Bangladesh will have to contend with the other six qualifiers in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2020.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Tuesday (Jan 1) the sides that have qualified directly for the tournament hosted by Australia next year.
Former champions and three-time finalists Sri Lanka will also have to play with the qualifiers.
In a statement on Tuesday (Jan 1), the global cricket governing body said that Australia and the other nine top ranked sides, in line with the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, have ensured direct qualification.
The top eight make it straight to the Super 12s stage while the remaining two will play in the group stage along with six other teams who will make it through from the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2019. Four teams from the group stage will advance to the Super 12s.
Of the top 10 sides on the rankings table, top-ranked Pakistan, India, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, the Windies and Afghanistan will start their campaign directly in the Super 12s.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will have to contend with the other six qualifiers in the group stage of the tournament, which will be held between Oct 18 and Nov 15.
“We have not secured a direct Super 12s berth but I’m confident that we will do well in the tournament by going through the group stage,” the ICC statement quoted Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan.
“We are a side capable of beating the best on our day and I see no reason why we can’t go far in the tournament. There is still some time and we will use it to be at our best for the T20 World Cup.
“We won a T20 series against the West Indies, the world champions, in their backward not so long ago. That performance has given us a lot of belief in our Twenty20 capabilities.”
Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga said it was a “bit disappointing” but that they were confident doing well in the tournament.
“Having played three finals and winning once, it is natural that everyone expected us to finish in the top-eight but we have to take the opportunity in the extra matches of the group stage and prepare well for the knock-out matches,” the statement quoted him.
