The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway this weekend across India and Sri Lanka with a glittering array of batters, bowlers and all-rounders ready to stake their claim in cricket’s shortest global showpiece. Fourteen elite teams have been drawn into four tightly contested groups, with hosts India and Sri Lanka joined by established powers such as Australia, England, Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand. While some squads come pre-tournament favourites, the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
Below, we take a look at some of the contenders in each group and give our overall tournament prediction. Be sure to check out our cricket page throughout the tournament as we'll be previewing all of the big games in the lead up to the final.
2026 ICC Cricket T20 World Cup Betting Tips
Group A
India
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh
India arrive as overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy - particularly after announcing a dominant run that has included not just consistent victories but eye-watering totals and chase finishes. They enter the tournament on the back of a series demolition against New Zealand, in which they smashed 271 and then chased 154 inside 10 overs in consecutive games, underlining their elite batting depth and world-class bowling options. With match-winners in every department and a batting attack that clears fields at will, nothing short of a title defence would match expectations for this side.
This Indian team also enjoys the rare luxury of genuine match-winners at every position, from six-hitting sensation Abhishek Sharma to mystery spin wizard Varun Chakravarthy, whose ability to change games on turning tracks will be crucial, especially in Sri Lanka and parts of India. While T20 cricket is unpredictable, India’s blend of power, depth and experience - combined with home conditions - make them a formidable force that very few sides will want to contend with.
Yadav Top IND Runscorer
$3.75
Pakistan
Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Pakistan’s build-up to this tournament has included a dominant performance in their recent T20I series against Australia, sweeping the three-match contest to underline their confidence and adaptability in subcontinental conditions. Their strength is buried in spin options that have troubled top order batters, and wrist-spinner Abrar Ahmed has emerged as a genuine arsenal at this level. That said, Pakistan’s batting strike rate has been a talking point, and they will need greater consistency from their top order, particularly against spin in middle overs.
While they forwent a chance to earn two points against India in the group - a decision that raises stakes for their remaining fixtures - Pakistan still possess the talent and experience to make a serious run. The ability of spinners like Abrar and Shadab Khan to dominate in turning conditions will be key to their chances of advancing, as will contributions from seasoned batters in pressure situations.
Farhan Top PAK Runscorer
$3.80
Other Group A squads: Namibia, United States, Netherlands
Group B
Australia
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia’s preparation for the World Cup has been mixed. A series defeat in Pakistan exposed vulnerabilities, particularly against quality spin attacks on slow surfaces, with only Cameron Green passing 30 consistently through that tour. Longevity concerns for key bowlers such as Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa, combined with Pat Cummins being ruled out, add to the speculation around how this unit will perform under World Cup pressure.
Despite these setbacks, Australia are perennial contenders in ICC events and carry an expectation of competing deep into the tournament. They arrive with a balanced squad featuring power hitters, capable seam options and a spin mix designed to contend with subcontinental wickets. Their aspirations include defending white ball success after back-to-back global trophies, and while challenges remain, they are experienced enough to adapt and reset quickly.
Zampa Top AUS Bowler
$2.50
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
Sri Lanka come into the tournament with plenty of experience in low-scoring and spin-friendly environments - conditions very similar to those they will encounter early in this World Cup. While they do not carry the same star power or recent consistency as some of the top ranked sides, they have the tools to trouble opponents through a balanced bowling unit and aggressive top order. Opener Pathum Nissanka has been in particularly fine touch, promising to be a crucial factor if Sri Lanka are to progress from a tricky pool.
Sri Lanka are also a side that can punch above their weight, especially in conditions where tactical bowling changes and experienced spin play a role. Although Sri Lanka may travel under the radar compared to neighbours India and powerhouse Australia, they will be eager to make early inroads and solidify their World Cup credentials on home soil and in familiar conditions.
Hasaranga Top SL Bowler
$2.25
Other Group B squads: Oman, Ireland, Zimbabwe
Group C
England
England: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood
England enter this tournament with a strong white ball legacy and a deep reserve of batting and bowling talent. They are capable of scoring quickly and defending sharply, but their record in global events against lower-ranked European opponents has been patchy and will provide a storyline to watch in Group C. Conditions in parts of India may also test their adaptability early on.
Despite these nuances, England’s depth makes them hard to discount, with game changers throughout the lineup and proven match winners in all phases. If they are able to rotate their bowling effectively and maintain aggressive intent with the bat, they should negotiate this comparatively friendly group with confidence.
Brook Top ENG Runscorer
$6.00
West Indies
West Indies: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
West Indies bring their trademark explosive T20 flair to the World Cup as a side capable of breathtaking highs and frustrating lows. Their unpredictability is part of their charm, and they remain a threat to anyone on their day, especially with all-rounders and power hitters who can tilt the momentum quickly. Players like Sherfane Rutherford showcased their credentials with a stunning SA20 campaign, highlighting their ability to change games in an instant.
While their inconsistency can be a double-edged sword, West Indies have the firepower to trouble any opponent and will be keen to prove they deserve their place among the game’s elite this tournament.
King Top WI Runscorer
$3.25
Other Group C squads: Scotland, Nepal, Italy
Group D
New Zealand
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
New Zealand arrive with a well-oiled blend of experience and youth. Williamson’s leadership and the presence of destructive hitters such as Finn Allen give them balance, while an attack boasting pace and spin options makes them adaptable across a range of conditions. The Black Caps are always competitive at ICC events, and this unit will be no exception.
Their recent warm-ups and depth across disciplines make them real threats to make a deep run, and should they peak at the right moment, New Zealand look poised to finally move one step further on the global stage than in past tournaments.
Mitchell Top NZ Runscorer
$5.50
South Africa
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs
South Africa still have the “we can beat anyone” aura - because with Rabada/Nortje/Ngidi plus Jansen, they can make the best batters look uncomfortable fast. And honestly, I’m not just talking “dark horse” with them either: I genuinely think they can win the whole thing. When you’ve got dominant T20 match-winners like Quinton de Kock at the top, Aiden Markram as the glue, and David Miller as the closer, you’ve got the spine you need in a World Cup.
The x-factor for me is Marco Jansen. I know it’s a big call, but I think he’s the best cricketer in the world right now - that rare mix of wicket-taking threat, matchup nightmare, and explosive down low with the bat. If South Africa keep their heads in tight finishes (the eternal caveat), this roster has everything required to finally turn “nearly” into a trophy.
South Africa to win T20 World Cup
$7.00
Other Group D squads: Afghanistan, Canada, United Arab Emirates
