The stage is set as all 16 teams captains had a press conference at the Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, starting on Sunday, October 16. Meanwhile, during the press meet, Australian skipper Aaron Finch surprised Babar Azam with a cake on his birthday.
Eight teams including Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia, United Arab Emirates, and Zimbabwe would take part in the first-round matches. Two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 12 stage starting on October 22.
The Australian captain Aaron Finch surprised Babar Azam with cake for his birthday. It was a heartwarming gesture from the Aussie skipper and was received well by fans all across the globe.
Later, the official social media handle of the ICC shared a couple of posts from the cake-cutting ceremony which took place after the press conference. Babar was accompanied by the likes of Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, and Jos Buttler as the Pakistan captain celebrated his special day with some of the biggest names in world cricket.
Watch the clip here:
Aaron Finch presents Babar Azam with a birthday cake 🎂
đź“ą: ICC | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FwduQV1fAp
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) October 15, 2022
Australia, New Zealand, England and the winner of Group A and runners-up of Group B will comprise Group 1 of the Super 12 stage. India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh and the winners of Group B and runners-up of Group A comprise Group 2.
Babar Azam-led Pakistan to meet India in their T20 World Cup opener
Babar Azam-led Pakistan side will meet Rohit Sharma’s Team India in their World Cup opener on October 23 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). They have landed in Australia on the back of the tri-series win in New Zealand, involving Bangladesh as well.
They will play a couple of practice games before their tournament opener. The Men in Green received a massive boost with star pace Shaheen Afridi regaining full fitness. He has already travelled to Australia and will be available from the first game.
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