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T20 World Cup Qualifiers set to kick off on 17 October

The T20 world cup is set to begin on 17 October with Oman facing PNG. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is taking on Scotland in the qualifiers. Eight teams will play in the qualification round: Bangladesh, Netherlands, Ireland, Namibia, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and Oman. Four of these eight teams will join eight other teams that have already qualified by virtue of their ICC rankings as of March 2021. These eight teams are England, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and West Indies.

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Scotland, Ireland Favourites to Qualify

Betting odds favour Sri Lanka to top group A in the qualifiers. Likewise, Bangladesh are favoured to top group B. While Ireland are considered most likely to finish second in group A, Scotland are backed by bookmakers’ odds to grab second place in group B. Thus, if the results in the qualifiers remain faithful to bookmakers’ odds, we can expect Sri Lanka and Ireland to join group 1 of the Super 12’s. Also, Bangladesh and Scotland could complete the line up in group 2.

T20 World Cup Qualifiers

Oman could upset Scotland’s Applecart

Can we expect any upsets in the qualifiers? For a start, keep an eye on Oman who are co-hosts of the competition alongside Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Oman are placed in group B alongside Bangladesh, Scotland and Papua New Guinea. The match that could decide the final rankings of the group will be played on October 21 between Oman and Scotland at Al Amerat. Oman will expect to benefit from home support, helped by such players as Jatinder Singh, who has scored 327 runs in his last 10 games at an average of 46.71 and a strike rate of 136.82. Another Oman player to watch out for is allrounder Khawar Ali who has made 304 in his last 10 games at 38.00, while taking 14 wickets with an economy rate of 6.46. Bilal Khan has been Oman’s most impressive bowler with 21 wickets in his last 10 games.

Scotland have a couple of reliable batsmen in Richie Berrington (405 runs at 57.86 in his last 10 matches) and George Munsey (282 runs in last 10 games). Mark Watt (14 wickets in his last 9 games) and Safyaan Sharif (11 wickets in last 8 matches) have been their best bowlers in recent times.

Netherlands could give Ireland a Run for their Money

In group A, Ireland are expected to be given a stiff challenge by the Netherlands for the second spot. That match will take place on 18 October in Abu Dhabi. Ireland have experienced batsmen in Paul Stirling (365 runs in last 10 matches at 40.56) and Kevin O’Brien (262 runs at 26.20 in last 10 games). They also have effective bowlers in Mark Adair (15 wickets in his last 7 games) and Shane Getkate (8 wickets in his last 7 matches). The Netherlands will look to Ben Cooper (334 runs at 47.71 in his last 10 matches) and Max O’Dowd (268 runs at 33.50 in his last 9 matches) to lead their batting charge. Pieter Seelaar (10 wickets in his last 10 games) and Brandon Glover (10 wickets in his last 4 matches) are the Netherlands’ ‘go to’ bowlers.

Don’t rule out Namibia and PNG

Finally, let’s not rule out any upsets that could be caused by Namibia and Papua New Guinea, who are considered the weakest links in groups A and B, respectively. Can you predict any upsets? If so, what are you waiting for? You can start by claiming the 1xbet promo code India, 10cric bonus code, Parimatch bonus code or the LeoVegas bonus code and placing your first bet.

Raj
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Raj was born and raised in Nagpur, Rajesh moved to Pune to pursue a degree in the English Language at Savitribai Phule Pune University. Having a knack for writing from a very young age, he naturally excelled in his studies and decided to dip his toes in content editing, as well. Now, a full-time Editor, he enjoys spending his free time watching IPL and badminton matches and writing his first novel. His favourite sport is cricket and he believes cricket is life. But I’ve always dreamed of becoming a professional badminton player, so badminton is also at the top of my list. His biggest win is Saina Nehwal’s bronze at the 2016 Olympics landed him a brand new laptop after his bet on the winning margin came through. His biggest goal is meeting Saina Nehwal and telling her about his biggest win.