T20 World Cup 2024: Rating top teams based on their spin combinations

South Africa T20 world Cup Kit 2024. (Source -Twitter/X)

With just days left for the start of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, all 20 teams are busy with their preparations. The premier 20-over tournament will be played in the USA and West Indies from June 2. Batters generally have the upper hand in the shorter format of the game, but the slower tracks on Windies’ soil are likely to assist the spinners as well.

Pitches tend to slow down and produce decent turns, preventing batters from firing on all cylinders. Keeping this in mind, all the participants strengthened their spin unit this time. It will be an exciting battle to see how the batters will fare on the tricky surface at the marquee event.

Here are the top 10 teams based on their spin combinations for the T20 World Cup 2024:

10. West Indies (5/10)

West Indies. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

While the rest of the teams have strengthened their spin attack for the event, it is interesting to note that hosts West Indies lack a lethal spinner in their ranks. Their spin unit will rely heavily on current World No. 3 T20I bowler Akeil Hosein. Inexperienced left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and all-rounder Roston Chase are the two other options available to them.

9. Australia (5.5/10)

Australia-Team. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Australia made a last-minute change to their spin section after analysing the conditions. They explored the inclusion of a third spinner alongside Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell. Ashton Agar managed to return to the team despite not having played a T20I match since the last World Cup in 2022. Notably, Australia’s main weapon is the leg-spinner Zampa, who has a lot of variations to trouble the batters on a spinner-friendly pitch.

Also Check: Australia’s T20 World Cup History from 2007 to 2024: Stats, records, milestones, and more

8. Pakistan (6/10)

Pakistan Cricket. (Source – Twitter/X)

One of the key takeaways from the Pakistan squad announcement was the exclusion of Usama Mir. Despite being the highest wicket-taker in PSL 2024 with 24 wickets, the leg-spinner was overlooked by the selectors. Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan are the specialist spinners on their side. Meanwhile, spin all-rounders like Imad Wasim and Iftikhar Ahmed will also add strength to their attack.

7. England (6.5/10)

England. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

The world No. 1 T20I bowler Adil Rashid and newcomer Tom Hartley are the two pillars of England’s bowling department. Although they only have two specialist spinners in the ranks, they also have quality all-rounder options in Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali.

Also Read: England’s T20 World Cup history from 2007-2024: Stats, Records milestones, and more

6. South Africa (7/10)

South Africa Team ( Source : X / Twitter )

South Africa have plenty of spin options available but interestingly, three of their main spinners are left-handed. The spin department will be commanded by the trio of Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi. They also have right-arm spin options in Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs. The reason behind this spin-heavy bowling unit is understood to be their spinners who have fared better than their pacers on Caribbean soil in recent years.

5. Bangladesh (7.5/10)

Bangladesh Cricket Team. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

It looks like a calculated move from Bangladesh as they have named a spin-heavy bowling unit for the tournament. Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Tanveer Islam are the specialist spinners in their line-up. With veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan also joining with his left-arm spin, the Tigers have a formidable spin attack this time around.

4. New Zealand (8/10)

New-Zealand. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama / AFP) (Photo by SANKA VIDANAGAMA/AFP via Getty Images)

Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner will be New Zealand’s key weapons in the World Cup. Both are seasoned campaigners who have played more than 100 international T20 matches. While Sodhi is known for his wicket-taking prowess, Santner’s skills lie mainly in bowling economically. The Black Caps will also have the services of Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra in the spin department.

3. Sri Lanka (8.5/10)

Sri Lanka Team. (Photo Source: Sri Cricket/Twitter)

Sri Lanka have a bevvy of spinning options in their squad for the marquee event. Skipper Wanindu Hasaranga and off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana are the leading forces in this department. Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage are capable of providing an additional option.

2. India (9/10)

India. (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR / AFP) (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Team India have picked four spinners in their T20 World Cup squad. Interestingly enough, Captain Rohit Sharma was reluctant to reveal the reason as he felt the opposition captain would follow his idea. With the conditions favourable for the spinners, India have bolstered their attack with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

1. Afghanistan (9.5/10)

Afghanistan players celebrate a wicket. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)

Afghanistan have one of the strongest bowling line-ups for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 edition. As usual, their spin attack is their main strength and could cause some upsets for the tournament favourites. Captain Rashid Khan will lead the unit consisting of Mujeeb ur Rehman and Noor Ahmed. They will also get the assistance of richly experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi.