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ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Group D - Team Overview, Key Players, Matches, and Predictions

Jun. 7, 2024

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As the excitement mounts for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, cricket enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipate the clash of titans. Group D, one of the intriguing clusters in this prestigious tournament, promises thrilling encounters among five competitive teams. From the bustling streets of New York to the scenic venues in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the matches in Group D will unfold across diverse regions, adding a vibrant backdrop to the cricketing spectacle. In this comprehensive blog, we delve into the intricacies of Group D, shedding light on each participating team's strengths, weaknesses, key players, and match predictions. From the seasoned giants of Sri Lanka and South Africa to the spirited squads of Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Netherlands, we analyze their preparations, squad compositions, and potential strategies for the tournament. Additionally, we highlight the key matchups, pivotal players to watch out for, and offer insights into the anticipated outcomes of Group D fixtures. Join us as we embark on a journey through the exhilarating world of ICC T20 cricket, exploring the captivating narratives of Group D contenders

ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Group D Team Overview

Sri Lanka Team Overview: ICC T20 WC 2024

Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup 2024 squad is led by Wanindu Hasaranga, who prioritized fitness for the tournament over IPL participation. The team includes uncapped players like Dunith Wellalage, alongside seasoned campaigners such as Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Dasun Shanaka. Wellalage's selection is based on his all-round abilities and previous international success. Despite notable exclusions like Avishka Fernando, Binura Fernando, and Kusal Perera, Sri Lanka's batting lineup is formidable with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and others. Spin options are bolstered by Maheesh Theekshana, while fast bowling choices include Dushmantha Chameera, Thushara, Pathirana, and Madushanka. In Group D, Sri Lanka faces Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, and South Africa, commencing their campaign against South Africa on June 3 in New York.

Sri Lanka Squad for T20 CWC 2024

Number Player Name Player Role
1 Kusal Mendis (†) Wicketkeeper Batter
2 Pathum Nissanka Top order Batter
3 Sadeera Samarawickrama (†) Wicketkeeper Batter
4 Wanindu Hasaranga (c) Allrounder
5 Charith Asalanka (vc) Batting Allrounder
6 Dhananjaya de Silva Allrounder
7 Angelo Mathews Allrounder
8 Kamindu Mendis Allrounder
9 Dasun Shanaka Allrounder
10 Dushmantha Chameera Bowler
11 Dilshan Madushanka Bowler
12 Matheesha Pathirana Bowler
13 Maheesh Theekshana Bowler
14 Nuwan Thushara Bowler
15 Dunith Wellalage Bowler
† - Denotes wicketkeeper

Team Schedule for Sri Lanka: ICC T20 2024

  • Jun 03: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 4th Match, Group D, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York - South Africa won by six wickets
  • Jun 07: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 15th Match, Group D, Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas - Match starts at 6:00 AM (Jun 08)/ 12:30 AM GMT (Jun 08) / 07:30 PM LOCAL
  • Jun 11: Sri Lanka vs Nepal, 23rd Match, Group D, Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida - Match starts at 5:00 AM (Jun 12) / 11:30 PM GMT / 07:30 PM LOCAL
  • Jun 16: Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, 38th Match, Group D, Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia - Match starts at 6:00 AM (Jun 17) / 12:30 AM GMT (Jun 17) / 08:30 PM LOCAL

Netherlands Team Overview: ICC T20 WC 2024

The Netherlands squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 sees some changes due to injuries, with Fred Klaassen and Daniel Doram replaced by Kyle Klein and Saqib Zulfiqar. Doram's absence is due to a broken hand, while Klaassen's ongoing back issues led to his exclusion. Bas de Leede joins the team after being released by Durham, while experienced players Colin Ackermann and Roelof van der Merwe remain with their English counties. Scott Edwards continues to lead the squad, which includes leg-spinner Tim Pringle and features notable absentees like Brandon Glover and Timm van der Gugten due to injury. The team, preparing with a tri-series against Ireland and Scotland, is set to compete in Group D alongside Bangladesh, Nepal, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, with their first match against Nepal on June 4 in Dallas.

Netherlands Squad for T20 CWC 2024

Number Player Name Player Role
1 Scott Edwards (†) Wicketkeeper Batter (c)
2 Wesley Barresi Batter
3 Michael Levitt Top order Batter
4 Max O'Dowd Opening Batter
5 Vikramjit Singh Opening Batter
6 Bas de Leede Batting Allrounder
7 Sybrand Engelbrecht Allrounder
8 Teja Nidamanuru Allrounder
9 Tim Pringle Allrounder
10 Saqib Zulfiqar Bowling Allrounder
11 Aryan Dutt Bowler
12 Vivian Kingma Bowler
13 Kyle Klein Bowler
14 Logan van Beek Bowler
15 Paul van Meekeren Bowler
† - Denotes captain

Team Schedule for Netherlands: ICC T20 2024

  • Jun 04: Netherlands vs Nepal, 7th Match, Group D, Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas - Netherlands won by six wickets (with 8 balls remaining)
  • Jun 08: Netherlands vs South Africa, 16th Match, Group D, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York - Match starts at 8:00 PM/ 02:30 PM GMT / 10:30 AM LOCAL
  • Jun 13: Bangladesh vs Netherlands, 27th Match, Group D, Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent - Match starts at 8:00 PM / 02:30 PM GMT / 10:30 AM LOCAL
  • Jun 16: Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, 38th Match, Group D, Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia - Match starts at 6:00 AM (Jun 17) / 12:30 AM GMT (Jun 17) / 08:30 PM LOCAL

Nepal Team Overview: ICC T20 WC 2024

The Nepal cricket team has a rich history marked by significant milestones. Affiliated with the ICC since 1988 and gaining Associate Membership in 1996, Nepal received T20I status in June 2014. However, this status was limited until the 2015 World Cup Qualifier. It wasn't until March 2018, during the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, that Nepal earned ODI status for the first time, securing it for a four-year period, after defeating Papua New Guinea. Additionally, Nepal regained its T20I status when the ICC decided to grant it to all its members. Their inaugural appearance in an ICC global event occurred during the 2014 World T20 in Bangladesh. Notably, in August 2018, Nepal achieved a historic milestone by clinching a last-ball victory against the Netherlands at home, thus securing their first-ever ODI win and leveling the series 1-1.

Nepal Squad for T20 CWC 2024

Number Player Name Player Role
1 Aasif Sheikh (†) Wicketkeeper Batter (c)
2 Dipendra Singh Airee Middle order Batter
3 Kushal Bhurtel Opening Batter
4 Sundeep Jora Middle order Batter
5 Rohit Paudel Batting Allrounder
6 Karan KC Allrounder
7 Kushal Malla Batting Allrounder
8 Pratis GC Bowling Allrounder
9 Anil Sah Batting Allrounder
10 Sompal Kami Bowling Allrounder
11 Kamal Singh Airee Bowler
12 Abinash Bohara Bowler
13 Sagar Dhakal Bowler
14 Gulshan Kumar Bowler
15 Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi Bowler
† - Denotes captain

Team Schedule for Nepal: ICC T20 2024

  • Jun 04: Netherlands vs Nepal, 7th Match, Group D, Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas - Netherlands won by six wickets (with 8 balls remaining)
  • Jun 11: Sri Lanka vs Nepal, 23rd Match, Group D, Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida - Match starts at 5:00 AM (Jun 12) / 11:30 PM GMT / 07:30 PM LOCAL
  • Jun 14: South Africa vs Nepal, 31st Match, Group D, Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent - Match starts at 5:00 AM (Jun 15) / 11:30 PM GMT / 07:30 PM LOCAL
  • Jun 17: Bangladesh vs Nepal, 37th Match, Group D, Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent - Match starts at 5:00 AM (Jun 17) / 11:30 PM GMT / 07:30 PM LOCAL

South Africa Team Overview: ICC T20 WC 2024

South Africa's T20 World Cup 2024 squad, led by Aiden Markram, sees the return of Anrich Nortje after a nine-month hiatus. Joining him are standout performers from domestic competitions, Ryan Rickelton and Ottniel Baartman, who impressed with their batting and bowling prowess, respectively. Quinton de Kock's historical contributions earned him a spot despite recent form concerns. The bowling attack is bolstered by frontline seamers like Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee, supported by spin options including Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. The middle order features the likes of Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller. The squad, crafted in collaboration with director of cricket Enoch Nkwe, prepares to kick off their campaign against Sri Lanka on June 3 in New York.

South Africa Squad for T20 CWC 2024

Number Player Name Player Role
1 Aiden Markram (c) Opening Batter
2 Quinton de Kock (†) Wicketkeeper Batter
3 Reeza Hendricks Opening Batter
4 Heinrich Klaasen Wicketkeeper Batter
5 David Miller Middle order Batter
6 Ryan Rickelton (†) Wicketkeeper Batter
7 Tristan Stubbs Batter
8 Marco Jansen Bowling Allrounder
9 Ottneil Baartman Bowler
10 Gerald Coetzee Bowler
11 Bjorn Fortuin Bowler
12 Keshav Maharaj Bowler
13 Anrich Nortje Bowler
14 Kagiso Rabada Bowler
15 Tabraiz Shamsi Bowler
† - Denotes wicketkeeper

Team Schedule for South Africa: ICC T20 2024

  • Jun 03: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 4th Match, Group D, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York - South Africa won by six wickets
  • Jun 08: Netherlands vs South Africa, 16th Match, Group D, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York - Match starts at 8:00 PM/ 02:30 PM GMT / 10:30 AM LOCAL
  • Jun 10: South Africa vs Bangladesh, 21st Match, Group D, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York - Match starts at 8:00 PM/ 02:30 PM GMT / 10:30 AM LOCAL
  • Jun 14: South Africa vs Nepal, 31st Match, Group D, Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent - Match starts at 5:00 AM (Jun 15) / 11:30 PM GMT / 07:30 PM LOCAL

Bangladesh Team Overview: ICC T20 WC 2024

Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 2024 squad, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, features injured vice-captain Taskin Ahmed, who is expected to recover in time for the tournament. Veteran allrounder Shakib Al Hasan retains his place, aiming to continue his streak of appearances in every T20 World Cup since 2007. Litton Das, despite recent form concerns, is included as the wicketkeeper-batsman. Young pacer Tanzim Hasan earns selection over Mohammad Saifuddin, impressing with consistent performances and yorker delivery skills. The squad, backed by chief selector Gazi Ashraf, prepares for their campaign with a three-match T20I series in the USA, beginning their World Cup journey against Sri Lanka on June 8 in Dallas.

Bangladesh Squad for T20 CWC 2024

Number Player Name Player Role
1 Najmul Hossain Shanto (c) Top order Batter
2 Jaker Ali Batter
3 Litton Das (†) Wicketkeeper Batter
4 Tanzid Hasan Tamim Opening Batter
5 Towhid Hridoy Top order Batter
6 Mahedi Hasan Allrounder
7 Mahmudullah Allrounder
8 Shakib Al Hasan Allrounder
9 Soumya Sarkar Batting Allrounder
10 Taskin Ahmed (vc) Bowler
11 Mustafizur Rahman Bowler
12 Rishad Hossain Bowler
13 Shoriful Islam Bowler
14 Tanvir Islam Bowler
15 Tanzim Hasan Sakib Bowler
† - Denotes wicketkeeper

Team Schedule for Bangladesh: ICC T20 2024

  • Jun 07: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 15th Match, Group D, Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas - Match starts at 6:00 AM (Jun 08)/ 12:30 AM GMT (Jun 08) / 07:30 PM LOCAL
  • Jun 10: South Africa vs Bangladesh, 21st Match, Group D, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York - Match starts at 8:00 PM/ 02:30 PM GMT / 10:30 AM LOCAL
  • Jun 13: Bangladesh vs Netherlands, 27th Match, Group D, Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent - Match starts at 8:00 PM / 02:30 PM GMT / 10:30 AM LOCAL
  • Jun 17: Bangladesh vs Nepal, 37th Match, Group D, Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent - Match starts at 5:00 AM (Jun 17) / 11:30 PM GMT / 07:30 PM LOCAL

Key Players to Watch in Group D

Sri Lanka

Wanindu Hasaranga: As the captain of the Sri Lankan team, Wanindu Hasaranga's leadership will be crucial in guiding his side through the tournament. Known for his exceptional spin bowling, Hasaranga has the ability to control the game in the middle overs and provide crucial breakthroughs when needed. His all-round skills make him a valuable asset for Sri Lanka, both with the ball and the bat. Pathum Nissanka: Pathum Nissanka is a young and dynamic batsman who has been making waves in Sri Lankan cricket. With his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor the innings, Nissanka holds the key to Sri Lanka's batting line-up. His consistency and temperament under pressure make him a player to watch out for in Group D.

Netherlands

Scott Edwards: Scott Edwards, the wicketkeeper-batsman and captain of the Netherlands team, is known for his aggressive style of play. A hard-hitting batsman, Edwards can take the game away from the opposition with his powerful strokes. His experience and leadership will be vital for the Dutch side as they look to make an impact in the tournament. Bas de Leede: Bas de Leede is an all-rounder who adds depth to the Netherlands team. With his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, de Leede provides balance to the side. His versatility and tactical acumen make him a key player to watch out for in Group D.

Nepal

Rohit Paudel: Rohit Paudel, the captain of the Nepal team, is a talented all-rounder who leads by example. With his aggressive batting style and handy off-spin bowling, Paudel can turn the game in his team's favor. His leadership skills and ability to perform under pressure make him a player to watch out for in the tournament. Sompal Kami: Sompal Kami is a fast bowler known for his pace and ability to generate bounce off the pitch. A strike bowler for Nepal, Kami has the knack of picking up crucial wickets at crucial moments. His aggressive approach and ability to bowl at high speeds make him a key player in Nepal's bowling attack.

South Africa

Aiden Markram: Aiden Markram, the captain of the South African team, is a talented batsman who possesses the ability to dominate the opposition bowling attack. Known for his elegant stroke play and solid technique, Markram is capable of anchoring the innings or accelerating when required. His leadership and batting prowess make him a key player for South Africa. Quinton de Kock: Quinton de Kock, the wicketkeeper-batsman, is a destructive force at the top of the order for South Africa. With his aggressive batting style and ability to score runs quickly, de Kock can put the opposition on the back foot early in the innings. His experience and explosiveness make him a dangerous player in Group D.

Bangladesh

Litton Das: Litton Das is a dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman known for his ability to score runs quickly. A versatile player, Das can adapt to different match situations and play according to the team's needs. His aggressive approach and ability to take on the bowlers make him a key player for Bangladesh in Group D. Taskin Ahmed: Taskin Ahmed is a talented fast bowler who can trouble the batsmen with his pace and bounce. Known for his ability to generate movement off the pitch, Taskin is capable of breaking partnerships and restricting the flow of runs. His aggression and ability to bowl yorkers make him a valuable asset for Bangladesh in the tournament.

Predictions for ICC T20 WC 2024 Group D

  1. South Africa: With a well-balanced squad and strong leadership, South Africa is favored to dominate Group D and secure the top spot.
  2. Sri Lanka: Despite missing some key players, Sri Lanka's experience and depth in spin bowling give them an edge to qualify for the knockout stage as the second-placed team in the group.
  3. Bangladesh: The consistent performances and all-round abilities of Bangladesh make them strong contenders to qualify for the knockout stage as the third-placed team in the group.
  4. Netherlands: While the Netherlands have shown resilience, they might struggle against the stronger teams in the group and finish in the fourth position.
  5. Nepal: Despite their promising talent, Nepal faces tough competition and is unlikely to advance to the knockout stage, finishing in the fifth position in Group D.

Key Matchups in Group D of ICC T20 World Cup 2024

Netherlands vs South Africa
  • Historical Upsets: Netherlands has defeated South Africa in their past two World Cup encounters, causing significant upsets.
  • Underdog Factor: Netherlands often enters as the underdog but has a track record of surprising stronger teams.
  • South Africa's Challenge: South Africa will be keen to overcome past disappointments and assert dominance.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
  • Rivalry Origins: A relatively new but fierce rivalry, marked by trivial but provocative incidents.
  • Notable Incidents:
    • Naagin Dance: Celebratory dances traded mockingly between teams since 2018.
    • Timed-Out Dismissal: Angelo Mathews' controversial dismissal led to ongoing wrist-tapping gestures.
  • Provocative Gestures: On-field antics include wrist-pointing and dance celebrations, adding to the drama.

Conclusion

Each team poised to showcase their skills and determination on the grand stage, the excitement is palpable. From the picturesque venues of Nassau County to the bustling cricket grounds of Dallas and St Vincent, Group D promises a riveting display of cricketing prowess. In this blog, we've explored the rich tapestry of Group D, offering insights into the strengths, weaknesses, and key players of each competing team. From the seasoned veterans of Sri Lanka and South Africa to the rising stars of Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Netherlands, the stage is set for an exhilarating contest. As fans gear up to witness the drama unfold, one thing is certain – the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Group D will be a spectacle to remember. So, grab your popcorn, don your team colors, and get ready to witness cricketing excellence at its finest. Whether it's thrilling run chases, breathtaking catches, or nail-biting finishes, Group D promises to deliver moments that will etch themselves into cricketing history.