Aditya ChaudhuriThe games keep on coming at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and we have two crucial games lined up ahead of us on Day 13.
Afghanistan look to secure a Super Eight spot as they face Papua New Guinea, who are looking for their first win, while co-hosts USA go up against a struggling Ireland side in an encounter that also holds significant importance for Pakistan.
Here’s our predictions for the games taking place on Day 13 of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Men’s T20 WC 2024 Match 29: Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea | 06:00 IST, June 14
The first game of the day has Afghanistan taking on Papua New Guinea, with the former high on confidence following their wins against New Zealand and Uganda. Two convincing wins have all but confirmed Afghanistan’s spot in the Super Eights, and they will be looking to seal it against PNG.
While Rahanullah Gurbaaz and Ibrahim Zadran have been giving the Afghans big starts, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan have been tormenting the opposition batters. Before the Super Eights, Afghanistan will want to fine-tune the minute details. That their the middle batting order has not been properly tested is something they will be vary of.
Taking on Afghanistan are Papua New Guinea, who started well against the West Indies, fighting valiantly, before going down to Uganda.
This seems like a fairly one-sided affair, which should see Afghanistan taking the win and secure their Super Eight spot.
Fantasy XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sese Bau, Tony Ura, Kiplin Doriga, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazallaq Farooqi, Assad Vala, Alei Nao
Venue: Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago
Winner: Afghanistan
Men’s T20 WC 2024 Match 30: USA vs Ireland | 20:00 IST, June 14
The US take on Ireland in a crucial Group A game which is not only important for the teams playing but also for Pakistan.
The Americans, with two important wins under their belt, are one win away from not only securing a spot in the Super Eights but also ending Pakistan’s campaign. They are high on confidence, and although they went down to India, they are the favourites here against Ireland, who are yet to get off the mark.
I’m backing Monank Patel and his team to get past Ireland in this game.
Fantasy XI: Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Monank Patel, Andy Balbirinie, Corey Anderson, Lorcan Tucker, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Nosthush Kenjige
Venue: Lauderhill, Florida
Winner: USA
