ICC 2019 World Cup Qualifiers: Tournament Preview
The ICC 2019 World Cup Qualifiers are set to begin on March 4, Sunday with 10 teams participating in the event. Only two nations will join the main event for the 10-team ICC World Cup to be held in England next year. The event is being hosted in Zimbabwe across Bulawayo, Harare and KweKwe. The final of qualifiers will be held on March 25.
West Indies, Afghanistan go in as favourites
Two time World Cup champions West Indies and the ever promising Afghanistan go into the tournament as favourites. Windies will bank on star Chris Gayle to get them through, after missing out on direct entry through ICC ODI rankings. Afghanistan have been sensational in the past few years and the likes of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will be key for the Asian team.
A look at the duo's recent form
Afghanistan recently overpowered Zimbabwe and despite going down to Ireland, they will be confident to do well. West Indies, meanwhile, lost to both England and New Zealand in ODIs in the past couple of months. They need to trust themselves and get the job done.
Ireland, Zimbabwe are the surprise elements
Ireland and Zimbabwe too missed the cut after being in the lower ring of the ICC ODI rankings. With promising players in their ranks, the duo will be seeking to cause upset and enter the main event at the expense of the Windies and Afghans respectively. Ireland have caused a few upsets in the past in the 2007 and 2011 editions.
A look at the duo's recent form
Ireland have been in supreme touch and got the desired results. They overcame United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan and Scotland in ODIs. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe have fallen flat in recent ventures after their 3-2 win in the ODI series against Sri Lanka back in July 2017.
ICC WC Qualifiers: Key focus
The 10 teams have been divided into two groups: Group A- Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, UAE, West Indies Group B- Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Nepal, Scotland, Zimbabwe. The group stages will be followed by a super-six round. Six teams will be featuring in the Super Six. Two top teams from this round will progress into the final and qualify for the main event.
Players that can make an impact
Chris Gayle is a star attraction besides Afghanistan's Rashid Khan. All-rounder Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe could be a huge prospect given his consistency. Scotland's Kyle Coetzer has the desired experience. Nepal's spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, an IPL 11 entrant, is a sturdy performer.
