Floyd assesses the chances of the associate nations...
Monday 7 March 2016 15:41, UK
The 2016 World T20 gets underway on Tuesday with six associate nations fighting it out with Bangladesh and Zimbabwe for two spots through to the next round from two qualifying groups.
Sky Sports' Matt Floyd takes a look at the teams involved and assesses their chances...
Group A (Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands, Oman)
Bangladesh
Why they can qualify: On paper, Bangladesh are by far the best side involved in the qualifying groups. They are also vastly experienced, with five players taking part in their sixth World T20, and they pulled off a big coup by outperforming both Pakistan and Sri Lanka to reach the final of the Asia Cup. Conditions should suit them.
Why they can't qualify: Their World T20 record is not good. Since shocking the West Indies in 2007 they have not beaten an ICC full member side, and in 2014 they suffered the ignominy of defeat to Hong Kong on home turf.
Look out for: If fit, 20-year-old left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman could be their trump card with the ball. A sensational start to his ODI and T20 career has seen him picked up by Sussex for the 2016 county season.
Ireland
Why they can qualify: Are now old hands at upsetting full member sides. The bowling attack has been given extra bite by the returning Boyd Rankin and in the field Ireland are very good at putting other sides under pressure.
Why they can't qualify: Perhaps surprisingly, the batting has not fully fired for some time. Memories of 2014 may also still haunt them when they were knocked out by the Netherlands in spectacular fashion.
Look out for: Rankin. Has committed his future to Ireland and his height and bounce could be very useful on the batsman-friendly Indian pitches.
Netherlands
Why they can qualify: Have enjoyed a T20 revival, finishing as joint-winners of the ICC T20 Qualifier last summer. They have also won more games at World T20s than Bangladesh, Zimbabwe or Ireland, and in fewer matches.
Why they can't qualify: Might not have the quality to beat both Bangladesh and Ireland, despite thrashing the latter in 2014.
Look out for: Roelof Van Der Merwe. The ex-South Africa international could be a valuable addition with bat and ball.
Oman
Why they can qualify: It would be a huge shock if the only World T20 debutants topped the group, although they did beat both Afghanistan and Netherlands to qualify. Happy just to be there.
Why they can't qualify: They have a disadvantage compared to most of the rest in terms of resources and facilities. How they deal with the big stage will also be fascinating as much more experienced teams have struggled on that front before.
Look out for: Left arm spinner Aamir Kaleem. He 'Mankaded' Hong Kong's Mark Chapman in the Asia Cup - will he try it again?!
Group B (Zimbabwe, Scotland, Afghanistan, Hong Kong)
Zimbabwe
Why they can qualify: As the only full member side in the group they have more financial muscle than the other associates and have a decent professional domestic set up. Despite losing Brendan Taylor to county cricket there is still plenty of experience in the squad.
Why they can't qualify: Were knocked out last time at this stage and there is a feeling that they are a team on the slide. Are they ripe for the taking again?
Look out for: Hamilton Masakadza. The new captain has a big job to do as leader but also to help offset the loss of Taylor's runs.
Scotland
Why they can qualify: They play a positive brand of cricket and have youth on their side. Joint winners of the qualifying tournament with the Netherlands, ahead of Afghanistan and Ireland.
Why they can't qualify: They have never won a game at a world tournament before. How well they adapt to sub-continent conditions vastly different from back home will also be a big factor.
Look out for: Sussex left hander Matt Machan. A promising young player who averages 43 in his 10 T20 internationals so far.
Afghanistan
Why they can qualify: The highest ranked T20 team in the group and playing in their fourth World T20 in a row, they should not be fazed by the occasion. They are the only associate side with genuine pace bowling options.
Why they can't qualify: Their batting is very reckless at times and can implode dramatically. May find the added expectation this year hard to deal with as well.
Look out for: Inzamam Ul Haq. The rarely spotted ex-Pakistani cricketer is Afghanistan's coach, have Pakistan missed a trick?
Hong Kong
Why they can qualify: Shocked Bangladesh in 2014 so why not? Should also be less nervous having been on the world stage before.
Why they can't qualify: They are very unpredictable - at the Qualifier they beat Ireland and Nepal but lost to Jersey and the USA.
Look out for: Mark Chapman. Very talented 21-year-old who caught the eye in January with a rapid 157 for Auckland in a List A game. He may well end up playing for New Zealand.
Sky Sports is the only place you can watch all 35 games in 27 days of the 2016 ICC World T20, starting with Zimbabwe v Hong Kong on Tuesday 8th March at 9am on Sky Sports 2 HD. Or watch from £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
