The T20 World Cup 2024 is going to be historic as for the first time ever 20 teams will be competing against each other in order to gain the biggest glory in the shortest format of the game. There have been many lesser-known teams that have made their mark through this marquee event. Here, we look at the teams (including Namibia) who have played only two T20 World Cups (or less).
Hong Kong
Hong Kong are the only team in this list apart from Namibia to play in two consecutive T20 World Cups. They first played in the 2014 edition by securing the sixth spot after beating Papua New Guinea in the ICC T20 Qualifier. Hong Kong defeated the hosts Bangladesh of the 2014 World Cup by two wickets and with two balls remaining, which was no less than an upset win but failed tp make it to the next round of the Super 10 having lost the two earlier matches against Afghanistan and Nepal. They also qualified for the 2016 edition and once again failed to make it into the first round.
Oman
Oman qualified for the T20 World Cup 2016 after beating Namibia in a sudden-death match at the T20 World Cup Qualifiers. They also made it to the 2021 T20 World Cup but made an exit in the first round itself during both editions.
Namibia
Namibia were considered the underdogs in the 2021 and 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup which was hosted by India in the UAE after securing the fourth spot in the 2019 Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier. They did suffer defeat in their first match against Sri Lanka but recorded a historic first-ever win with a 6-wicket win over Netherlands. They also won their first Super 12 match for Namibia after beating Scotland by four wickets. Continuing in the same vein, Namibia qualified for the 2022 T20 World Cup and picked up an upset victory over then-Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka.
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Nepal
Nepal was one of the best three associate teams on display in the Group A of the 2014 edition but lost to Bangladesh meaning they were unable to move out of the first stage. They beat Hong Kong and then Afghanistan, their first since 2004 in any format against their old rivals. This was also their only appearance at the tournament.
Kenya
Kenya competed in the inaugural T20 World Cup but not since. They qualified as the finalists of the 2007 World Cricket League Division One tournament along with Scotland. They went one-on-one against Sri Lanka and New Zealand but lost to both teams.
Papua New Guinea
Another one of those lesser-known teams from the 2021 T20 World Cup, Papua New Guinea played three matches in the Super 12 qualifiers while being in the same group with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Oman in their group.
United Arab Emirates
UAE qualified for the T20 World Cup 2014. However, they were still quite unsuccessful in that edition. They also qualified for the 2022 T20 World Cup first round, losing their opening match to the Netherlands.
Uganda
Uganda will be having a historic outing in the T20 World Cup 2024 as they will be competing in the mega tournament for the first time. They picked up a stunning win over Zimbabwe in the qualifier and would be attempting to make this season worth remembering by adding another upset win to their campaign.
United States of America
USA are co-hosting the T20 World Cup 2024. They are hosting the tournament and competing in it for the first time. They would try to make this season memorable and add some big upsets to their record.
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