Gilchrist names teams to watch for potential upsets in T20 World Cup

Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has spotlighted Nepal and the Netherlands as potential upset-makers in the T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled to take place in the USA and West Indies today.

In an interview with a local radio program, Gilchrist expressed confidence in Nepal's ability to make an impact. 

"I think Nepal would be a team that might be able to fire a shot," Gilchrist said. 

"They've got a couple of young players who have been in all the big leagues for a number of years now," he added.

The former wicketkeeper also praised the Netherlands for their knack for causing surprises.

"The Dutch always seem to ruffle a few feathers, they always seem to get under the skin, and they're drawn in the same pool as South Africa again. They nailed them in the T20 World Cup last time in Australia in Adelaide. So, it might be the Dutch," he said.

Gilchrist emphasized the importance of these opportunities for smaller cricketing nations, both financially and developmentally.

"That's in a financial component where they get a little bit of a lick of the ice cream... but also just the experience. With the T20 format, that's the opportunity for these nations to come in and start trying to ruffle a few feathers but also bed down the cricket programs in their countries,” he said.

He also noted the recent performance of the USA against Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of giving these teams a platform.

"Have a look at the results of the USA against Bangladesh in the last few weeks, the US have fired a few shots, they've beaten them a few times,” he said.

"It's about allowing them to get a platform and a chance to shine. Hopefully, that firms up the cricket programs in more nations around the world," he concluded.