Osman Samiuddin
Ireland
Winners from 2012, favourites again this year and the best side outside the full members. Ireland finishing in the top six is a certainty: their ambition is for much, much more. Key man: Kevin O'Brien
Namibia
They were once a power associate, qualifying for the 2003 World Cup. They finished a creditable third in the 2012 qualifiers, winning all seven group games. Key man: Raymond van Schoor
Uganda
They finished fifth in their group at the last World T20 Qualifiers, in 2012, and 14th overall. They are comfortably one step down from the top echelons of associate cricket.
Key man: Raymond Otim
UAE
Hosts this year, absent entirely in 2012, the UAE have a golden chance to make it to a first global ICC event since 1996. In familiar conditions, they should finish in the top three. Key man: Nasir Aziz
Canada
Canada finished sixth at last year's qualifiers; a similar finish now will send them to Bangladesh. With their experience, will always be in contention. Key man: Ruvindu Gunasekera
United States
Embroiled in administrative scrapes, the US are still looking to make their first big impact at a global tournament. They have some talent and an experienced coach in Robin Singh. Key man: Steven Taylor
Italy
Not as outlandish a cricket side as you might think; they finished a respectable 10th (out of 16) at the 2012 World T20 Qualifiers here, beating Oman and the US. Key man: Damian Crowley
Hong Kong
Will be lucky to finish in the top three this time. Have not managed to fully exploit a solid infrastructure, the remnants of British rule. Key man: Jamie Atkinson