T20 World Cup 2022 is underway in Australia right now, and the mega event features 16 teams this year. 12 of them have qualified for the Super 12 round which started earlier today. Eight teams, namely, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Australia, England and New Zealand earned a direct entry to the main round.
Four teams – Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Zimbabwe and Ireland have joined them after finishing in Top 2 in Round 1 groups. Every year, fans witness some never seen before match-ups at the T20 World Cup. Last year, there was a battle between India and Namibia for the first time ever in T20I cricket history. Even Pakistan and New Zealand played against Namibia for the very first time at last year’s T20 World Cup.
Similarly, at this year’s mega event, there will be two T20I matches that will happen for the first time in the history of the shortest format of the game. Here’s a look at those two matches.
1. India vs Netherlands will happen for the first time in T20 World Cup 2022
Netherlands have worked very hard in the last few years. After missing out on a place in the Super 12 round last year, the Dutch team has made an entry in Group 2 of the Super 12 round this year. The Dutch team will square off against India on October 27 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
It will be one of the biggest matches in the history of Netherlands cricket. The Dutch team will be keen to bring their ‘A’ game to the table against the Men in Blue.
2. Australia vs Afghanistan
Multiple Afghanistan players have played in Australia’s Big Bash League, but quite surprisingly, the Afghanistan team has never played a T20I in Australia or against Australia before. They will take on the home side at the Adelaide Oval on November 4.
