Group B of the T20 World Cup Challenges Namibia, Scotland, and Oman, all champions of their respective regional qualifiers, alongside second-ranked Australia and defending champions England. While the presence of these two cricketing powerhouses might seem to limit the chances of the Associates, these teams have previously beaten full members and could shake up the group in the Caribbean.
Scotland
Experience and Challenges
Scotland is the most experienced Associate in Group B, having qualified for five of the nine T20 World Cup editions. Familiar with Caribbean conditions, Scotland has historically struggled with the region’s heat. The team has transitioned from a batting-heavy side to one with a formidable bowling attack. Key players like Kyle Coetzer and Calum MacLeod have retired, while Chris Sole and Brad Currie have emerged as new talents. George Munsey remains a significant threat at the top order, with Brandon McMullen and captain Richie Berrington solidifying the middle order. However, the batting lineup has struggled for runs in recent series.
A poor showing in their recent tri-series, including a disappointing performance against Ireland, means Scotland must reach the Super 8s to avoid regional qualifying for the next cycle. The bowlers, led by Mark Watt, are expected to deliver victories, but a turnaround in batting form is crucial.
Path to Qualification
Scotland’s unbeaten run through the European Regional Qualifier Final in Edinburgh saw them edge out Ireland and secure their spot. They also had to overcome strong teams like Jersey and Italy before defeating Full Member Ireland in a thrilling final.
World Cup Record
Scotland has been an underdog in past tournaments, with their best performance in 2021 when they reached the main stage for the first time, beating Bangladesh. They also defeated the West Indies in 2022 but failed to progress beyond the preliminary round.
Realistic Goals
A marquee match against England is a key focus for Scotland, who will be eager to replicate their past successes against their neighbors. However, wins against Namibia and Oman are also critical. While three victories seem ambitious, they are not out of reach.
Why Tune In?
Watch for Mark Watt’s unique bowling style, Chris Sole’s fast deliveries, and George Munsey’s powerful hitting. Scotland’s neon-colored kits add a vibrant touch to the action.
Scotland Squad
Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal | Coach: Doug Watson.
Namibia
Recent Form and Challenges
Namibia is preparing for their third top-tier event in as many years. Their qualification for T20 World Cup Challenges has become routine, but they still face challenges, particularly away from home. Despite a recent series win against Oman, the Caribbean conditions are new for most of the squad, except for CPL veteran David Wiese.
Namibia’s strengths lie in their unpredictable top order and a solid middle order featuring Wiese and captain Gerhard Erasmus. The bowling attack, including left-arm pacers, is formidable when fully fit. However, Erasmus’s recent batting form is a concern, though Wiese’s return could provide much-needed support.
Path to Qualification
Namibia dominated the Africa Regional Finals in Windhoek, defeating Zimbabwe and winning every match convincingly to secure their place in the World Cup.
World Cup Record
Namibia made their mark in the 2003 50-over World Cup and returned to prominence in the 2021 T20 World Cup Challenges, where they reached the Super 12 stage. They also defeated Sri Lanka in the 2022 edition but missed out on further progression.
Realistic Goals
With a strong record against their Associate rivals and experience in beating full members, Namibia has an outside chance of reaching the Super 8s. However, questions about key players’ form and fitness remain.
Why Tune In?
Watch for JJ Smit’s powerful hitting and the left-arm pace attack. Namibia’s team has a mix of youth and experience, promising exciting cricket.
Namibia Squad
Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Michael Van Lingen, Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, Tangeni Lungameni, Niko Davin, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, JP Kotze, David Wiese, Bernard Scholtz, Malan Kruger, PD Blignaut | Coach: Pierre de Bruyn.
Oman
Experience and Challenges
Oman, the oldest team in the competition, is looking to make a final impact with their veteran squad. Captain Zeeshan Maqsood has handed over the reins to Aaqib Ilyas, who has excelled since returning from a long injury layoff. Left-arm quick Bilal Khan remains a potent wicket-taker, and Nadeem Kushi continues to provide hitting power at the top of the order.
Oman’s middle order is their main weakness, and their seamers, apart from Khan, may struggle against top-tier batsmen. However, their depth in spin and medium pace provide strategic options.
Path to Qualification
Oman’s crucial win over Nepal in the Asia Regional Final group stages and a subsequent victory against Bahrain secured their World Cup spot. They topped the group unbeaten and won a thrilling final against Nepal in a Super Over.
World Cup Record
Oman first qualified for the T20 World Cup in 2016 and defeated Ireland. They co-hosted the 2021 World Cup but exited in the preliminary round despite a strong start. Hosting the Global Qualifiers for the 2022 event wasn’t enough to secure progression, as they lost in the semi-finals to Ireland.
Realistic Goals
Oman’s experience and depth make them a formidable team. With key players like Aaqib Ilyas and Bilal Khan, they aim to compete strongly in Group B, though progressing to the Super 8s will be challenging.
Why Tune In?
Watch for Aaqib Ilyas’s versatile spin bowling, Bilal Khan’s yorkers, and Naseem Kushi’s powerful hitting. This World Cup could be a last hurrah for Oman’s golden generation.
Oman Squad
Aqib Ilyas (c), Zeeshan Maqsood, Kashyap Prajapati, Pratik Athavale, Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Mohammad Nadeem, Naseem Khushi, Mehran Khan, Bilal Khan, Rafiullah, Kaleemullah, Fayyaz Butt, Shakeel Ahmad, Khalid Kail | Coach: Duleep Mendis
