The stage is all set for the T20 World Cup 2024. The USA and the West Indies are the joint hosts for this edition. It is the first time the USA is hosting a top cricket event, and not only are they hosting for the first time, but they are also playing in such a mega cricket event. Besides the USA, there are a few other associate teams who are all gearing up for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Since the anticipation is high, there are a few players in these associate teams who can take the World Cup by storm with their cricketing skills. Let’s have a look at 5 players to keep an eye on in this edition from these lesser-known teams.
| Players | Team | Specialization |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | Nepal | All-rounder |
| Corey Anderson | USA | All-rounder |
| Ali Khan | USA | Bowler |
| Kashyap Prajapati | Oman | Batter |
| Richie Berrington | Scotland | All-rounder |
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Players to Watch Out for in T20 World Cup 2024 from Associate Teams
Dipendra Singh Airee
Known as Nepal’s Yuvraj Singh due to his hard-hitting batting skills. Airee is one of the most dangerous middle-order batters that Nepal has. The 24-year-old all-rounder has already played 64 T20Is for Nepal to date, scoring 1626 runs with an average of 146.75. Recently, he became the third player in international cricket to hit six sixes in a T20I match. The right-handed batter achieved this feat in an ACC Men’s T20 Premier Cup match against Qatar. As a bowler, he has also left his mark with his off-break style bowling. Having taken 37 wickets with an impressive bowling economy of 6.10 to date.
There is no question that Airee can perform wonders with his all-round abilities for Nepal in this T20 World Cup. He is certainly a player to watch out for from the Nepal team in this upcoming T20 World Cup tournament.
Corey Anderson
Anderson started his career with the New Zealand team and is now all set to contribute to the USA cricket team in this World Cup. Since the USA is an emerging team, they need experienced players like Anderson who can add value to the team. Anderson is known mostly for his big strikes, in 50-over cricket, he holds the record for the fastest 36-ball century. It will be interesting to see what contribution he can provide to a team like the USA.
Looking at Anderson’s T20I batting stats, in 33 games, he has scored 568 runs. As a bowler, he has taken 14 wickets in all 33 games. As mentioned, Anderson brings experience, and the kind of ability he possesses is rare on the USA cricket team. He might play a crucial role in this World Cup, and he is surely a player to watch out for.
Ali Khan
Ali Khan is also a well-known player who can turn things around for the USA with his bowling skills. In the US cricket circuit, he is considered the most lethal fast bowler. Having played in numerous T20 leagues around the world, he brings a wealth of experience with him as a bowler. As mentioned earlier, the USA will aim to incorporate all these talents together to build a strong team.
In Minor League Cricket (MLC), playing for the Houston Hurricanes, he took 7 wickets in 7 games with a bowling economy of 7.04, which is considered good for fast bowlers, especially those who bowl in the powerplay. Khan, along with Corey Anderson and USA captain Monak Patel, who are quite experienced themselves, might change the fate of the USA team.
Kashyap Prajapati
Indian-born Oman cricketer Kashyap Prajapati is a player who may impress everyone with his batting skills. Prajapati is the most impressive and consistent batter Oman has. Known for providing a strong base for the team, he usually opens the innings and gives a solid start to the Oman team. He is one of the key players who can play long innings and also possesses hard-hitting skills, especially in the death overs.
In 41 matches for Oman, he has scored 812 runs, with the highest score of 74* to date achieved against Canada in the T20 World Cup qualifiers in 2022. Looking at his experience and past performances, he has the potential to do wonders for the Oman team.
Richie Berrington
The 37-year-old Scottish cricketer and captain of the upcoming T20 World Cup, Richie Berrington, is also on this list due to his 16 years of experience and his all-round skills. As a batting all-rounder who also possesses seam bowling skills, he is known as one of the greats in the Scottish cricket circuit.
In his 87-match career, he has scored 2040 runs, including 10 fifties and one century. He has 28 wickets to his name as well, with a decent bowling economy of 7.64. With his ball-striking ability and knowledge of how to utilize the middle overs in T20 cricket. Along with his readiness to bowl when required, Richie might be the game-changer this time around. As he might be playing in his last big tournament, he will look to make an impact one last time.
