Sixteen nations competed: the ten Test-playing teams, the United Arab Emirates as hosts, and five additional associate and affiliate qualifiers (Afghanistan, Canada, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland).

India entered the tournament as defending champions, having won the title in 2012 in Australia under the captaincy of Unmukt Chand.

In the final, South Africa beat Pakistan by six wickets to win the tournament.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram was awarded Man of the Series.

The following venues were used for the tournament:[1][2] The following groups were chosen for the World Cup 2012 by the International Cricket Council.