South Africa’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup challenge: Tough Group D

With the Proteas, New Zealand and Afghanistan drawn together, Group D offers no easy path and pressure from the outset. Only the top two teams in each group at the T20 World Cup qualify for the Super Eights. Joining that trio are Canada, looking to build on their debut showing two years ago, and the United Arab Emirates, who are competing for the third time.

Matches will be played in Chennai, Ahmedabad and Delhi. Packed with experience and looking to build on their run to the semi-finals in 2024, Afghanistan arrive in India with big ambitions. Captained by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan come into the tournament off the back of series victories over the West Indies and Zimbabwe in their last two T20I bilateral series.

Two years ago, Rahmanullah Gurbaz finished as the top run-scorer in the tournament, while Fazalhaq Farooqi topped the wicket tally. In sub-continental conditions, it may be the spinners who have a bigger role to play and between Rashid and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan have two of the very best. Add in Noor Ahmad and the ageless all-round skill of Mohammad Nabi, and Afghanistan have plenty of potential matchwinners upon which to call.

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Two years on from making their T20 World Cup debut in the USA and the West Indies, Canada are back on the world stage for the 10th edition, looking for more of the same. In 2024, the Canadians opened their account with a win over Ireland but lost out to the USA and Pakistan as they bowed out in the first round.

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