Top 5 Teams To Watch Out For In 2026 T20 World Cup
Cricket fans are gearing up for a big event as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 starts on February 7. India and Sri Lanka will co-host, with 20 teams competing on spin-friendly pitches. The final will be held at the huge Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8, making this one of the most exciting tournaments yet.
Here is a breakdown of the top 5 teams to watch as they finalise their preparations for the global showpiece.
India
After winning the title in 2024, India is the main favourite. But this team has a fresh look now, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from T20Is.
Suryakumar Yadav leads a team full of young IPL talent. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson should bring excitement at the top, while Hardik Pandya is still a key player. Jasprit Bumrah leads the bowling attack, with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel handling the spin.
India recently boosted their confidence with a series win over New Zealand in January 2026. Even though they’re in a transition phase, they look very strong at home.
From a betting perspective, India are the clear favourites as hosts and defending champions. They’re a safe pick for the semi-finals, but the real test will be how their young middle order handles the pressure at home.
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Australia
Australia has changed its approach to the spinning pitches in Sri Lanka, where it plays its group matches, and in India. They’ve picked a squad with plenty of slow-ball options.
Mitchell Marsh leads a team that includes Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa. With Mitchell Starc retired from T20S, Xavier Bartlett joins Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in the pace attack. Young spinners Cooper Connolly and Matthew Kuhnemann have been picked for these conditions.
Australia has looked strong in their recent matches, but there are some injury concerns for Pat Cummins (back) and Tim David (hamstring), which will affect the balance of the team in some way.
When it comes to ICC events, it’s never wise to count Australia out. For bettors, they offer great value since they’re often underrated on subcontinent pitches, even though they have top leg-spinner Zampa.
South Africa
South Africa is still searching for their first World Cup win. After coming second in 2024, they’re eager to finally take the trophy, with a mix of experienced players and young talent.
Aiden Markram leads the team, with Quinton de Kock back in the squad. Fans are excited about teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and the fully fit Anrich Nortje. David Miller is still the key finisher who can win matches on his own.
South Africa’s form has been up and down. They’ve looked dominant at times, but have also shown some weaknesses in the final overs, especially in their recent series against India.
For bettors, South Africa is a classic high-risk, high-reward team. If their top order performs, they can beat anyone, but their record in big matches makes them a risky choice for the title.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan is no longer seen as underdogs. After making the semi-finals in 2024, they come into 2026 as real contenders, especially since the conditions suit their style of play.
Rashid Khan leads a top-class spin attack with Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. At the top of the order, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are one of the most consistent opening pairs in T20 cricket right now.
Afghanistan has been working on their team combinations, and many of their players know Indian venues well thanks to the IPL.
For bettors, Afghanistan is the dark horse. On the spin-friendly pitches of Chennai and Colombo, they have a good chance of upsetting the top teams. Betting on them to make the semi-finals could pay off big. Betting sites like 1win generally offer better odds for dark horses like Afghanistan, so keep an eye out if you’re looking for value.
New Zealand
New Zealand is going through a transition, but they’re still the most disciplined and tactical team in world cricket.
Mitchell Santner leads the team, and New Zealand is focusing on spin. Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell bring stability, while Finn Allen adds excitement at the top. The pace attack is led by experienced bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry.
New Zealand lost a close series to India in January, showing they can challenge the top teams, but they might not have the same finishing power as in past years.
For bettors, New Zealand is almost always a safe pick for the top four. They may not be favourites, but they’re the most reliable team for each-way bets since they usually make the knockouts.
As the 2026 T20 World Cup unfolds in India and Sri Lanka, we’re witnessing some significant changes in T20 cricket. This tournament isn't just about big hits; it’s genuinely a test of strategy and tactics.
With India moving on from Kohli and Rohit, Australia emphasising spin, and Afghanistan competing in familiar conditions, the power dynamics are clearly shifting. It remains to be seen whether this will be a walk in the park for a powerhouse like India or a chance for other teams to step up and gain world domination, but this World Cup promises to be the most unpredictable and tactical yet.
