The 2012 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier was played in early 2012 as a part of ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier series. This edition of the qualifier for the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 was an expanded version comprising ten qualifiers from regional Twenty20 tournaments, in addition to the six ODI/Twenty20 status countries. It was staged in the UAE. ICC Associate and Affiliate Members from around the globe had the opportunity to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 2012 in Sri Lanka. Regional qualifying events were held in the five regions to provide a qualifying pathway to the 16-team qualifier which took place in early 2012 in the United Arab Emirates. The six Associate/Affiliate Members with ODI status – Afghanistan, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands and Scotland – have automatically qualified for this event. Three teams from the Asia region, two teams from Africa, Americas and Europe, and one team from East Asia-Pacific had the opportunity to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 2012 global qualifier. Some ODI status Associate/Affiliate sides took part in these qualifying events, along with emerging teams from ICC Full Members (e.g., South Africa and Zimbabwe). In such cases, the highest placed Associate and Affiliate sides from these events progressed to the global qualifier, based on the qualifying spots available. The tournament was won by Ireland, who defeated Afghanistan in the final, in a rematch of the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier. Both the teams qualified for the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. Paul Stirling was the highest run-getter with 357 runs including the second-fastest half-century ever in T20I match (17 balls) in the final, while Dawlat Zadran with 17 wickets was the highest wicket-taker. Namibia's Raymond van Schoor was the Player of the Tournament. Entrants Qualification for 2012 World Twenty20 Qualifier involves 81 ICC member countries to battle their way from regional Division 3 to Division 1 and eventually World Twenty20 Qualifier. Three of the 81 teams are already qualified but are participating as a part of division members. Pre-qualified teams are Afghanistan, Canada, and Kenya. Zimbabwe A team is involved as a part of Africa Division 1 but as a full member Zimbabwe national cricket team is already qualified for 2012 ICC World Twenty20. Regional qualification Africa (ACA) Asia (ACC) Americas (ACA) East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Europe (ECC) † Switzerland were due to take part, but withdrew due to internal difficulties, and were automatically relegated.