The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 kicked off on October 3 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and will run until October 20. Ten teams are participating in the tournament, competing in 23 matches over 18 days. Initially planned for Bangladesh, the tournament was moved to the UAE due to political unrest.
Australia, the defending champions, will aim to secure their seventh title. Other teams like England and West Indies, previous champions, are also competing for glory. The tournament features some of the best talent in women’s cricket, and fans are treated to a round-robin format in the group stage. Teams are divided into two groups, A and B.
Group A Standings – Women’s T20 World Cup
After the initial matches, New Zealand leads Group A, having won their first match convincingly. Their win came with a high Net Run Rate (NRR), giving them an advantage early in the tournament. Pakistan also started strong with a win, keeping the competition tight.
Here’s how the Group A standings currently look:
- New Zealand – Played 1, Won 1, 2 points, NRR: +2.900
- Pakistan – Played 1, Won 1, 2 points, NRR: +1.550
- Australia – Played 0, Won 0, 0 points, NRR: 0.000
- Sri Lanka – Played 1, Lost 1, 0 points, NRR: -1.550
- India – Played 1, Lost 1, 0 points, NRR: -2.900
New Zealand‘s dominant performance puts them at the top of the table, while Australia has yet to play its first match. Sri Lanka and India are currently at the bottom but will look to bounce back in their upcoming games.
Group B Standings – Women’s T20 World Cup
In Group B, Bangladesh and South Africa both secured wins in their opening matches. Bangladesh sits slightly above South Africa in the points table due to a superior Net Run Rate (NRR).
Here are the standings for Group B:
- Bangladesh – Played 1, Won 1, 2 points, NRR: +0.800
- South Africa – Played 1, Won 1, 2 points, NRR: +0.773
- England – Played 0, Won 0, 0 points, NRR: 0.000
- West Indies – Played 1, Lost 1, 0 points, NRR: -0.773
- Scotland – Played 1, Lost 1, 0 points, NRR: -0.800
Both Bangladesh and South Africa have started their campaigns with solid wins, while England, West Indies, and Scotland are yet to make a mark on the tournament. England, who won the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009, will look to make a strong comeback.
Tournament Format
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 follows a single round-robin format during the group stage. Each team will play every other team in its group once. Two points are awarded for a win, and in case of a tie, the match will be decided in a Super Over. If two or more teams finish on the same points, the team with the superior Net Run Rate (NRR) will be ranked higher.
At the end of the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The table topper from each group will play the second-placed team from the opposite group. The final will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 20.
Key Contenders
Australia remains the favorite to win the tournament, with six titles already to their name, but teams like England, New Zealand, and South Africa are also strong contenders. With a competitive line-up, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling cricket matches in the coming weeks.
