Abu Dhabi: Host Bangladesh to take on Afghanistan in tournament opener in Mirpur on 16 March.
The first round groups and fixtures of the ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014 have now been confirmed after the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2013 concluded at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
On the final day of the 16-day tournament, Ireland retained its title when it defeated Afghanistan by 68 runs, while Nepal beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by five wickets to finish third. On Friday, the Netherlands claimed fifth position when it overcame Hong Kong by seven wickets.
As such, the two groups for the first round of the ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014 are:
Group A - Bangladesh and Afghanistan, Nepal, Hong Kong
Group B - Zimbabwe and Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands
The first round fixtures are:
Sunday 16 Mar – Bangladesh v Afghanistan (1530-1830), Mirpur; Nepal v Hong Kong (1930-2230), Chittagong
Monday 17 Mar – Zimbabwe v Ireland (1530-1830), Sylhet; UAE v Netherlands (1930-2230), Sylhet
Tuesday 18 Mar – Afghanistan v Hong Kong (1530-1830), Chittagong; Bangladesh v Nepal (1930-2230), Chittagong
Wednesday 19 Mar – Zimbabwe v Netherlands (1530-1830), Sylhet; Ireland v UAE (1930-2230), Sylhet
Thursday 20 Mar – Afghanistan v Nepal (1530-1830), Chittagong; Bangladesh v Hong Kong (1930-2230), Chittagong
Friday 21 Mar – Zimbabwe v UAE (1130-1430), Sylhet; Ireland v Netherlands (1530-1830), Sylhet