“It is difficult for them to get into the top four” - Ravi Ashwin reveals two teams unlikely to reach semi-finals of ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Former Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin believes that he doesn’t see Sri Lanka and Afghanistan among the semi-finalists in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, starting on Saturday, February 7, in India and Sri Lanka.

Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, Ashwin revealed that Sri Lanka has a chance to prepare a turning wicket at home and take a chance in a must-win game to maximize their chances of making it to the top four. 

"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.

However, Ashwin reckoned that Afghanistan’s inconsistent batting doesn’t give them a chance to advance to the top four. Notably, Afghanistan is scheduled to play their opening fixture against New Zealand in Chennai.

"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 asserted.

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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