The big selection decisions and predicted first XI for every T20 World Cup team

Which big names will miss selection for each team’s starting XI at the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup?

With the big time ahead, we’re running the rule through each men’s ICC T20 World Cup roster and picking the likely starting XI for all 16 teams.

The key names remain for Afghanistan, with Mohammad Nabi captaining the side and Rashid Khan the linchpin of the attack.

But a lot has changed in the past year Hamid Hassan and Mohammad Shahzad are among a group of players the selectors have moved away from. The key is finding a balance between a spin-focused squad and closer-friendly conditions.

Expected XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Naveen ul Haq, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik

Will Steve Smith make up the Australian launch team? Tim David’s arrival in the lower middle class would suggest that’s not the case, especially when Marcus Stoinis is likely safe thanks to his ability to contribute overs with the ball.

Aaron Finch’s worrying form would leave him vulnerable at the top of the standings were it not for the captain’s armband, although Finch may have a big decision to make if the lack of runs continues.

Expected XI: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Bangladesh is a new and experimental team, having made a number of changes since last year’s T20 World Cup.

Hugely experienced Shakib Al Hasan remains at the helm and will face a lively group of Quicks in Australian conditions – including Taskin Ahmed Hasan and Shoriful Islam – for some surprises in Group 2.

Expected XI: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Afif Hossain, Yasir Ali, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed Hasan, Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam

Liam Livingstone’s late return before the start of the tournament could see England opting for the extra bowler in the Super 12 stage, but don’t be shocked if they decide to put Livingstone in the top as the tournament progresses 6 record.

The competition between Chris Woakes, David Willey and Chris Jordan as the fifth front line bowler is tight.

Expected XI: Jos Buttler (c, wk), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley

The return of Dinesh Karthik as a finisher, the improved fitness of Hardik Pandya and the remarkable form of Suryakumar Yadav means that India has the power to burn in its middle order even if Rishabh Pant is not included as it is possible.

However, the absence of Jasprit Bumrah comes as a serious blow. Competition between the remaining bowlers is fierce, with the final selection likely to depend on the day’s conditions.

Expected XI: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh

It’s been a largely tried-and-true formula for Ireland in T20Is lately, although the decision to omit Andy McBrine changes the dynamic somewhat.

Young hitter Stephen Doheny is putting pressure on the top pick, while on the ball much will likely depend on Josh Little’s influence.

Expected XI: Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little

Namibia enjoyed a hugely successful T20 World Cup campaign a year ago and the selectors have stayed true to the core of the squad to lead the charge in Australia.

Talented young batter Divan la Cock could take the lead at the top of the order, but the standout trio of David Wiese, Ruben Trumpelmann and Gerhard Erasmus form the backbone of the team.

Expected XI: Divan la Cock, Michael van Lingen, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Jan Frylinck, JJ Smit, David Wiese, Ruben Trumpelmann, Zane Green (wk), Bernard Scholtz, Tangeni Lungameni

With Pieter Seelaar and Ryan ten Doeschate no longer to fall back on, the Netherlands are entering a new era.

A small squad with no reserves are likely to see a relatively solid eleven, with Max O’Dowd at the top of the order and wicketkeeper Scott Edwards captaining the side.

Expected XI: Stephan Myburgh, Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Bas de Leede, Tom Cooper, Scott Edwards (c, wk), Roelof van der Merwe, Timm van der Gugten, Shariz Ahmad, Fred Klaassen, Brandon Glover

The arrival of Finn Allen at the helm of the Order and the return of Lockie Ferguson to the international scene means New Zealand must make some important selection decisions.

If Adam Milne and Ferguson’s pace is to be factored in, one big name will have to give way, possibly Tim Southee.

And where does Martin Guptil fit in? Maybe three, maybe five? But when it comes to pre-selection, the veteran has to settle for drinks.

Expected XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Jimmy Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fitness is the big concern for Pakistan and he could rest a bit against weaker opponents in the Super 12 phase. With Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah also in attack, there is no lack of pace when Shaheen comes into the tournament with ease.

There were positive signals from the middle order in the run-up to the tournament, which should calm an opening pair on which so much is based.

Expected XI: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shan Masood, Mohammad Nawaz, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi

The lead has changed hands, with Kyle Coetzer retiring and Richie Berrington taking over, but Scotland’s XI will be largely unchanged from the last T20 World Cup.

Whether spinner Mark Watt can produce a similar effect in the less spin-friendly conditions awaiting him in Australia remains to be seen.

Expected XI: George Munsey, Michael Jones, Matthew Cross (wk), Richard Berrington (c), Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Mark Watt, Chris Greaves, Bradley Wheal, Josh Davey, Chris Sole

Big picks and South African cricket go hand in hand and this tournament is no different.

Temba Bavuma is captain of the squad but his lack of form has put his place at the top under significant pressure.

The injured Rassie van der Dussen will be absent from midfield, but the Proteas have a potential star of the tournament in hard-hitting youngster Tristan Stubbs.

Expected XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rillee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Wayne Parnell, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi

The turn of events in Sri Lanka’s fortunes in the second half of 2022 has been extraordinary and the squad that has taken them to the Asian Cup title provides the majority of the likely T20 World Cup XI.

Becomes the standout spin pair of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana be able to make an impact on Australian terms? This is the big question for Sri Lanka.

Expected XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka

Zahoor Khan will lead a bowling attack rich in talent but little experience in big games.

Vriitya Aravind’s power in the rank could play a big role for UAE, with Chirag Suri most likely to weigh in with the volume of runs in the rank.

Expected XI: Muhammad Waseem, Chirag Suri, Aryan Lakra, Vriitya Aravind (wk), Chundangapoyil Rizwan (c), Basil Hameed, Aayan Afzal Khan, Zawar Farid, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Zahoor Khan

The selection of the West Indies squad was a marked departure from the veterans who underperformed in 2021. However, Evin Lewis is back and will likely get a chance at the top of the order.

A hitting-heavy approach with Jason Holder at seven is the aggressive option, although Lewis or Shamarh Brooks could be left out in favor of Sheldon Cottrell if the team opts for an additional bowler.

Expected XI: Kyle Mayers, Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran (c, wk), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy

A list of decent fast bowlers could give Zimbabwe a chance to turn Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara and Luke Jongwe are likely to fight for two spots.

Sikandar Raza is the key player with bat and ball. The spin bowling all-rounder is at his best in 2022.

Expected XI: Craig Ervine (c), Regis Chakabva (wk), Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara,