The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to bring an unparalleled level of excitement and competition. As cricket fans around the world gear up for this grand event, all eyes are on Group A, where traditional rivals India and Pakistan co-hosts USA and Canada, and the spirited Irish team will clash in a battle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.

Group D Overview

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is shaping to be an exciting event, and Group D promises to be the centre of intense competition. This group features former champions Sri Lanka alongside powerhouse teams like South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands, with Nepal adding an element of unpredictability. Each team brings unique strengths and strategies, setting the stage for thrilling encounters.

Group D Preview

1. South Africa’s Squad Analysis

South Africa is arguably the strongest side in Group D, boasting a formidable lineup led by Aiden Markram. The Proteas are known for their power-packed performance and determination to win. With seasoned players like Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, and Heinrich Klaasen, they are a force to be reckoned with.

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Key Players

Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen is a player to watch in this tournament. His current World Cup cycle numbers are outstanding, with an average of 41 and a strike rate of 182. Klaasen’s ability to handle spin easily, averaging 59 and striking at 192, makes him a critical player for South Africa.

Tabraiz Shamsi

Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm spinner, is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in this cycle. Shamsi will be pivotal in South Africa’s bowling attack with nearly 50 career wickets in the Caribbean and extensive experience in T20 internationals and the Caribbean Premier League.

Fixtures

3 June: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, New York
8 June: Netherlands vs South Africa, New York
10 June: South Africa vs Bangladesh, New York
14 June: South Africa vs Nepal, St. Vincent

South Africa: 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

2. Sri Lanka’s Squad Analysis

Sri Lanka, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, boasts a well-balanced squad capable of challenging any team in Group D. With players like Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, and Dhananjaya De Silva in their ranks, they have the firepower to post competitive totals.

Key Players

Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis has been a standout performer for Sri Lanka, especially in the 50-over World Cup in India. He has scored nearly 1,200 runs in this World Cup cycle, and his ability to handle left-arm spin will be crucial in the Caribbean conditions.

Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana, the right-arm fast bowler, is reminiscent of Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga. With speeds touching 93 mph and an impressive performance in the Indian Premier League, Pathirana could be the bowler to watch in the tournament.

Fixtures

3 June: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, New York
7 June: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Dallas
11 June: Sri Lanka vs Nepal, Florida
16 June: Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, St. Lucia

Sri Lanka: 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. Travelling Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage.

3. Bangladesh’s Squad Analysis

Bangladesh enters the tournament with a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. The team, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, includes experienced players like Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan. However, there are concerns over the form of opener Litton Das and the fitness of vice-captain Taskin Ahmed.

Key Players

Towhid Hridoy

Towhid Hridoy is an exciting talent for Bangladesh. Coming off two 400+ run seasons in the Bangladesh Premier League, Hridoy has developed his all-round game significantly, averaging more than 40 against spin and striking at over 150 against pace bowling.

Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan remains a pivotal player for Bangladesh. The left-arm spinner is closing in on 50 wickets in this World Cup cycle, maintaining an economy rate of just over six an over. His experience in the Caribbean and the US, where he has taken 50 wickets at an average below 20, will be vital for Bangladesh.

Fixtures

7 June: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Dallas
10 June: South Africa vs Bangladesh, New York
13 June: Bangladesh vs Netherlands, St. Vincent
16 June: Bangladesh vs Nepal, St. Vincent

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed, Litton 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

4. Nepal’s Squad Analysis

Nepal, led by the promising Rohit Paudel, brings a youthful vitality to the tournament. Despite their relative lack of experience, Nepal’s recent performances, including Paudel’s impressive form against West Indies A, suggest they have the potential to cause upsets.

Key Players

Dipendra Airee

Dipendra Airee is known for his explosive batting, especially in the final overs. With over 500 runs since the last World Cup at a strike rate of 191, Airee’s aggressive style makes him a key player for Nepal.

Abinash Bohara

Abinash Bohara, the right-arm seamer, has taken more wickets for Nepal than any other bowler since the last World Cup. His ability to bowl effectively in the death overs, with an average of just 17, will be crucial for Nepal’s success.

Fixtures

4 June: Netherlands vs Nepal, Dallas
11 June: Sri Lanka vs Nepal, Florida
14 June: South Africa vs Nepal, St. Vincent
16 June: Bangladesh vs Nepal, St. Vincent

Nepal: 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

5. Netherlands’s Squad Analysis

The Netherlands has a history of springing surprises in ICC tournaments, and they aim to continue that trend in the T20 World Cup 2024. The team, led by Scott Edwards, includes experienced players like Bas de Leede and Wesley Barresi, with Michael Levitt adding depth to their batting lineup.

Key Players

Sybrand Engelbrecht

Sybrand Engelbrecht has made an immediate impact since returning to cricket and joining the Dutch setup. Engelbrecht’s middle-order batting will be key for the Netherlands, averaging more than 50 at a strike rate above 150 in T20s.

Logan van Beek

Logan van Beek has become a leading bowler for the Netherlands in T20s. With the most wickets of any Dutch bowler in this World Cup cycle, van Beek’s ability to bowl at a good pace and excel at death makes him a crucial player for the Netherlands.

Fixtures

4 June: Netherlands vs Nepal, Dallas
8 June: Netherlands vs South Africa, New York
13 June: Bangladesh vs Netherlands, St. Vincent
16 June: Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, St. Lucia

Netherlands: Scott Edwards (c), Aryan Dutt, Bas de Leede, Kyle Klein, Logan van Beek, Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Paul van Meekeren, Ryan Klein, Saqib Zulfiqar, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Teja Nidamanuru, ⁠⁠Tim Pringle, Vikram Singh, Viv Kingma, Wesley Barresi. Travelling reserve: Ryan Klein

Group D Prediction: Top Two Teams

Each team in Group D has its unique strengths. South Africa’s power-packed lineup, Sri Lanka’s balanced squad, Bangladesh’s mix of experience and youth, the Netherlands’ history of surprises, and Nepal’s youthful energy all contribute to a highly competitive group.

South Africa and Sri Lanka are strong contenders to advance from Group D. South Africa and Sri Lanka: The sheer star power makes South Africa a favourite for the top spot. Sri Lanka is likely to edge past Bangladesh for second place, given its better head-to-head record in the recent encounters. Bangladesh, with its blend of youth and experience, could also make a significant impact if it plays to its potential. The Netherlands and Nepal, though less favoured, have the potential to cause upsets.