New Delhi: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins with an exciting Group A line-up, featuring defending champions India, traditional powerhouse Pakistan, rising force USA, ever-improving Netherlands and resilient Namibia. The opening match on 7 February in Colombo sees Pakistan take on the Netherlands, setting the tone for what promises to be a tightly fought group stage.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to South Asia, Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 brings together a fascinating mix of pedigree, potential and unpredictability. With matches spread across India and Sri Lanka, fans can expect high drama right from the first ball.
Defending champions India enter the tournament as the team to beat. Ranked number one in both T20Is and ODIs, they remain a formidable force in white-ball cricket. The side is undergoing a gradual transition following the retirements of legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after the 2024 triumph, yet the talent pool looks deeper than ever.
At the heart of India’s batting is the explosive Abhishek Sharma. In just 37 T20 internationals, he has amassed 1,267 runs, including two centuries, and boasts an astonishing career strike rate of 194.92 – the highest in the format’s history. His fearless approach symbolises India’s new era. With Shubman Gill missing from the squad, the wicket-keeping slot is likely to be contested between Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, while Samson is set to open alongside Sharma. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah continues to lead the attack, supported by the mystery spin of Varun Chakravarthy. Playing three of their four group matches at home, India will look to make full use of familiar conditions as they attempt the rare feat of retaining a World Cup title.
Namibia, appearing in their fourth consecutive T20 World Cup, arrive with quiet confidence. Their best showing came in 2021 when they reached the Super 12 stage, even defeating the Netherlands. Last edition, they opened with a dramatic super-over win against Oman, where Ruben Trumpelmann claimed four wickets. Trumpelmann returns once again, while former star Craig Williams now guides the team as head coach. With the country preparing to co-host the 2027 Cricket World Cup, this tournament offers valuable experience. Namibia face the tough task of meeting both India and Pakistan for only the second time and will be eager to improve on their record against the USA.
The Netherlands have built a reputation as one of the most dangerous associate sides. Competing in their seventh T20 World Cup, they have twice reached the second round, most recently in 2022. Key performers from that campaign, Bas de Leede and Max O’Dowd, are back. De Leede finished joint second in wickets then, while O’Dowd’s 242 runs placed him just behind Kohli in the scoring charts. Captain Scott Edwards provides calm leadership, and veteran Roelof van der Merwe brings priceless experience. The slow left-armer, playing international cricket since 2009, was pivotal in the famous 2023 World Cup win over South Africa.
Pakistan arrive with a point to prove. The 2009 champions endured a disappointing 2024 campaign, failing to progress beyond the group stage after losses to India and the USA. Now coached by Mike Hesson, the side sits sixth in the rankings and will be led by Salman Ali Agha. Babar Azam has returned to the squad after missing the Asia Cup, where Pakistan finished runners-up to India. Young pacer Naseem Shah, still the youngest in the squad despite four years of T20 cricket, will aim to rediscover the form that saw him take three for 21 against India in a classic encounter in 2024.
The USA, the surprise package of 2024, hope to repeat their heroics away from home. They famously defeated Pakistan in a super over and reached the Super 8 stage. Since then, they have lifted the North America T20 Cup and beaten Oman 3-0 in a series. Captain Monank Patel remains central to their plans, while 21-year-old Saiteja Mukkamalla, ranked 25th among T20 batters worldwide, is a rising star with an impressive average of 42.60.
With contrasting styles and ambitions colliding, Group A promises to be one of the most intriguing sections of the tournament.
