Group D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 brings together former champions Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Nepal. With no clear favorites, the group promises thrilling matches and intense rivalries, especially between South Africa and the Netherlands, as well as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Group D T20 World Cup 2024 Preview
Bangladesh
Bangladesh enters the tournament with a few uncertainties, particularly regarding their strongest XI. Experienced opener Litton Das has struggled with form, averaging just 13.16 this year. However, teammate Tawhid Hridoy is optimistic about Das’s comeback. Vice-captain Taskin Ahmed’s injury also raises concerns about his availability for the first match against Sri Lanka on June 7.
The team relies on experience, with former skippers Mahmud Ullah and Shakib Al Hasan supporting new captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in his first ICC tournament.
Most sixes T20 World Cup
Fixtures:
- vs Sri Lanka – Fri, 7 June 2024, Dallas
- vs South Africa – Mon, 10 June 2024, New York
- vs Netherlands – Thu, 13 June 2024, St. Vincent
- vs Nepal – Sun, 16 June 2024, St. Vincent
Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed (vc), Litton Kumer Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Travelling reserves: Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud.
Nepal
Nepal, making their second T20 World Cup appearance, will be led by 21-year-old Rohit Paudel. Paudel’s impressive recent form against West Indies A, scoring 112, 71*, and 82, is a positive sign. Young talents like Gulshan Jha and Pratis GC are expected to bring excitement to the team.
Veterans Sompal Kami and Karan KC provide experience, making Nepal an unpredictable and spirited side.
Fixtures:
- vs Netherlands – Tue, 4 June 2024, Dallas
- vs Sri Lanka – Tue, 11 June 2024, Florida
- vs South Africa – Fri, 14 June 2024, St. Vincent
- vs Bangladesh – Sun, 16 June 2024, St. Vincent
Squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee.
Netherlands
The Netherlands, known for their surprise performances in ICC tournaments, aim to continue their success against South Africa, having beaten them in the last two ICC Men’s events. The team features a blend of core players and young talent, such as 20-year-old Michael Levitt, who has impressed with his performances.
Captain Scott Edwards leads a team that includes experienced players like Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek, and Max O’Dowd.
Fixtures:
- vs Nepal – Tue, 4 June 2024, Dallas
- vs South Africa – Sat, 8 June 2024, New York
- vs Bangladesh – Thu, 13 June 2024, St. Vincent
- vs Sri Lanka – Sun, 16 June 2024, St. Lucia
Squad: Scott Edwards (c), Aryan Dutt, Bas de Leede, Daniel Doram, Fred Klaassen, Logan van Beek, Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Paul van Meekeren, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Teja Nidamanuru, Tim Pringle, Vikram Singh, Viv Kingma, Wesley Barresi. Reserve: Kyle Klein.
South Africa
South Africa, one of the strongest sides in the tournament, features a powerful batting lineup with Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Reeza Hendricks. The fast-bowling department is equally formidable, with Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Ottniel Baartman. The spin attack includes Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Bjorn Fortuin.
Despite the lack of a genuine all-rounder, the Proteas are determined to make their first final appearance in the Men’s T20 World Cup.
Fixtures:
- vs Sri Lanka – Mon, 3 June 2024, New York
- vs Netherlands – Sat, 8 June 2024, New York
- vs Bangladesh – Mon, 10 June 2024, New York
- vs Nepal – Fri, 14 June 2024, St. Vincent
Squad: Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, under new captain Wanindu Hasaranga, fields a balanced team. The batting lineup includes Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, and Sadeera Samarawickrama, while Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka provide all-round capabilities. The bowling attack, led by Hasaranga and supported by Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, and Matheesha Pathirana, looks strong.
2022 – Netherlands defeated South Africa in the T20 World Cup.
2023 – Netherlands defeated South Africa in the ICC Cricket World Cup. pic.twitter.com/hh2YT2f73T
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 17, 2023
Fixtures:
- vs South Africa – Mon, 3 June 2024, New York
- vs Bangladesh – Fri, 7 June 2024, Dallas
- vs Nepal – Tue, 11 June 2024, Florida
- vs Netherlands – Sun, 16 June 2024, St. Lucia
Squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka. Traveling Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Janith Liyanage.
Group D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises high-stakes action and fierce competition. With each team capable of upsetting the others, every match will be a thrilling encounter.