Group D of T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, Netherlands, Nepal Set for Thrilling Encounters

Group D of the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup promises thrilling encounters between former champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, Netherlands, and Nepal.

Sri Lanka:

Led by Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka boasts a balanced squad with a strong batting lineup featuring Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Charith Asalanka. Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka provide experience as seam-bowling all-rounders, while Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage offer spin-bowling options. Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana are expected to play key roles in the bowling department.

Bangladesh:

Bangladesh enters the tournament with some uncertainty, as they continue to search for their strongest XI. Experienced opener Litton Das has been out of form, but teammate Tawhid Hridoy is confident of his comeback. Vice-captain Taskin Ahmed's fitness is a concern, but the Tigers have experience in Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah. Mustafizur Rahman's deceptive off-cutters could prove valuable in slow conditions.

Nepal:

Nepal will field a young side led by 21-year-old Rohit Paudel. Paudel's recent form against West Indies A is a positive sign, and Gulshan Jha and Pratis GC are other young stars to watch. Sompal Kami and Karan KC provide experience, but Nepal remains the least experienced side in the group.

Netherlands:

The Netherlands have a history of surprising in ICC tournaments, having beaten South Africa in the last two editions. They will face the Proteas again on June 8, aiming for a hat-trick of wins. Michael Levitt has earned a place in the absence of Colin Ackermann, and the Dutch have restored their core players for this edition. Bas de Leede, who was named ICC Men's Associate Cricketer of the Year last year, is a key all-rounder.

South Africa:

South Africa is arguably the strongest side in the group and the tournament. Their batting lineup boasts Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Reeza Hendricks, while Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen lead a formidable fast-bowling attack. However, the Proteas lack a genuine all-rounder.

Key Players to Watch:

* Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka): A lethal pacer with a dangerous yorker

* Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa): A versatile middle-order batter with a high strike rate against spin

* Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal): A hard-hitting batter who holds the record for the fastest T20I fifty

* Bas de Leede (Netherlands): An all-rounder who was named ICC Men's Associate Cricketer of the Year last year

* Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): A skilled spinner with deceptive off-cutters

Tags: #T20WorldCup, #GroupD, #SriLanka, #Bangladesh, #SouthAfrica