### Group D PreviewGroup D Preview: South Africa and Sri Lanka Lead Balanced Pool in T20 World Cup
By Rutvik Chhibber
South Africa and Sri Lanka, the two highest-ranked teams in Group D, face stiff competition as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Joining them are Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Nepal, making for an evenly matched group.
Former champions Sri Lanka are set to clash with familiar rivals Bangladesh, while South Africa will face a tough challenge from the Netherlands. Nepal, gearing up for their second appearance in this marquee event, adds to the unpredictability of the group.
With no clear-cut favorites, each team has the potential to outperform the others, promising thrilling matches ahead.
Let's delve into the teams in this group and what we can expect from them.
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### Bangladesh### Bangladesh
Bangladesh enters the T20 World Cup amid some uncertainty as they continue to search for their strongest XI. Experienced opener Litton Das has struggled for form, averaging just 13.16 in six matches this year. However, teammate Tawhid Hridoy remains confident that Das will make a strong comeback in the tournament.
Another concern is the fitness of vice-captain Taskin Ahmed, who suffered a side strain before the final match of a recent series against Zimbabwe. His condition will be closely monitored ahead of Bangladesh's first match against Sri Lanka on 7 June.
The Tigers are relying on their experienced players. Alongside Das, former captains Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan are expected to provide crucial support to Najmul Hossain Shanto, who will be leading the team for the first time in an ICC tournament.
#### Squad
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed (vc), Litton Kumer Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Travelling reserves: Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud
#### Fixtures
- 7 June: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Dallas
- 10 June: South Africa vs Bangladesh, New York
- 13 June: Bangladesh vs Netherlands, St. Vincent
- 16 June: Bangladesh vs Nepal, St. Vincent
#### Watch Out For
In conditions expected to favor slow bowling and spinners, Mustafizur Rahman's skill set, particularly his deceptive off-cutters, will be crucial. Mustafizur has consistently proven to be a match-winner for Bangladesh, with his control in the middle overs and effectiveness in the final overs. His partnership with a recovering Taskin Ahmed makes him a valuable asset for the team.
### Nepal### Nepal
Nepal will field a youthful squad at the T20 World Cup, with 21-year-old Rohit Paudel leading the team as captain. Paudel’s impressive recent form against West Indies A, with scores of 112, 71*, and 82, is a significant positive for the team heading into the tournament.
Joining him are young talents like Gulshan Jha, who played in the U19 World Cup earlier this year, and 19-year-old Pratis GC, both expected to make a substantial impact.
Sompal Kami, a fast bowling all-rounder, is the only player from Nepal's inaugural 2014 squad to feature in the 2024 edition, alongside veteran Karan KC, who adds experience to the team.
This tournament will be Nepal’s second appearance, making them the least experienced side in the group.
#### Squad
Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee
#### Fixtures
- 4 June: Netherlands vs Nepal, Dallas
- 11 June: Sri Lanka vs Nepal, Florida
- 14 June: South Africa vs Nepal, St. Vincent
- 16 June: Bangladesh vs Nepal, St. Vincent
#### Watch Out For
Dipendra Singh Airee, the latest entrant to the six sixes club, brings a hard-hitting reputation. He smashed six sixes in an over during the ACC Men's T20I Premier Cup against Qatar, joining the elite ranks of Yuvraj Singh (2007) and Keiron Pollard (2021).
Airee also holds the record for the fastest T20I fifty, achieving it in just nine balls, surpassing Yuvraj’s record of 12 deliveries.
The 24-year-old’s explosive batting in the middle overs can provide Nepal with the edge needed to challenge their group rivals.
### Netherlands### Netherlands
The Netherlands has often brought surprises to ICC tournaments. They hold an edge over Proteas, having defeated them in the last two ICC Men’s tournaments – the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
They will once again face South Africa on 8 June in New York, aiming to secure a hat-trick of wins. 20-year-old Michael Levitt has earned his place in the squad after an impressive century against Namibia earlier this year, stepping in for Colin Ackermann.
The Dutch team has reinforced its core players for this edition, with captain Scott Edwards, Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek, Max O'Dowd, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Vikram Singh, and Wesley Barresi providing valuable experience.
#### Squad
Scott Edwards (c), Aryan Dutt, Bas de Leede, Daniel Doram, Fred Klaassen, Logan van Beek, Max O'Dowd, Michael Levitt, Paul van Meekeren, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Teja Nidamanuru, Tim Pringle, Vikram Singh, Viv Kingma, Wesley Barresi. Reserve: Kyle Klein
#### Fixtures
- 4 June: Netherlands vs Nepal, Dallas
- 8 June: Netherlands vs South Africa, New York
- 13 June: Bangladesh vs Netherlands, St. Vincent
- 16 June: Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, St. Lucia
#### Watch Out For
Bas de Leede has been a key player for the Netherlands, excelling with both bat and ball. He was honored with the ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year award for his outstanding performance last year.
Although the 24-year-old all-rounder has had limited T20I cricket exposure lately, his recent appearances in the tri-series with Scotland and Ireland marked his return to the shortest format since 2022. De Leede was one of the Netherlands' standout performers in the previous T20 World Cup, finishing as their leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps.
### South AfricaSouth Africa
Regarded as one of the strongest sides in the group and the tournament, South Africa has assembled a formidable squad.
The batting lineup boasts the experience of Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Reeza Hendricks, known for their ability to dismantle bowling attacks. Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs inject youthful vigor into the team.
In the fast-bowling department, South Africa exhibits confidence with Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Ottniel Baartman. Meanwhile, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Bjorn Fortuin bolster the spin department.
However, the Proteas lack a genuine all-rounder in their lineup. Although Jansen has shown proficiency with the bat, he primarily serves as an opening bowler.
With aspirations to reach their first Men’s T20 World Cup final, South Africa faces mounting pressure.
#### Squad
Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs
#### Fixtures
- 3 June: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, New York
- 8 June: Netherlands vs South Africa, New York
- 10 June: South Africa vs Bangladesh, New York
- 14 June: South Africa vs Nepal, St. Vincent
#### Watch Out For
Heinrich Klaasen poses a significant threat, displaying exceptional form since the beginning of the year. In all T20 competitions, Klaasen has smashed 76 sixes in 30 matches.
Klaasen brings versatility to the team. Not only is he adept at wicket-keeping, but he also excels at attacking spin bowling, boasting a strike rate of nearly 160 against spinners in T20s. His performances in this year's SA20 and the IPL have underscored his ability to play the role of an explosive middle-order batter effectively.
### Sri LankaSri Lanka
Wanindu Hasaranga embarks on his first major assignment as the newly appointed captain of Sri Lanka. The Lions have curated a well-balanced unit that addresses various facets of the game.
A robust batting lineup features Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Dhananjaya De Silva. Seam-bowling all-rounders Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka bring invaluable experience, while captain Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage bolster the spin department.
Maheesh Theekshana is poised to share spin duties equally with Hasaranga. Dilshan Madushanka's prowess in the Powerplay and Matheesha Pathirana's expertise in the final overs complement the pace attack led by Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara.
#### Squad
Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka. Traveling Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Janith Liyanage
#### Fixtures
- 3 June: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, New York
- 7 June: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Dallas
- 11 June: Sri Lanka vs Nepal, Florida
- 16 June: Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, St. Lucia
#### Watch Out For
Matheesha Pathirana, a speedster capable of consistently bowling above 145 kmph with a deadly yorker in his arsenal, poses a significant threat to most batters, especially in the death overs.
Pathirana's recent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have enhanced his reputation as a potent pacer, despite only featuring in six T20Is. In just six appearances for Chennai in IPL 2024, the death-over specialist claimed 13 wickets with an economy rate of 7.68.
Although he sustained a hamstring injury midway through the IPL season, Pathirana has been included in the squad and is expected to regain full fitness in time for the tournament.
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