*ISLAMABAD – The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Tuesdaythe sides that have qualified directly for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020to be held in Australia, based on the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I TeamRankings as on 31 December 2018.*
As per the qualification criteria set for the tournament, the number oneranked Pakistan and the other nine top-ranked sides have ensured directqualification. The top eight make it straight to the Super 12s stage whilethe remaining two will play in the group stage along with six other teamswho will make it through from the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2019.Meanwhile, 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 Afghanistanwill start their campaign directly in the Super 12s.
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“It is a bit disappointing that we have not been able to ensure a directSuper 12s berth but I’m confident that we will do well in the tournament,said Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga, quoted *ICC*.
