There will be 20 teams present at the expanded T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States next month – Rory Dollard has the lowdown.
GROUP A
INDIA
- Captain: Rohit Sharma (c)
- Coach: Rahul Dravid
- Danger man: Suryakumar Yadav
- 2022: Semi-finals
Prospects: Nothing less than victory will satisfy the fans following defeat at home in the 50-over final in November. A global title is long overdue for the richest nation in the game.
PAKISTAN
- Captain: Babar Azam
- Coach: Gary Kirsten
- Danger man: Shaheen Shah Afridi
- 2022: Runner-up
Prospects: Will the newly-appointed Kirsten have enough time to make an impression on a side that has had some typically turbulent times recently? He inherits a richly talented squad with an unpredictable streak.
IRELAND
- Captain: Paul Stirling
- Coach: Heinrich Malan
- Danger man: Josh Little
- 2022: Group stage
Prospects: Famously defeated Pakistan in the Caribbean in the 2007 World Cup, they will know a repeat performance could be enough to carry them into the Super 8s.
CANADA
- Captain: Saad bin Zafar
- Coach: Pubudu Dassanayake
- Danger man: Kaleem Sana
- 2022: DNQ
Prospects: A first global tournament appearance since 2011 is already a victory of sorts but their clash against neighbours the United States will be a big occasion they will want to show up for.
USA
- Captain: Monank Patel
- Coach: Stuart Law
- Danger man: Corey Anderson
- 2022: DNQ
Prospects: Serious effort has been expended to establish the infrastructure to serve as co-hosts. Performances on the field must match that endeavour to fully capture the American imagination as organisers hope to.
GROUP B
AUSTRALIA
- Captain: Mitch Marsh
- Coach: Andrew McDonald
- Danger man: Travis Head
- 2022: Group stage
Prospects: Already Test and ODI world champions, this represents a historic chance to unify all three crowns. Under-performed on home soil last time around but quality in all sectors as well as a winning habit.
ENGLAND
- Captain: Jos Buttler
- Coach: Matthew Mott
- Danger man: Phil Salt
- 2022: Winners
- Prospects: The reigning champions have a point to prove after their tortured 50-over defence in India. An explosive batting group has been on fire at the IPL, while the returning Jofra Archer should lift a vulnerable bowling unit.
NAMIBIA
- Captain: Gerhard Erasmus
- Coach: Pierre de Bruyn
- Danger man: JJ Smit
- 2022: First round
Prospects: After qualifying for a third tournament in a row, the Africans will be keen to prove themselves as one of the most competitive associate nations on show. Veteran all-rounder David Wiese sets the standards.
OMAN
- Captain: Aqib Ilyas
- Coach: Duleep Mendis
- Danger man: Kashyap Prajapati
- 2022: DNQ
Prospects: Won the Asia qualifier in a super over after a tied final against Nepal. Some of their most reliable players may find age has caught up with them at the top level.
SCOTLAND
- Captain: Richie Berrington
- Coach: Doug Watson
- Danger man: George Munsey
- 2022: First round
Prospects: Fell at the first hurdle last time around but are back for more under the fresh guidance of South African Watson. The absence of experienced seamer Josh Davey, who remains with Somerset, is a real setback.
GROUP C
AFGHANISTAN
- Captain: Rashid Khan
- Coach: Jonathan Trott
- Danger man: Rashid Khan
- 2022: Group stage
Prospects: Winless in Australia last time around but found their feet under Trott at the ODI World Cup, upsetting both England and Pakistan. Now boast top-order hitters to back up a varied bowling attack.
NEW ZEALAND
- Captain: Kane Williamson
- Coach: Gary Stead
- Danger man: Finn Allen
- 2022: Semi-finals
Prospects: Topped their group in 2022 only to be knocked out by Pakistan and always competitive at tournament time. May lack fresh blood among the bowling attack but thrive when cast as underdogs.
WEST INDIES
- Captain: Rovman Powell
- Coach: Daren Sammy
- Danger man: Nicholas Pooran
- 2022: First round
Prospects: Failed to reach the group phase two years ago and then missed out on the 50-over World Cup entirely, the islanders are desperate to reassert themselves. The two-time champions have a stockpile of power hitters and home advantage in their favour.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
- Captain: Asadollah Vala
- Coach: Tatenda Taibu
- Danger man: Charles Amini
- 2022: First round
Prospects: A T20 World Cup win is the first item on their agenda after losing all three games in their previous appearance, but the leap in quality from their East Asia-Pacific pool is huge.
UGANDA
Captain: Brian Masaba
Coach: Abhay Sharma
Danger man: Alpesh Ramjani
2022: DNQ
Prospects: The final team to seal a spot at the competition, the Cranes stunned favourites Zimbabwe and pipped Kenya in the African qualifier. The country’s fourth ever World Cup team – in any sport – are already winners.
GROUP D
SOUTH AFRICA
- Captain: Aiden Markram
- Coach: Rob Walter
- Danger man: Heinrich Klaasen
- 2022: Group stage
Prospects: Could this be the group to end the Proteas’ trophy drought? Misfortune usually finds them in World Cup cricket but on paper they are a well-balanced squad boasting multiple game-changers and strong depth.
BANGLADESH
- Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha
- Danger man: Shakib Al Hasan
- 2022: Group stage
Prospects: Despite being ever presents across eight T20 World Cups, the Tigers have yet to reach the knockout stages. The current crop may struggle to break that streak but will aim to reach the Super 8s and work from there.
SRI LANKA
- Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga
- Coach: Chris Silverwood
- Danger man: Wanindu Hasaranga
- 2022: Group stage
Prospects: Led by former England coach Silverwood, the Lankans are an enigmatic presence but rely heavily on their skipper, whose brand of six-hitting and mystery spin makes him a dream T20 package.
NETHERLANDS
- Captain: Scott Edwards
- Coach: Ryan Cook
- Danger man: Bas de Leede
- 2022: Group stage
Prospects: Hamstrung by the absence of experienced duo Colin Ackermann and Roelof van der Merwe, who remain with Durham and Somerset respectively. The memory of a famous win over South Africa at last year’s 50-over World Cup will spur them on.
NEPAL
- Captain: Rohit Paudel
- Coach: Monty Desai
- Danger man: Dipendra Singh Airee
- 2022: DNQ
Prospects: Won two of their first round games on their only previous appearance a decade ago but have not developed at any great pace in the intervening years. Will need to be at their best to stay to avoid being left behind by their opponents.
Related links
- Click here for Sky Bet's cricket odds
- Richard Mann's T20 World Cup outright preview
- Richard Mann's T20 World Cup specials preview
- Paul Krishnamurty's guide to the T20 World Cup grounds
- Paul Krishnamurty's T20 cricket betting masterclass
- Paul Krishnamurty's Test cricket betting masterclass
- Paul Krishnamurty's ODI cricket betting masterclass
- Latest Cricket Only Bettor IPL Podcast
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