Who will win the 2024 T20 World Cup? Five contenders to lift the trophy

Here, SABC Sport takes a look at how the main contenders are shaping up ahead of the global showpiece.

Australia

The men from Down Under are looking to create a bit of history in the Caribbean. Should the World Test and ODI champions win the silverware, they will be the first team to hold all ICC trophies simultaneously. There is no questioning their championship mentality under the mercurial Pat Cummins.

Opener Travis Head is arguably the most destructive batsman around at the minute, averaging 40.50 at a scarcely believable 191.55 strike rate in the recent IPL. Mitchell Starc is also coming into to some form at the right time. 

While Australia lost 4-1 to India in an away series, they steamrolled South Africa, West Indies and New Zealand, showing they are far from undercooked.

England

Given a host of dangerous players, the defending champions are in the mix, but only just. Since lifting the trophy two years ago, their form in the shortest format has been poor, to say the least. Since being crowned champions, England lost a series 3-0 to Bangladesh, drew 2-2 with plucky New Zealand and lost 3-2 to the West Indies.

However, England have several red-hot hitters in their batting line-up. Led by talisman Jos Buttler, who is in form in the IPL, the firepower is evident. Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow also recently blasted centuries in the IPL. England also welcome the return of Jofra Archer, who will be paired with fellow quick Mark Wood. Finally, spinner Adil Rashid is currently the top-ranked bowler in T20Is.

India

The subcontinental giants come into the tournament off the back of all their superstars competing in the competitive IPL. The close proximity to the IPL is intriguing, as it's given selectors a broad look at all the talent India has to offer.

That said, it's seemingly the old guard that still holds sway. Virat Kohli finished as the top run-scorer in the IPL with a ridiculous 61.75 average, while paceman Jasprit Bumrah was third in the wickets column. meanwhile, the talented Suryakumar Yadav tops the T20I batting rankings. India also boast a red-hot record over the last 18 months, earning wins in 12 out of their last 14 T20Is.

South Africa 

You have to believe that with every white-ball World Cup that goes by, the Proteas get close to a trophy. The South Africans will arrive in the Caribbean with a strong squad, so strong that Rassie van der Dussen, the second-highest run-scorer in T20Is this year, was left out.

In his place is Ryan Rickelton, the leading run-scorer of the 2024 SA20 with a healthy average of 58.88. Meanwhile, captain Aiden Markram and opener Reeza Hendricks are ranked in the top ten T20 batters, while legspinner Tabriaz Shamsi is ranked seventh in the bowling rankings. Form-wise, however, it's not a pretty picture. The Proteas head into the tournament off the back of two drawn series and two series whitewashed, most recently against the West Indies. 

Dark horse 

New Zealand

The perennial dark horse of seemingly every ICC tournament. Punters ignore the Black Caps at their own peril. The 2022 semifinalists were only eliminated by an inspired Pakistan outfit who were incredible on the day. Now, two years later, New Zealand's form reflects their underdog tag. Results have been below par, with recent drawn series' against Pakistan and Bangladesh, while going down 3-0 to cross-Tasman rivals Australia.

However, talisman Kane Williamson is back in charge of the Black Caps and they can also lean on the experience of veterans Trent Boult and Tim Southee. In addition, young talent is rising fast, with Rachin Ravindra proving himself across all formats.

READ MORE: Five players key to the Proteas' 2024 T20 World Cup campaign