ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2020: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh to Go Through Qualifying Stages

Bangladesh and the 2014 champions Sri Lanka will need to go through the qualifying stages of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup of 2020, slated to be held in Australia. The top eight teams of the format namely – Pakistan, India, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Windies and Afghanistan, will get a direct entry to Super 12s of the tournament.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will need to battle with another six teams to cement their place in the coveted tournament. There will be four available spots for these eight teams to get an entry into Super 12s of the competition. Sri Lanka is placed at ninth rank whereas Bangladesh is at 10th in the latest ICC T20I rankings. Thus, they need to go through the process of qualifying.

12 Teams will participate.

Meanwhile, one of the most successful bowlers of the shortest format – Lasith Malinga believes it is disappointing that Sri Lanka will need to go through the group stages.

“It is a bit disappointing that we have not been able to ensure a direct Super 12s berth but I’m confident that we will do well in the tournament. Having played three finals and winning once, it is natural that everyone expected us to finish in the top-eight but we have to take the opportunity in the extra matches of the group stage and prepare well for the knock-out matches,” T20I captain Malinga said.

On the other hand, Bangladesh T20I captain Shakib Al Hasan is confident that his side will do well in the tournament even if they need to go through the qualifying stage.

“We have not secured a direct Super 12s berth but I’m confident that we will do well in the tournament by going through the group stage. We are a side capable of beating the best on our day and I see no reason why we can’t go far in the tournament. There is still some time and we will use it to be at our best for the T20 World Cup,” Shakib said.

In fact, the T20 World Cup which was played after every two years was not played in 2018. The mega event will take place in Australia in 2020.