ICC World T20: Afghanistan’s strengths, weaknesses and players to watch out for

Ahead of the ICC World T20, here's a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the teams for the main round.

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Afghanistan progress to main draw with thumping win over Zimbabwe. (Source: PTI)

The sixth edition of the World Twenty20 tournament will be hosted by India and feature 10 teams in the main group stage, including qualifiers Afghanistan and Bangladesh.(Full Coverage|| Fixtures||Photos)

The five previous tournaments have been won by five different countries, with no team crowned champion on home soil.

Here’s a look at teams in the two groups. There are two big traditional derbies in Group 2, which features India and Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.

Team: Afghanistan

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World T20 record: 2010-1st Round, ’12-1st Round, ’14-1st Round.

Strength: Batting depth

Weakness: Lack of top-tier international competition.

Players to watch:

Mohammad Shahzad: The bulky opener scored 297 runs in 2015 — the most by any batsman. His ferocious power hitting in the batting powerplay provided Afghanistan rollicking starts in the first-round victories against Scotland, Hong Kong and Zimbabwe. Behind the stumps, Shahzad has a safe pair of hands and offers Afghanistan the flexibility to include an extra bowler to strengthen its bowling attack.

Mohammad Nabi: The most accomplished Afghanistan all-rounder, Nabi can be dangerous with his off-spin bowling on slow wickets. He gives Afghanistan a solid batting option down the order.

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