“They are not going to qualify” - Ravi Ashwin reveals two teams unlikely to be in the top four of the T20 World Cup 2026

Former Indian cricketer and analyst Ravi Ashwin reckons that Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will not make it to the top four in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, starting on Saturday, February 7, in India and Sri Lanka.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin asserted that Sri Lanka has a good chance to prepare a turning surface in a must-win game and maximize their chances of advancing to the semi-finals of the mega event.

"It is difficult for them to get into the top four. I don't think they will get into the top four. If they do, I will be really surprised. I won't rule them out. If they get a must-win game against a Western side, they can prepare a turning wicket and take a chance," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Furthermore, Ashwin asserted that the Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan’s inconsistent batting line-up doesn’t offer them a chance to advance to the top four despite them playing their opening encounter at Chepauk.

"People may say Afghanistan have a huge chance because they are playing in India, and playing against New Zealand at Chepauk. But Chepauk's pitch is not like before. Their batting is a big problem. Can they make big scores? They might have a chance in day games, but I still think they are not going to qualify. They are a good, emerging side, but not a top-four side," he concluded.

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.

Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen Ul Haq, Mohammad Ishaq Rahimi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran. 

Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

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