T20 World Cup: Stage 1 from today

Al Amerat (Oman), October 16

Having done enough over the years to shed the underdogs tag, Bangladesh will start as favourites in Group B in the qualifying round as they open their T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland here tomorrow. Bangladesh have been drawn alongside Scotland, Oman and Papua New Guinea in the first round and going by recent form, they are expected to top the group and qualify for the Super 12 stage, which starts on October 23. Sri Lanka is the other team almost certain to qualify for Super 12.

Bangladesh are coming into the tournament with nine T20I wins in the calendar year, only behind South Africa who have 12. In fact, since losing to New Zealand in March away from home, Bangladesh have registered series wins over Zimbabwe (2-1), Australia (4-1) and New Zealand (3-2).

Super 12 from Oct 23

India, Australia, Afghanistan, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies are already in the Super 12 stage on the basis of their T20 rankings as on 31 December, 2018. Four teams will join these eight teams for the Super 12 stage, which begins on October 23 with the match between Australia and South Africa. — PTI