According to the ICC T20 rankings, Afghanistan is among the top-8 T20 sides (they are currently ranked #7), and therefore they qualify for a direct slot to the T20 world cup. They don't need to play the qualifier tournament. On the other hand, Bangladesh is ranked 10th and Zimbabwe is at the 14th position. They don't get a direct entry to the world cup. The ranking suggests that Afghanistan is a far better side when compared to both these teams, at least as far as the T20 format is considered. And Nepal is currently ranked 11th, just below Bangladesh, but above Zimbabwe. Also, Zimbabwe is unable to field its star players such as Kyle Jarvis and Brendan Taylor, as they don't have enough funds after their termination from the ICC.