Men's T20 WC 2021: India, Pakistan placed in Group 2

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the groups for the Men's T20 World Cup 2021. Former champions India and Pakistan have been placed in Group 2, which also comprises New Zealand, Afghanistan, and the other two qualifiers from Round 1. Notably, the T20 WC is set to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman from October 17 to November 14.

Defending champions WI placed in Group 1

The groups have been selected on the basis of Team Rankings (as of March 20, 2021). Defending champions West Indies have been drawn with England, Australia, and South Africa in Group 1 of the Super 12s. Two qualifiers from Round 1 will join them.

Our countdown for the T20 WC begins: Jay Shah

"With the announcement of groupings, our countdown for the ICC T20 World Cup kick-starts. There is nothing that separates the two groups as both are packed with sides that are highly competitive in the shortest format of the game," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said. "Having said that, the exciting T20 format is known for its surprises, and we must be prepared for the same."

T20 World Cup: The Indo-Pak rivalry

India and Pakistan have produced some riveting encounters at the T20 World Cup. India defeated Pakistan to win the inaugural edition of World T20 in 2007. In the same edition, the first clash between the two nations led to a historic bowl-out. Notably, India are unbeaten against Pakistan in the tournament (five matches). They last defeated Pakistan in the 2016 T20 WC.

Key details about the first round

The matches in the first round will be split between two groups. Group A has Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia, while Group B comprises of Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and Oman. The top-two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 12s, which will be played at three venues - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.

Here are the groups

Group 1: England, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, Winner Group A, Runner-up Group B Group 2: India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Runner-up Group A, Winner Group B Group A: Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands, Namibia Group B: Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, Oman

T20 WC 2021, Super 12: Here are the two groups

T20 WC to run from October 17 to November 14

The 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup was supposed to be held in India. However, the tournament was shifted to the UAE and Oman due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament will run from October 17 to November 14 across four venues - Dubai International Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Sharjah Stadium, and Oman Cricket Academy Ground. Meanwhile, the fixtures will be announced soon.