Ireland have taken one qualifying place, so too Afghanistan, which is a remarkable story in its own right.
The favourites from the qualifying tournament will be the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, but there's no denying a touch of romance associated with some of the other match-ups.
Try Papua New Guinea against Uganda at New Plymouth's stunning Pukekura Park. Scotland against Hong Kong in Queenstown; or the Netherlands against Namibia at Mt Maunganui.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White yesterday called it a "great opportunity to showcase how well we can deliver international events".
It is that, and it's also a chance for organisers to dry run aspects of the operation ahead of the following year's World Cup.
Pool A is being played in the South Island - using Queenstown, Rangiora, Hagley Oval, in its international debut, and Lincoln, which will host the final on February 1 - with Mt Maunganui and New Plymouth hosting pool B.
The Mount is hosting 10 games between its two ovals while the last round of Super Six games and the final are in the South Island.