The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is still warming up, but Group B already feels like one of the most unpredictable pools of the tournament.
With co-hosts Sri Lanka playing on familiar surfaces and Australia arriving with questions around form and balance, this group could deliver early fireworks — and possibly a shock or two.
On paper, Australia remain the highest-ranked side in the group. But recent performances suggest this is no straightforward path to the Super Eight.
For Sri Lanka, though, the opportunity is massive: home conditions, a dangerous spin attack, and a squad packed with match-winners.
Group B is there for the taking.
A Group Wide Open
Group B features:
- Australia
- Sri Lanka
- Ireland
- Zimbabwe
- Oman
Australia and Sri Lanka headline the pool, but the presence of rising teams like Zimbabwe and Oman — along with Ireland’s history of upsetting giants — makes this one of the most competitive groups in the opening round.
Sri Lanka: Co-hosts Smelling a Deep Run
Sri Lanka enter this World Cup with genuine belief.
Captained by Dasun Shanaka, the Islanders are no strangers to the big stage, having reached three previous T20 World Cup finals and lifting the trophy in 2014.
Their strength lies in variety:
- A deep batting core led by Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis
- Explosive middle-order options like Charith Asalanka
- A spin-heavy attack featuring Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana
- Serious pace threats in Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera
On home soil, Sri Lanka will fancy themselves not just as qualifiers — but as group toppers.
Australia: Big Names, Patchy Momentum
Australia remain the second-ranked T20I side globally, but they arrive with more uncertainty than usual.
Their recent tour struggles have exposed gaps, and while the squad still carries serious firepower, the Aussies haven’t looked as invincible as past editions.
Key players include:
- Captain Mitchell Marsh, hero of the 2021 title run
- Explosive opener Travis Head
- All-round muscle of Cameron Green
- White-ball specialist Adam Zampa
Australia have the experience to navigate group stages, but this time, the margin for error feels slimmer.
Player to Watch: Pathum Nissanka
If Sri Lanka are to dominate Group B, Pathum Nissanka will be central to it.
The opener has quietly built one of the strongest T20I résumés in the game:
- Over 2000 career runs
- Strike rate of 127+
- Recently in top form against England
While his record against Australia has been modest so far, the World Cup stage at home could be the moment he flips that script.
Expect him to set the tone early — and take on the quicks with intent.
Zimbabwe: Upset Potential Written All Over
Zimbabwe are back on the World Cup stage and they won’t be here just to make up numbers.
Led by the ever-influential Sikandar Raza, they have players capable of turning games in a single over.
The return of Brendan Taylor adds experience, while young batter Brian Bennett has emerged as a rising star after a sensational qualifying campaign.
Zimbabwe have caused shocks before — and Group B might offer the perfect stage again.
Ireland: Never Count Them Out
Ireland’s T20 World Cup history is built on disruption.
They’ve been tournament regulars since the early days and famously knocked off England in 2022.
With Paul Stirling leading once again, and a balanced squad featuring Josh Little, Harry Tector, and Curtis Campher, Ireland will believe another surprise Super Eight run is possible.
Oman: Quiet Threat in Familiar Conditions
Oman continue to grow as a T20 nation and enter their fourth World Cup appearance with confidence.
Captain Jatinder Singh will lead from the front, while their familiarity with subcontinental-style pitches could make them tricky opponents — especially against teams expecting an easy win.
Their February clash with Ireland in Colombo carries extra intrigue, given Oman beat them on debut back in 2016.
Final Word: Expect Chaos in Group B
Australia may still be favourites on reputation, but Sri Lanka have the home advantage and the momentum.
Meanwhile, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman all see an opening — and this group feels primed for at least one major upset.
In short: Group B could be one of the stories of the tournament’s first week.
