2021 T20 Cricket World Cup: All you need to know

The seventh ICC T20 Cricket World Cup gets underway next month, with 16 teams fighting it out to be crowned world champions.

Ahead of its start, we’ve put together a handy guide on all you need to know about the tournament.

What is the T20 Cricket World Cup?

The T20 Cricket World Cup is a knockout twenty-twenty cricket tournament held every two years.

Some 16 teams take part, but the top-ranked eight teams (as of 20 March 2021) join the competition at the later, Super 12 stage.

The tournament begins with matches between the other eight teams, who are divided into two groups. The top two teams in each group qualify for the Super 12 stage, where they join the top-ranked sides, forming two groups of six teams.

The top two teams from each Super 12 group then go on to contest the semi-finals, with the tournament winners being crowned in the final after a single match of 20 overs each.

Where and when is the T20 Cricket World Cup being played?

The T20 Cricket World Cup will take place from Sunday, October 17, with the first match featuring hosts Oman and tournament debutants Papua New Guinea and will run until the final on Sunday, November 14.

All matches will be played at four venues in Oman and the United Arab Emirates, with the final taking place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Who are the previous T20 Cricket World Cup winners?

West Indies are the current T20 Cricket World Cup holders after they defeated England in 2016 final in Kolkata. An 85 not-out from Marlon Samuels led the Windies’ charge as they chased down a 155-run England lead to ultimately win by four wickets.

England failed to add to their 2010 World Cup success, where they defeated Australia. Other previous winners include India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

West Indies are the most successful team, winning the competition twice since the first T20 Cricket World Cup was first held in 2007.

What are the odds for the 2021 T20 Cricket World Cup?

2007 champions India are currently 5/2 favourites to lift the trophy in Oman and the UAE. They began this year well with a 3-2 T20 series win over England, but the fact they lost twice to Sri Lanka this summer shows the Indian team have some vulnerabilities.

England are currently ranked number one in the world and since losing the series to India in March, they have responded with a 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka and a 2-1 defeat of Pakistan. They are close second favourites at 3/1.

Australia have won only four times in fifteen T20 matches this year, including a disastrous 4-1 series defeat by Bangladesh most recently, which saw them slip below that rival in the ICC T20 world rankings. Captain Aaron Finch has a huge task on his hands to turn things around with his team a 6/1 chance to emerge victoriously.

West Indies are looking for their third ICC Cricket World Cup and come into the tournament in reasonable form having comfortably defeated Australia in July. Their team features classy veterans Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo and odds of 6/1 about their chances could provide some value.

New Zealand and Pakistan are priced at 7/1 and 10/1. Both would have fighting chances if finding their best form.

The outsiders to watch could be Bangladesh at 50/1. They have won T20 series against Australia and New Zealand most recently, proving they are not to be underestimated. Their qualification from Group B should be straightforward, but whether they have the firepower to challenge in the Super 12 remains to be seen.

Check out all the latest cricket betting odds at William Hill