Insight

Who benefits from T20 World Cup expansion?

Papua New Guinea (East Asia Pacific)

Papua New Guinea made their T20 World Cup debut in 2021

Because of the switch to a regional qualifier system, one team from the East Asia Pacific region is guaranteed a berth at the 2024 World Cup.

The most likely beneficiaries are Papua New Guinea, who played at the 2021 T20 World Cup, but lost all three games. As the highest ranked team in the region, PNG will certainly carry the ‘favourites’ tag.

Despite this, it hasn’t been plain sailing for the Barramundis, who have struggled since their 2019 peak. They lost all three games at their 2021 World Cup debut, and struggled at the 2022 Global Qualifier B, losing to Hong Kong before recovering to third place. They’ve also struggled in ODIs, winning just 2 of 28 games in Cricket World Cup League 2 so far.

Standing between PNG and a second World Cup will be Philippines, Vanuatu, and Japan, though none come within 25 places of PNG’s 19th place on the T20I rankings. And although their opposition may threaten an upset, the Barramundis should be confident of picking up the results required to make a second appearance at a T20 World Cup in 2024.

Page: 1 2 3 4

Tom Grunshaw

A chemist by day, Tom takes an analytical approach to the emerging game, with a focus on events in Europe.

Recent Posts

Forza Azzurri: Simone Gambino talks Italian Cricket, T20 World Cup and Espatriati

AC Milan, Inter Milan and Genoa. Some of the most famous and decorated clubs in…

4 months ago

Italy seal debut T20 World Cup spot despite final day drama

Italy qualified for their first ever World Cup, after finishing runners-up to the Netherlands in…

5 months ago

ICC Development Awards 2024 Global Nominees announced

The International Cricket Council has announced regional winners and global nominees of the 2024 ICC…

6 months ago

Bowled Over by Progress: Sierra Leone Plans Four New International Cricket Grounds

Sierra Leone has commenced construction of four new international standard cricket grounds in Sussex, a…

6 months ago

Namibia to host South Africa in landmark T20I

In a significant moment for Namibian cricket, the men's national team will host neighbours South…

6 months ago

Nelson on the Board for the Schiedam Derby

Time was, back when league cricket was still a spectator sport in the Netherlands, that…

7 months ago