UAE time schedule of World T20 in India

Click to enlarge table

Top-ranked India are favourites to clinch the sixth edition of the World Twenty20 as the hosts aim to become the tournament's only two-time winner.

South Africa, Australia and the mercurial West Indies shaping as leading threats while Australia, the top-ranked Test side, are desperate to win their first World Twenty20 crown.

The home side led by start their campaign against New Zealand on March 15 before playing arch-rivals Pakistan in Dharamsala four days later in a hotly awaited clash.

Second-ranked South Africa are hoping to spoil India's party and come into the tournament full of confidence following a T20 series whitewash against England.

The preliminary round starts on Tuesday, with Afghanistan and Bangladesh favourites to join the big eight teams in the Super 10 group stage.