The WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS will march at full speed when Group B opens on Wednesday, November 13, in Nagoya (Japan) and Taipei City (TPE).

World No. 1 Japan will face No. 15 Australia at 18 (local time) at the Vantelin Dome Nagoya. Taipei City will host two games at 18:30 (local time): No. 9 Cuba will face No. 12 Dominican Republic at Tianmu Stadium, while No. 2 Chinese Taipei will host No. 4 Korea at the Taipei Dome. Taipei City will host the remaining games of Group B through Monday, 18 November.

The top two finishers will face Group A's first and second-place teams in the Super Round at the Tokyo Dome.

The defending Premier12 champions, World No.1 Japan, are the favourites. Manager Hirokazu Ibata selected seven World Baseball Classic winners, including veteran shortstop Sosuke Genda, and built a solid pitching staff with some of the best NPB relievers, such as Yomiuri Giants closer Taisei Ota.

"Reviewing the previous Premier 12 and the Tokyo Olympics, I believe the chance of a starting pitcher going deep into games, such as 7 or 8 innings like during the regular season, is low," commented Ibata. "It's crucial to manage the bullpen, including the second starter and relief pitchers, so I want to make decisions based on the pitchers' conditions and status."

Second baseman Shugo Maki helped the Yokohama BayStars win the Japan Series. Kazuma Okamoto hit 27 home runs for the Giants.

No. 4 Korea participated in both Premier12 finals, defeating the US in 2015 and losing to Japan in 2019. Manager Joong Il Ryu put together a very competitive roster despite selecting a relatively young team. One of the young players is 21-year-old phenom Doyeong Kim. The third baseman hit 38 home runs and stole 40 bases, helping the Kia Tigers to the Korean Series title. Ryu's bullpen counts on five KBO closers, including saves leader Hai-Young Jung (Kia Tigers).

"We may lack experience," commented Ryu, "but our pitching staff will be really good in the middle and late innings."

No. 2 Chinese Taipei will rely on two former CPBL MVPs, infielders Li Lin and Yu-Hsien Chu, talented prospects under contract with MLB organizations such as catcher Lyle Lin, and solid pitching. Kuan-Yu Chen (Rakuten Monkeys) has played in both the 2015 and 2019 Premier12 editions. Manager Hao-Jiu Tseng has selected his 28-player roster from an initial pool of 80 players.

"I believe we will rely on teamwork and maintain a great balance on both offensive and defensive sides, pitching and batting," commented Tseng.

No. 9 Cuba may not dominate international baseball as they used to, but manager Armando Johnson put together a respectable roster. The best-known player is infielder Yoan Moncada, who appeared in over 700 MLB games. Livan Moinelo, who played the Japan Series with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, will be the top starting pitcher. Raidel Martinez (Chunichi Dragons) is one of NPB's best closers. Former Japan Series winner and Baseball World Cup Home Run King Alfredo Despaigne is expected to provide power.

"We chose the individuals who best fit our idea, and we believe they will come together as a team," said Johnson.

No. 12 Dominican Republic had a "complicated" selection process, according to manager César Martin. The pitching staff has in Willy Peralta and Diego Castillo MLB veterans of over 250 games each. Castillo appeared in seven MLB games in 2024. Martin believes pitching will be the team's strength. Still, third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez, switch-hitting middle infielder Alen Hanson and utility Arismendy Alcantara guarantive extensive MLB experience at bat. Shortstop José Devers played three MLB games for the Miami Marlins in 2024.

Last but not least, No. 15 Australia cannot be overlooked in the Super Round race. Infielder Travis Bazzana (21) was the No.1 pick overall in MLB's draft. The roster is rich in World Baseball Classic and Premier12 experience. Left-hander Steve Kent participated in the 2015 and 2019 editions. The pitching staff is experienced and solid. Right-hander Warwick Saupold and left-hander Lewis Thorpe guarantee MLB experience.

"We are very pleased with the team," said Dave Nilsson, the former MLB All-Star who has managed Australia since the Premier12 2019. "On the back of last year's World Baseball Classic, I identified a large group of athletes and landed on the guys I thought would put us in the best position for success. Pitching and defence I think will be very good."