“This is the Big Time” proclaims one of the marketing videos for this year’s T20 World Cup, and although the players taking part in the tournament are not actually the size of skyscrapers as the advert suggests, the spectacle itself is set to be enormous.
Held at some of Australia's most storied cricket venues, and among some of the best fans on the planet, the T20 World Cup will be a celebration of cricket’s most fast-paced and accessible format. But with games taking place almost every day until mid-November, where is the best place to start? From emotional rivalries to David and Goliath battles, here’s a selection of Koobit’s most highly recommended games at this year’s tournament:
Super 12: New Zealand v Australia (22 October)
Holders Australia kick off the Super 12 stage of the tournament with a huge game in Sydney. The Aussies will be roared on by their home support, but will also have to deal with the weight of expectation as they look to become the competition's first-ever back-to-back winners. Their opponents? Neighboring nation New Zealand, who enter the 2022 T20 World Cup as one of the favourites to take home the trophy for the first time.
Super 12: India v Pakistan (23 October)
Historic rivals, passionate fan bases, and one of the biggest cricket stadiums in the world – India v Pakistan in Melbourne will have it all. Tickets for this match have been incredibly popular from the moment they were released, and with the likes of Rishabh Pant and Babar Azam on the field, the game could be one of the tournament’s very best.
Super 12: England v Australia (28 October)
Melbourne Cricket Ground will welcome a bumper day of action on 28 October as Afghanistan take on Ireland, before England face Australia under the lights. Any game between these 2 old rivals is a bucket list experience, but with England ranked #2 in the world, and Australia playing in front of a lively home crowd, this contest is sure to be must-see cricket.
Semifinal 1: TBC v TBC (9 November)
If Australia qualify for the semifinals, they will play their match in Sydney on 9 November, meaning the hopes of the host nation could all rest on a result in the Harbour City. Whether the Aussies make the semifinal stage or not, a nail-biting battle at the legendary Sydney Cricket Ground for a place in the T20 World Cup Final will be high-stakes sport at its finest.
Final: TBC v TBC (13 November)
90,000 cricket fans will pack out the MCG on 13 November for the T20 World Cup Final. Electric atmosphere and world-class cricket are both guaranteed when this year’s finalists go head-to-head in the Victorian Capital with a place in the history books on the line. Can Australia do it again? Will New Zealand win their first World Cup? All will be revealed in Melbourne as the world watches on.
For more information about the T20 World Cup, or to purchase tickets, click here.