The countdown for the T20 World Cup in Australia has started with all teams in the first-round matches finalised.
Zimbabwe and the Netherlands filled the last two places for the T20 showpiece event by winning their qualifying tournament semi-finals in Bulawayo.
They will take part in another round of matches in Australia from where the top two from each first-round group will progress to the Super 12 stage.
In all, 16 teams will fight for the T20 crown less than a year after the 2021 edition in the UAE.
This year's tournament will also see the UAE in the first round after Ahmed Raza’s side beat Nepal in the semi-final of the Qualifier in Oman to return to the big stage for the first time in seven years.
The pandemic-enforced changes in the World Cup calendar has meant two T20 World Cups inside 12 months, with the 50-over World Cup to be staged in India next year.
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Australia captain Aaron Finch poses with the T20 World Cup trophy. Getty Images -
Aaron Finch of Australia high fives a young fan during the T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Launch at Crown Riverwalk on July 08, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Getty Images -
A young cricket fan bats during the T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Launch in Melbourne, Australia. Getty Images -
Fans show their support during the T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Launch at Crown Riverwalk in Melbourne, Australia. Getty Images -
Shane Watson, Georgia Wareham, Aaron Finch, Tayla Vlaeminck, Waqar Younis and Morne Morkel pose during the T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Launch to mark 100 days until the tournament begins. Getty Images -
Sharni Norder bats during the T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Launch. Getty Images -
Morne Morkel speaks during the T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Launch. Getty Images -
Georgia Wareham speaks during the T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Launch. Getty Images -
Pakistan great Waqar Younis speaks. Getty Images -
Young cricket fans look on. Getty Images -
Australia captain Aaron Finch. Getty Images -
Australia batsman Shane Watson. Getty Images -
Cricket fans pose in front of the 100 days to go sign. Getty Images -
Cricket fans show their support during the T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Launch. Getty Images -
A young cricket fan poses for a photograph. Getty Images -
Cricket fans show their support during the T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Launch at Crown Riverwalk in Melbourne, Australia. Getty Images -
Former Pakistan cricket player Waqar Younis speaks next to Morne Morkel of South Africa. AFP -
Former Australian player Shane Watson speaks at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 100 days-to-go ceremony in Melbourne. AFP
The tournament begins on October 16 at Geelong and concludes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 13.
Australia won the 2021 edition of the tournament in the UAE after easing past New Zealand in the title match in Dubai. And they will get the defend their crown at home.
T20 World Cup teams and groups
Group A (First round): Namibia, Sri Lanka, UAE, Netherlands
Group B (First round): Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Zimbabwe
Group 1 (Super 12): Afghanistan, Australia, England, New Zealand, Winner Group A, Runner-up Group B
Group 2 (Super 12): Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Runner-up Group A, Winner Group B
Complete fixtures
Prize money
The winners of the 2021 edition - Australia - took home a cheque of $1.6 million while the Black Caps earned half that amount. All 16 competing teams received part of the $5.6m prize fund, with two losing semi-finalists England and Pakistan receiving $400,000 each.
