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

From Spain, Nigeria to Japan – What would an expanded 32-team T20 World Cup look like?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering expanding the men's T20 World Cup to 24…

2 months ago

Brazil cruise into quadrangular final with commanding double-header display

Following on from their emphatic victory over Jersey yesterday, Brazil returned to action with a…

2 months ago

Vilas Boas Blazes Brazil to Emphatic Opening Victory

Brazil began their quadrangular tournament campaign in Zurich with an 87-run victory over Jersey. Going…

2 months ago

Is Irish Cricket left in the freezer?

"We're going into those meetings with our chins and our heads a bit higher" said…

2 months ago

EC Open Floor: Powerful perspectives after ICC’s boilover World Cup decision

Two days on from the ICC announcement outlining changes to the formats for both the…

2 months ago

ICC controversially revamps Men’s World Cup formats

The ICC has forced through significant changes to the structure and qualification of both men’s…

2 months ago