Not all countries are automatically invited to the Twenty20 party. Some have to qualify. There are three spots available for Associates in next year’s tournament, including the extra slot which has been created by the non-participation of Zimbabwe. Next weekend, the following teams will try and fill them:
- Group A features Ireland, Scotland and Bermuda. Ireland should probably top this group, but you can never reckon against the mighty Sluggo.
- Group B includes Kenya, the Netherlands and Canada. Kenya are hotly tipped, but their preparation hasn’t gone to plan. How they will cope with the Belfast weather is anyone’s guess.
Ireland should be in