T20 WC 2024: England named winners of the tournament even before match 1 by..

England leg-spinner Adil Rashid expressed confidence that his team would defend the title in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA in June. Adil Rashid stated that the team's disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 won't affect their mindset.

The Jos Buttler-led team had a forgettable outing in last year's ICC tournament. England failed to advance to the semifinal stage and finished in seventh place. The team managed to secure just three wins out of nine matches. They endured surprising losses against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

Didn't Have The Best Tournament - Adil Rashid

Speaking at the ECB's launch of a national tape-ball competition, Adil Rashid acknowledged England's poor performance in the ODI World Cup 2023. Rashid stated that they will succeed again if they have the same belief.

"The 50 overs was a completely different format," Rashid said, speaking at ECB's launch of a national tape-ball competition.

"We had a poor run or whatever. It is what it is. We didn't have the best tournament. We didn't play well: bat, ball, as a team, as a unit - everything. But I think this is a completely different format where currently we're world champions at that."

"We're confident. We've got the team, we've got the mindset, we've got the players, we've got the experience. If we go out there having the same belief, I think we'll - hopefully - go all the way."

England won all matches in the T20 World Cup except one loss against Ireland. The English team defeated Team India by 10 wickets in the semifinal match. They secured their second T20 World Cup title by defeating Pakistan by five wickets at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

We May Not Be Playing Well - Adil Rashid

Adil Rashid stated that teams can excel and win the World Cup when the tournament begins. The right-arm leg spinner mentioned that teams can post higher totals like 250 or 300 with freedom in T20 cricket.

"If you have too much planning with T20 cricket then you're limiting yourself to, maybe, 180 or 170. But if you actually play with freedom, you can get to 250, 300."

The Jos Buttler-led team will play a four-match T20I series against Pakistan at home in May. The England selectors are expected to announce their squad for the next week. Pace bowler Jofra Archer is likely to return to the team after his 14-month absence from international cricket.

The defending champions are in Group B for the upcoming mega event, along with Australia, Namibia, Scotland, and Oman. Notable players like Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, and Phil Salt are expected to represent England in the tournament.

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