ICC T20 WORLD CUP 2024: KEY ANALYSIS OF THE LESSER-KNOWN TEAMS

The 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup features an expanded 20 teams from 16 in 2022. For the first time, Canada and Uganda qualified for the men's T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, the United States...

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The 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup features an expanded 20 teams from 16 in 2022. For the first time, Canada and Uganda qualified for the men's T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, the United States is participating for the first time as a co-host.

Namibia and Uganda qualified at the expense of Zimbabwe via the Africa Qualifiers. From Asia, Nepal and Oman made the cut. Canada made it through after the Americas Qualifier. Papua New Guinea made it from the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier. Ireland and Scotland came via the Europe Qualifier. The likes of Afghanistan and Bangladesh qualified on the basis of ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings.

India, Australia, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Pakistan and the Netherlands made entry after being the top 8 teams from the previous tournament. Lastly, USA and West Indies entered as hosts.

Here we analyse the lesser-known teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.

IRELAND

Ireland are playing in their 8th successive T20 World Cup. The Irish have several key performers in the ranks. Paul Stirling leads the side. Alongside Andrew Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker, it’s a strong front three. Harry Tector, Curtis Campher and George Dockell make up a settled middle order. Ireland also have quality bowlers like Craig Young, Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy. The presence of all-rounders makes things interesting. Ireland have a reasonable bench.

SQUAD OF IRELAND:

Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

KEY PLAYERS:

Adair will lead the bowling for Ireland. An experienced player, he has 119 T20I scalps at 19.33 from 83 matches. Ireland are placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, USA and Canada.

SCOTLAND