Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reckons it would be tough for co-hosts Sri Lanka to qualify for the last four of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka are drawn in Group B of the tournament along with Oman, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Australia.

The Dasun Shanaka-led team has won a solitary match in the last five games and also suffered a series loss against England. Thus, they will need to turn a corner in the upcoming competition.

Dasun Shanaka was reappointed as T20I captain in December 2025, taking the baton from Charith Asalanka. Ashwin said he would be surprised if Sri Lanka qualifies for the semifinals of the T20I showpiece.

“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.

On the other hand, Ashwin reckons batting can be a problem for Afghanistan in the marquee tournament.

“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,” R Ashwin said.

Afghanistan are drawn in Group D along with New Zealand, Canada, UAE, and South Africa. Rashid Khan’s team recently won the T20I series against the West Indies by 2-1 in Dubai.