In the T20 World Cup 2024, being held in the USA and the West Indies, questions are being raised about the performance of major teams. The tournament, known for its unpredictability, has already seen some shocking results, leaving fans and experts alike questioning the form and strategies of several top-ranked teams.

In Group A, after Pakistan's unexpected defeat to the USA and their failure to chase a target of 120 runs against India, the pressure is mounting on Babar Azam's side. The Green Shirts, who were once considered strong contenders for the title, now find themselves in a precarious position. Their journey to the Super 8 stage is no longer in their hands, as they must rely on the outcomes of other matches. The team’s batting lineup, which was once its strength, has come under severe criticism for its inconsistency and inability to handle pressure situations. This has led to debates over team selection, the form of key players, and the leadership of Babar Azam. The inclusion of new talents and the exclusion of experienced players have also been questioned, with many fans expressing their concerns on social media.

Similarly, England's position in Group B is also unstable; another loss could eliminate them from the T20 World Cup. The English Lions, who have been one of the most dominant teams in white-ball cricket over the past few years, were defeated by Australia in a closely contested match. Their match against Scotland was washed out due to rain, adding to their woes. The English team, led by Jos Buttler, has struggled to find the right balance in their playing XI, with their middle order failing to capitalize on good starts. The absence of key players due to injuries has further compounded their problems. England’s bowling attack, which was once feared by opponents, has also failed to deliver in crucial moments, leading to questions about their ability to perform under pressure.

In Group C, New Zealand's position is even more concerning. The Kiwis, who were the runners-up in the 2021 T20 World Cup, have found themselves in a shocking position, even lower than Papua New Guinea, after suffering severe defeats in their initial two matches. Afghanistan upset the Kiwis in the first match, and hosts West Indies defeated them by 13 runs in the second match. The Black Caps, known for their disciplined approach and strong teamwork, have looked out of sorts in this tournament. Their top-order batting has been a major disappointment, with key players failing to perform. The team's bowling, which has traditionally been their strength, has also been unable to contain the opposition, leading to their downfall. The New Zealand fans, who had high hopes for their team, are now left wondering if their side can recover and make a last-ditch effort to reach the Super 8 stage.

From Group D, Sri Lanka's team is almost out of the tournament. The 2014 champions have struggled throughout the group stage, with their batting lineup collapsing under pressure in almost every match. Despite having some of the most experienced players in their squad, the team has been unable to find the right combination and has failed to perform collectively. Their defeat to Bangladesh was particularly disappointing, as it highlighted the lack of depth in their batting and the vulnerability of their bowling attack. On the other hand, Bangladesh and the Netherlands have emerged as strong contenders to reach the Super 8 round. Bangladesh, led by Shakib Al Hasan, has played some excellent cricket, with their bowlers and batsmen complementing each other well. The Netherlands, often considered underdogs, have surprised many with their disciplined performances and are now favorites to advance to the next stage.

A quick look at the points table shows that four major teams among the top-ranked ICC teams are fighting for survival: 2009 T20 World Cup winners Pakistan, New Zealand, defending champions England, and the 2014 winners Sri Lanka. The struggles of these traditional powerhouses have been the talk of the tournament, as their fans and cricket pundits try to understand the reasons behind their poor performances. The unpredictability of T20 cricket, combined with the pressure of a World Cup, seems to have taken a toll on these teams, leading to unexpected results.

It is notable that in this T20 World Cup, teams considered to be minor, like Scotland, the USA, Afghanistan, and the Netherlands, have caught the attention of the fans. These teams, often overshadowed by the bigger cricketing nations, have played with a fearless attitude, taking on the giants of the game without any hesitation. Their performances have added a new dimension to the tournament, proving that cricket is truly a game of glorious uncertainties. The rise of these so-called minor teams has also sparked discussions about the future of T20 cricket, as more and more nations are beginning to compete at the highest level, challenging the established order and making the game more global and inclusive.

As the tournament progresses, the focus will undoubtedly remain on how these major teams respond to the challenges they face. Will they be able to regroup and make a strong comeback, or will the underdogs continue to dominate and create more upsets? The T20 World Cup 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling editions of the tournament, with every match holding the potential to change the course of the competition. For the fans, this unpredictability is what makes the World Cup special, as they eagerly await to see which team will emerge as the ultimate champion.