years, there have been intensive political issues between these two countries, therefore for the past 8 years, no bilateral cricket was played between these two nations.
India-Pakistan matches always generate higher revenues and viewership. Hence, ICC always schedules India and Pakistan in each and every ICC event.
Surprisingly, this year India and Pakistan don’t meet (schedule could change) in any of the league stage matches as there are not in the same group. However, there are chances of them facing the knock-outs (semi-final or final).
Pakistan has never won a match against India in ICC events. India and Pakistan have played 4 matches in ICC T20 World Cup, out of which all 4 matches have been won by India.
The last time when these two teams played in WT20 was in 2016 at Eden Gardens. Pakistan batting first only managed to put a below-par score of 118 runs on a pacer-friendly track. India’s run-chase of a low total didn’t start off well as the top order collapsed at 23 for 3. Then Virat Kohli walked to the crease and he started negotiating the Pakistani bowlers in the power-play. After becoming set in the middle, he started playing his shorts. He eventually remained unbeaten at 55 runs to ensure that his team reaches the target well within the 20 overs.
Key Battle: The key battle to watch out for is between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. Both these are main heroes and spearheads for the batting lineup of their respective teams. Although Virat has got other player’s support with the likes of Rohit and Rahul. Babar is kind of a lone-warrior for his side. However, the Pakistani fans expect other players’ contributions as well.
India vs England
India and England are set to knock horns in the World Cup group stage match as they are in the same group. These two teams have met thrice in WT20’s from which India has the upper hand by winning 2 out 3.
On 19th September 2007 in a World Cup league stage match between India and England, the left-handed batter of India -Yuvraj Singh smashed 6 sixes in 6 continuous deliveries off Stuart Broad’s over, thus becoming the first batsman to score 6 sixes in an over in a T20 international game. India eventually won the game by 18 runs after posting a mammoth total of 218 courtesy of Yuvraj’s quick-fire 58 of just 16 balls.
The last time when these two teams met in an ICC T20 World Cup was in 2012 where England was bundled out for just 80 runs on a run- chase of 170 runs. The England batters were not able to pick the doosra of off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, thus losing their wicket by getting either bowled or lbw.
Key Battle: One key battle to watch out for is between Rohit Sharma and Jofra Archer. Rohit Sharma tends to get beaten by the quick pace at the start of the innings, hence Jofra Archer is the kind of lethal bowler who can give a tough time to the opening batter.
England Vs Australia
The England-Australia contest will be a famous one as two arch-rivals who met at the Ashes will be face-to-face in this world cup. Although they are not in the same group (as of now) but are expected to meet in the knock-outs.
The last time when these two teams met at ICC knockouts was in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 semi-final. England had won that match and eventually went on to win the world cup 2019. Australia will look to seek revenge and try to beat England this time around.
England had won their first ICC title (ICC T20 World Cup) against Australia in 2010. They convincingly chased a modest total of 147 runs with 3 overs left in the match. England under the captaincy of Paul Collingwood won their maiden ICC title.
Key Battle to Watch out for – The world cricket fans will be eager to see the battle of Steve Smith and Jofra Archer. In Ashes, Jofra Archer had troubled Smith a lot as he bowled a lot of bouncers of speed 145+. Steve Smith got a nasty blow on the head of Archer’s delivery as he (Smith) was seen lying on the ground for more than 1 minute.
Smith went to the dressing room (retired hurt) but came back again and started taking on Archer’s speedy bouncer as he scored boundaries of pull-shorts. He eventually ended up scoring 90 odd runs in a low-scoring match.
Preparations of teams before the World Cup 2021 event
With less than 7 months left for the WT20, the teams to start preparing their team combinations, probable 11, etc. The strategies and game-plans are being made by various teams. Before the start of the world cup event, there are still a few bilateral series from which all teams will try and experiment with their new young players before finalizing their squad for the WT20.
England and India are favorites to win this tournament. Let’s find out the preparations of these top teams.
India
India being the host are one of the strongest teams for the upcoming WT20. India has three main match-winners in the team – Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. These three players are the pillars of the team around which all other players revolve.
With the comeback of Rishab Pant in the squad in the upcoming T20I series against England, the team has three impactful players (the other two are Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja) who on their given day can change the course of the game.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are two consistent and reliable players whose experience will come in handy at knock-outs.
Along with these regulars, the Indian team is looking to invest in the newcomers – Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Rahul Tewatia. These players have rewarded with a national call for the 5-match T20I series against England after the consistent performance in domestic cricket as well as the IPL.
India has 15 matches (approx) before the start of WT20. Hence India will have enough match practice to settle their probable 15 squad members.
India Probable 20 for WT20: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Rishab Pant, Sanju Samson, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, YuzI Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, T Natarajan
England
England’s T20 team currently is the strongest team in world cricket although they are not ranked higher in the ICC T20 rankings. For the 2019 world-cup, England had started their preparation in 2015 itself. They completely changed the style of ODI cricket by scoring 350+ runs regularly in most of ODI matches.
In T20 too, England is well prepared as they have most of their bases covered in the T20 line-up. Credit goes to Eoin Morgan for building a strong unit and giving chances to new players way before the start of the World Cup year. The batting of England is so long that skipper Eoin Morgan pushes himself down the order.
Dawid Malan who is currently the no of T20 batsmen is in form of his life. He has been a vital player for England’s success in T20I’s recently. England has match-winners like Buttler, Stokes, Roy, and Bairstow who can change the momentum of the match on their given day.
Their bowling also looks decent with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Adil Rashid. Although there not many big names in the bowling department, T20 is a format that does not go on big named bowlers.
England has 13 matches before the start of WT20. England will look to experiment on 2 or 3 spots. Not massive changes will be seen by the team as they will carry the probable 20 players in most of the matches.
England is in search of a third spinner as they will need a back-up option for Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali especially when the world cup is in India.
Although, ECB (England cricket board) has adopted a rotation policy in the pandemic period but England team will rotate their players lesser in the T20 format in comparison to other formats.
England’s Probable 20 for WT20: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, David Malan, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Sam Billings, Eoin Morgan, Liam Livingstone, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Reece Topley, Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Saqib Mahamood
T20 World Cup 2021 Latest Updates
The T20 World Cup 2021 is the 7th edition of the tournament. Australia will be hosting the mega event in Oct-November 2021. While the 2020 edition has been postponed, the event will now be hold in 2021 during October and November months as confirmed by the ICC committee. It is also confirmed that we will have a T20 World Cup event in 2022 as well which makes it two mega events back to back in 2 years.
2021 T20 World Cup FAQ
Has the T20 World Cup been rescheduled to 2021?
Yes, the 2020 edition of T20 World Cup has been rescheduled to Oct-Nov 2021 as per ICC committee. The 2021 edition will be hosted by India.
When does the T20 World Cup 2021 begin?
Which teams are participating in T20 World Cup 2021?
A total of 12 teams will be participating in the 2021 T20 World Cup this year including Australia, Afghanistan, England, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies.
Who will be hosting 2021 and 2022 tournaments?
How can I set free reminder for T20 World Cup matches?
Why was the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 event postponed?
Can I have refund for tickets purchased for T20 World Cup 2020?
Ticket holders are welcome to retain their tickets, noting:
- If Australia hosts in 2021, tickets will remain valid for fans who have already bought and will be automatically updated to reflect the new dates
- If Australia hosts in 2022, for tickets already bought a full refund will be processed automatically
Can I retain my tickets until a date has been confirmed for the event?
When do I have to request the refund by?
Learn more about ICC T20 World Cup:
All about T20 World Cup on Wikipedia
Official Website of ICC World Twenty 20
Watch Video Updates of T20 World Cup on YouTube