Nepal, Hong Kong punch above weight

Nepal

Progress: Many had heard of Nepal as a coming team but few had actually seen them in action. Now millions are aware of the passion and desire they play with, not to mention the high degree of technical accomplishment. In their maiden global tournament they won two famous victories, planting the Nepali flag as well as that of all Associates on the biggest stage. In Paras Khadka, they had one of the most assured and inspiring captains on display - his assertion that they still have "homework" to do bodes well for the future.

What to work on: Nepal were organised in most aspects of their game, trying to score boundaries in the Powerplay, rotating strike and rebuilding with discipline after wickets fell. As the match situation became stretched, however, they were unable to really achieve lift-off during the final overs. The need for a batsman at No. 6 or 7 to provide impetus looked to be a pressing one, as well as developing their ability to clear the ropes regularly, having only hit three sixes in three matches.

Player to watch: Khadka, Gyanendra Malla and Sharad Vesawkar should be around for several years yet, as mainstays of the batting, but the performance of Sompal Kami, Nepal's 18-year-old quick, is perhaps even more encouraging. His wiry frame and skiddy pace were aided by impressive accuracy; the sight of him celebrating with furious abandon after demolishing the stumps in Nepal's first game showed what it meant to the team. Kami and Jitendra Mukhiya (21) showed Nepal are not just about left-arm spin.

Hong Kong

Progress: It looked as if Hong Kong may head home with little to show for their World T20 experience but for numerous bruises. Their first two games seemed more like regression, after the thrill of beating Zimbabwe and Netherlands in the warm-ups, but they took a giant leap forward in the final match, the most high-profile of the lot, against a cocksure Bangladesh. Bowling the hosts out for 108 hinted at their bowling prowess - Haseeb Amjad and Tanwir Afzal are a handy new-ball pairing - and left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed will have come on in leaps for his success.

What to work on: Clearly playing at a higher level took some getting accustomed to and, as their coach Charlie Burke said, continued success and the exposure that comes with it are what is required. They dropped catches with a damaging frequency and, since fielding is one of the most straightforward things to work on, that must be a priority - though nerves were a significant factor. The top-order batting looked decidedly flaky and, in particular, the opening partnership (best stand: 10) could do with contributing more.

Player to watch: Mark Chapman, 19 years of age but with a solid temperament, showed the promise to suggest he will be a mainstay of Hong Kong's batting line-up for some time. His technique is fairly orthodox and he could do with adding some muscle for the shortest format but there is talent in abundance. The way he stood up to being hit on the helmet by a 140kph-plus bouncer from Afghanistan's Dawlat Zadran showed courage.

Afghanistan

Progress: Afghanistan's only win in the tournament was against Hong Kong, when they showed how quickly they can score when it matters. Mohammad Shahzad underlined his importance in the shorter format with a well-paced innings, which ended his run of poor form. Their bowling remains their strength, particularly the two Zadrans, Shapoor and Dawlat, as well as left-arm spinner Hamza Hotak. The loss to Nepal, however, was a blow and a third place finish in Group A was one spot lower than expected.

What to work on: Afghanistan's major weakness is how their batsmen approach an innings. They go either too hard or do the exact opposite. They have a major problem against spin, which they have to eradicate with a lot of practice, and need to learn how to pace their approach.

Player to watch: Shafiqullah was drafted into the squad as a T20 specialist but his game seems suited to other formats too. He top scored for Afghanistan with 103 runs in three innings and his wide range of shots helps him score at a brisk rate. He also showed an ability to counter spin, which other Afghanistan batsmen sorely lacked.