Supersized World Cup sets stage for a new generation of T20 giant-killers

A record 20 teams have converged on the United States and West Indies for the Twenty20 World Cup, which begins on Saturday, providing ample opportunities for cricket's lesser lights to shine.

Split into four groups, the sport's usual trophy contenders are joined by a dozen more hopefuls eager to make their presence known, beginning with Canada and co-hosts the United States, who both make their tournament debuts in the first match in Dallas.

Uganda will also play for the first time, and veteran spinner Frank Nsubuga, 43, sees it as the pinnacle of a personal journey that began in 1997, a year before his country was granted membership in the International Cricket Council.

"I've been playing for 27 years for the national team, to see this dream is making me so, so happy," he said.

"We want to leave a legacy... we want to leave something the world can see."

The T20 tournament has grown from 12 to 16 teams since its inception in 2007, and the format's unpredictable nature has humbled many strong teams.

In the 2022 edition, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies were defeated by the Netherlands, Namibia, and Scotland, respectively, three blossoming sides capable of ruffling more feathers this time around despite operating on a fraction of the ICC's test-playing budget.

Despite defeating eventual champions England in the group stage of the previous World Cup, Ireland faces a difficult Group A battle alongside India and Pakistan.

Afghanistan, whose talismanic captain Rashid Khan and predecessor Mohammad Nabi return from Indian Premier League duty, are a constant white-ball threat and will fancy their chances of finishing in the top two of Group C ahead of two-time winners West Indies.

Bangladesh are no longer pushovers, but the T20 World Cup has not been a happy hunting ground, and a 24% winning record suggests it will struggle to advance past South Africa and Sri Lanka in Group D.

To advance to the 'Super 8s', Oman would need to defeat Australia or England in Group B.

Nepal, without spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who was recently cleared of rape on appeal but has been unable to obtain a visa to enter the United States, and Papua New Guinea go into their second match with low expectations but nothing to lose.

SportsLigue