ICC Twenty20 World Cup Minnows Guide

With the ICC Twenty20 World Cup fast approaching, the greatest cricketing powers from across the planet prepare to ride a wave of national support all the way to Bangladesh and, hopefully, a World T20 crown.

But not everyone has millions of dollars at their disposal, sporting rock-stars filling their line-ups or armies of fans staying up well into the early morning to watch their lauded exploits.

As such, cricket.com.au hereby presents: Your Complete Guide to the ICC Twenty20 World Cup Minnows.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan were comprehensively beaten in the WT20 Qualifying tournament final, their bowlers no match for the brute force of Ireland’s top order.

Having said that, their main man with the ball Samiullah Shenwari had a shocker and, as they have shown in the recent 50-over World Cup qualifiers, they are soon becoming a big minnow in a small pond.

Look out for the underrated Afghani quicks to rattle a few stumps in Dhaka.

Read the full guide here

Bangladesh

For the first time, Bangladesh enters a major tournament with the weight of expectation set firmly upon their shoulders.

Being the host country and the most experienced side in the opening Group Stage, progression to a Super Ten appearance was considered a formality a fortnight ago. But a recent Asia Cup loss to Afghanistan has thrown everything up in the air for the Tigers.

In a country some consider more cricket-mad than India, Bangladesh will be relying heavily on hometown support to ease their nerves ahead of what promises to be a boom or bust tournament for the hosts.

Read the full guide here

Hong Kong

If there were a minnow amongst the minnows, this Hong Kong side would be it. Having said that, a heavy reliance on spin and wristy square of the wicket batting means these Bangladeshi wickets couldn’t suit them more.

Captain Jamie Atkinson will be the key for the Dragons, the powerful opener needing to get off to a good start so the game isn’t over by the time the Hong Kong spinners enter the attack.

Read the full guide here

Ireland

Experience up the top of the order and plenty of options with the ball has Ireland the side many are tipping to leave a dent in the dominance of the world’s top eight sides in this T20 World Cup.

Historically, Ireland’s strength has been their big quicks, but with slow and low pitches expected in Bangladesh don’t be surprised if the boys in green opt for their slower bowlers instead – a tactic the habitual giant-killers implemented with aplomb during the qualifying tournament

Read the full guide here

Nepal 

Nepal struggled for big runs in the ICC WT20 qualifier tournament, relying on even team performances to grind away their bigger-hitting opposition. 

If the Nepalese bowlers can get on top of their opposition early, look for the left-arm off spin of Basant Regni and the medium pacers of Para Khadka and Jitendra Mukhiya to close out their bowling innings.

Read the full guide here

Netherlands

Despite hailing from the land of tulips, the Dutch are no team of shrinking violets; their hit-out or get-out mentality proving both a saving grace and a downfall during the qualifying tournament in the UAE.

Look for the Netherlands to contain in the field with tight-line medium pacers and flatter spin options, before throwing caution to the wind with the bat.

Clearing fences is the Dutch game and opposition bowlers would be wise to keep things tight early in the innings.

Read the full guide here

United Arab Emirates 

The UAE have announced themselves on the international stage in recent months by qualifying for both the Twenty20 and 50-over ICC World Cups, earning themselves One Day International status in the process.

Lacking the new-ball pace of an Ireland or Zimbabwe, the UAE will rely on control and wily field placements to restrict opposition sides to a manageable total.

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Zimbabwe

Competing in their fourth ICC Twenty20 World Cup, the Zimbabweans will be hoping for their first win at the tournament since 2007, when they surprised the Aussies in the group stage.

Veteran Brendan Taylor has competed in all of those tournaments and will anchor a collapse-prone middle order while a bevy of young quicks make Zimbabwe a nerve-wracking proposition as they push for a Super Ten berth. 

Read the full guide here