As teams enter the final phase of preparation, Here’s a look at the players most likely to shape the narrative of this global spectacle.

1.  Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma is currently the no.1 batsmen in t20, he has emerged as one of the most explosive openers in T20 cricket. His ability to dominate the powerplay while maintaining a fearless strike rate makes him a crucial asset for India. He has already made a significant impact in his short T20I career. In just 37 matches, he has registered two centuries and eight half-centuries with an average strike rate of 194.93. Apart from his explosive batting, Abhishek has also shown his value as a handy bowling option, capable of delivering one or two overs when needed, with six wickets for India so far.

2.   Varun Chakravarthy

     He is currently the no.1 bowler in t20, He is one of India’s premier mystery spinners heading into the T20 World Cup 2026, with 58 wickets in 35 T20Is at a remarkable average of 15.34 and best figures of 5/17. His arsenal of leg-breaks, googlies, and carrom balls has already produced two five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul so far. If used smartly, Chakravarthy has the potential to tilt matches in India’s favour and emerge as a key wicket-taking option during the World Cup.

3.   Sikandar Raza

     He is currently the no.1 all-rounder in t20, He is one of the most underrated match-winners in modern T20 cricket, especially in subcontinental conditions. He is Zimbabwe’s heartbeat as he is capable of anchoring innings or accelerating with big hitting, while also breaking partnerships with his off-spin. With over 1,600 runs and 50+ wickets in T20Is, he has proven himself as a genuine match-winner against top sides. At 39, the 2026 edition will most likely be his final T20 World Cup, making it a fitting stage for him to showcase his experience, leadership, and big-match temperament one last time. 

4.   Philip Salt

  Currently England’s best T20 batter, Phil Salt has been in exceptional form at the international level and is ranked second in the ICC T20I batting rankings. In just 50 matches, he has hammered 4 centuries and maintained a staggering strike rate of 168.13. With momentum and confidence on his side he enters the 2026 T20 World Cup as one of the most dangerous players in world cricket.

5.   Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan remains one of the most influential players in T20 cricket, especially in subcontinental conditions where spin often dictates the game. He is the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket, a record that underlines his longevity, consistency, and impact in the format. No bowler in the history of T20 cricket has taken more wickets than him. While Rashid Khan is renowned for his lethal leg-spin and match-winning bowling spells, he has also proven himself as a valuable contributor with the bat. His proven track record makes him one of the most dependable match-winners heading into the T20 World Cup 2026.

The second T20I of the three-match series between Afghanistan and the West Indies will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, January 21. Afghanistan head into the contest with confidence after securing a convincing 38-run win in the series opener at the same venue. Batting first, the Rashid Khan-led side posted an imposing 181/3 in their 20 overs. Ibrahim Zadran remained unbeaten on 87 from 56 balls, while Darwish Rasooli added a composed 84 off 59, forming a dominant partnership that anchored the innings after an early wicket.

In response, the West Indies struggled to keep up with the required run rate and lost wickets at regular intervals. By the halfway mark of the chase, they were already five wickets down, leaving little room for recovery. Debutant Quentin Sampson was the top scorer with a brisk 30 off 24 balls, while a few others showed brief promise but failed to convert their starts. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, applied relentless pressure, with both spinners claiming two wickets each to seal a comfortable victory.

See Also: Fixing allegations hit Bangladesh cricket again amid the T20 World Cup 2026 controversy

AFG vs WI, 2nd T20I: Live Streaming Details

AFG vs WI, 2nd T20I: Probable Playing XI

Afghanistan (AFG):

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi

West Indies (WI):

Brandon King (c), Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles (wk), Amir Jangoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales

Afghanistan will meet the West Indies in the third and final encounter of the series on the 22nd of January, 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Afghanistan have already sealed the series by winning the first two matches and will now aim for a clean 3–0 sweep, while West Indies will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

Afghanistan have been excellent throughout the series. They chose to bat first in both matches and posted big totals, putting constant pressure on the West Indies. While in the second T20I, Afghanistan made 189/4 with good knocks from Darwish Rasooli (68) and Sediqullah Atal (53); with the ball, Mujeeb Ur Rahman came up with a match-winning spell with a haul of 4 wickets, inclusive of a hat-trick, to restrict the opposition.

West Indies have struggled to keep up, especially against Afghanistan’s spin attack. Although Brandon King (50) and Shimron Hetmyer (46) showed some fight in the previous game, the team lacked solid partnerships in the middle overs. With the series already lost, West Indies will look to play freely and finish the tour on a positive note. Both teams may also test a few bench players in this final match.

AFG vs WI: Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

• Matches Played: 10
• Afghanistan Won: 5
• West Indies Won: 5
• No Result: 0

AFG vs WI: Pitch Report

The pitch in Dubai is usually good for batting early in the match. The ball comes nicely onto the bat in the first innings. However, as the game progresses, the surface slows down and becomes harder to bat on. Spinners play a big role in the second innings, which has troubled West Indies in this series.

See Also: WPL 2026, Match 14: GGW vs UPW head-to-head, weather & pitch report, predicted playing XIs

AFG vs WI: Predicted Playing XIs

Afghanistan (AFG):

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

West Indies (WI):

Evin Lewis, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King (C), Quentin Sampson, Shimron Hetmyer, Matthew Forde, Khary Pierre, Johnson Charles (WK), Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Ramon Simmonds

AFG vs WI 1st T20I Match Preview:

Afghanistan are all set to face the West Indies in the opening match of the three-T20I match series on Monday, 19th January. This match will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Afghanistan is enjoying its excellent form. They have won their last four matches consecutively. They recently won the T20I series against ZIM by 3-0. Now, they are keen to carry forward their winning momentum.

On the other hand, the West Indies team appears to be struggling with their form at the moment, having lost their last three matches in a row. They head into this game after losing the T20I series against New Zealand. This series will help both teams to prepare themselves for the T20I World Cup.

AFG vs WI Recent Performance:

AFG vs WI 1st T20I Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: Afghanistan vs West Indies 
• Match: AFG vs WI 1st T20I
• Date: 19 Jan. 2026
• Match Start Time: 8:00 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Fancode.

AFG vs WI Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

AFG vs WI Pitch & Weather Report:

The weather is expected to remain hazy and sunny during this match with 64% humidity. The temperature will hover around 19.8°C. Based on previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 131 and 142 runs. The pitch offers a little assistance to pacers.

Dubai Cricket Stadium Stats: 

Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch is expected to be slow with low bounce. As the game progresses, it will be challenging for batters to play their shots easily. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first will be a wise decision on this surface.    

AFG vs WI Probable Playing 11

Afghanistan (AFG) Probable 11:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Md. Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi

West Indies (WI) Probable 11:

Brandon King (c), Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles (wk), Alick Athanaze, Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie, Justin Greaves/S Springar, Matthew Forde, Khary Pierre, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales

AFG vs WI- Top Picks from AFG

AFG vs WI- Top Picks from WI

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

• I Zadran (AFG) has been one of the most consistent players in the AFG Team. The right-hander smashed 259 runs in the last 9 matches.
• M Nabi (AFG) is one of the top all-rounders across the world. He could be lethal with the ball and bat.
• B King (WI), the newly appointed skipper for this series, will be at the forefront. He is expected to open the inning.
• G Motie (WI) could be a key bowler for WI in this clash. He has shown the ability to change the course of the game within his four-over spell.

AFG vs WI Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

AFG vs WI Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

AFG vs WI Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

AFG vs WI Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

AFG is the slight favourite to win this match. They have 70% winning ratio on this venue. Additionally, the conditions here are more favourable for them.

AFG vs WI 1st T20I FAQ

Who is likely to win the AFG vs WI match today?

West Indies (WI) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

West Indies.

Who are the top fantasy picks for the AFG vs WI Dream11 team?

G Motie, B King, M Nabi, I Zadran, J Charles and A Omarzai

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 131 and 142 runs.

The SA20 League 2025 26th match between MI Cape Town and Sunrisers Eastern Cape is scheduled for Friday at Newlands, Cape Town. MI Cape Town continued their poor run of form with another loss, struggling to stay ahead in a steep chase of 186. Once again, the batting did not unite, with early wickets putting pressure on the middle order.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape enter this contest with a dominant performance and once again demonstrate why they are at the top of the table. They won their last match by 61 runs against Joburg Super Kings, successfully defending the target of 178 runs. 

Also Read: SA20 2025-26 Match 27: DSG vs PC head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

MICT vs SEC Match Details

• Match: MI Cape Town vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, 26th Match

• Date: 16th January 2026

• Time: 9.00 PM IST

• Venue: Newlands, Cape Town 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

MICT vs SEC Weather Report

MICT vs SEC Pitch Report

The surface is known for true bounce and pace early on, allowing batters to play through the line, while scoreboard pressure often proves decisive in the second innings.

Top Batters to Watch – MICT vs SEC

• Ryan Rickelton (MICT): 324 runs in this tournament 

• Quinton de Kock (SEC): 272 runs in this tournament 

• Rassie van der Dussen (MICT): 218 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – MICT vs SEC

• Anrich Nortje (SEC): 12 wickets in this tournament 

• George Linde (MICT): 6 wickets in this tournament 

• Corbin Bosch (MICT): 7 wickets in this tournament 

MICT vs SEC Recent Form

MICT vs SEC Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If SEC Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 50–55

• Predicted Total: 170–175

• Match Result: SEC to win

Scenario 2: If MICT Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 155–160

• Match Result: SEC to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

MICT vs SEC Predicted Playing XIs

Sunrisers Eastern Cape 

Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock (wk), Matthew Breetzke, Jordan Hermann, Tristan Stubbs (c), James Coles, Marco Jansen, Lewis Gregory, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Adam Milne.

MI Cape Town 

Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Nicholas Pooran, Karim Janat, Jason Smith, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Rashid Khan (c), Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult..

MICT vs SEC Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

We predict that the Sunrisers Eastern Cape will win the SA20 League 2025. Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock and Jordan Hermann will be key players to watch out for.

MICT vs SEC Match FAQs

With the growing market of franchise T20 leagues across the globe, cricket boards have started to sense the urgency to protect their cricketers. An excessive amount of matches and workload can end in a devastating injury, which ultimately can harm the national team. It is reported that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is set to put some restrictions on their player from participating in franchise leagues. 

After the massive success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the number of franchise leagues has increased at a rapid pace. Star Afghan players like Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed have played in multiple leagues, which might cause worries for the ACB officials. According to recent reports, Afghanistan players will be allowed only to play three T20 leagues in a calendar year for workload management.

Rashid Khan and other star Afghan players are likely to skip the Pakistan Super League (PSL) because of the recent political tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. But will they opt to quit IPL as well? The question also rises as there are multiple Afghan cricketers who have been playing in the league for years. 

Read More:"Many can only dream.."- Hanuma Vihari defends Nitish Kumar Reddy from ragging fans after IND vs NZ 2nd ODI

Afghanistan players not to play in IPL 2026?

Ahead of the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League, fans are curious about the availability of the Afghanistan cricketers. As of now, Rashid Khan and other Afghan cricketers, who have secured IPL 2026 contracts, are all set to play in the tournament. Along with Khan, Noor Ahmed, AM Ghazanfar, and Azmatullah Omarzai will play for their respective IPL teams in the 2026 season. 

Team-wise Afghanistan Players in IPL 2026:

Gujarat Titans: Rashid Khan

Chennai Super Kings: Noor Ahmad

Mumbai Indians: AM Ghazanfar

Punjab Kings: Azmatullah Omarzai

Every season of the T20 World Cup comes with massive excitement and record-breaking campaigns. The upcoming 2026 season, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting from February 07, with the Indian side beginning the event against the United States of America (USA) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, also holds the same place and can be exceptional.

Heading into the T20 World Cup 2026, there will be expectations of truck-loaded sixes and boundaries, which could break several records with the bat. In the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, a few other batters will have the opportunity to break their long-time T20 World Cup records.

A look at the top records to look for in ICC T20 World Cup 2026

1.   Most runs in T20 World Cup history

As of now, heading into the 2026 edition of the event, Virat Kohli leads the chart of most runs in the history of the T20 World Cup. The right-handed batter has managed 1292 runs in 33 innings at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81 with 15 half-centuries. But having retired from the shortest format, he won’t get more runs.

England’s former captain, Jos Buttler, has a chance to overtake Kohli. The wicket-keeper batter has recorded 1013 runs in T20 World Cups in 34 innings at an average of 42.20 and a strike rate of 147.23 with six fifties and one century. He will need 280 more runs to go beyond Kohli in the list.

2.   Most wickets in T20 World Cup history

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner, Shakib Al Hasan, leads the chart of the most wickets in the tournament history with 50 wickets in 41 innings at an average of 20.12 and a strike rate of 17.58 with an economy rate of under seven. But he is also unlikely to play another game of the competition. 

See Also: Top Cricket Stadiums to Watch Out for in ICC T20 World Cup 2026

In the same list, both Wanindu Hasaranga and Rashid Khan are stuck at 37 wickets. The former has an average of 11.72, while Rashid averages under 15. Both of them will eye to cross the 50-mark in the wickets column in the T20 World Cups to lead the ladder.

3.   Most sixes in T20 World Cup history

In terms of most sixes in the T20 World Cups, Chris Gayle, undoubtedly, leads the chart with 63 sixes in 31 innings to notch up 965 runs at an average of under 35 and a strike rate of 142.75. In the list of the top seven, only the active player to stay in contention of playing the T20 World Cup 2026 remains Buttler.

The England opening batter has clubbed 43 over boundaries in only 34 innings to bash five fifties and one century. His eyes will be on that record to go past Gayle as he will need only 21 sixes, which isn’t a massive number for the power of the England veteran.

4.   Most T20 World Cup trophies

In the history of nine editions of the T20 World Cups, India won the maiden season of the event in 2007 by beating Pakistan in the final under the leadership of MS Dhoni at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. They are also the defending champions, having won the 2024 season under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma in Barbados against South Africa in the final.

West Indies are tied with India and England in winning two titles of the event. The Darren Sammy-led side clinched the trophy in 2012 when it was played in Sri Lanka and in 2016 when it took place in India. Meanwhile, England won their first title in 2010 in the Caribbean before lifting it in 2022 down under. All three sides will have the chance to lift the most trophies in the T20 World Cups during the 2026 season.

5.    Most wins in T20 World Cups

Heading into the T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka has earned the most wins in the competition with 31 victories coming in 51 games at a winning rate of 61.76%. Pakistan sits in the second position with 28 wins in 47 games at a rate of 60.63%. India is in third with 27 wins in 44 games at a win percentage of 63.95.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will have the chance to be the best in the list if they continue their same unbeaten dominance from the last season. Subsequently, Sri Lanka will also have the chance to retain the same success in 2026. 

The SA20 2025-26 season is going to be thrilling, with an opening match between MI Cape Town (MICT) and Durban's Super Giants (DSG) on Friday, December 26, at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town.

MI Cape Town head into the tournament as defending champions and will be keen to get off to a winning start. Under the leadership of Rashid Khan, there is much depth to each department in the team. A nice mix of experienced international stars and local talent makes MICT keen on continuing their dominance from last season.

Durban’s Super Giants, on the other hand, will be led by Aiden Markram this season. They finished at the bottom of the table last year and will be keen to turn things around. With several quality players added to their squad, DSG will look to start the new season on a positive note and forget their poor run from the previous edition.

MICT vs DSG Head-to-Head Record (T20s)

• Matches Played: 6
• MI Cape Town Won: 1
• Durban’s Super Giants Won: 4
• No Result / Tied: 1

MICT vs DSG: Pitch Report

The Newlands pitch usually assists the bowlers early in the game, thereby making it difficult to bat initially. The conditions get better under the lights, however, and chasing teams had better success here.

See Also: IND-W vs SL-W 3rd T20I: Head-to-head, pitch report and predicted playing XIs

MICT vs DSG: Predicted Playing XIs

MI Cape Town (MICT):

Ryan Rickelton (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Nicholas Pooran, Rassie van der Dussen, Karim Janat, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Rashid Khan (C), Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Dane Piedt

Durban’s Super Giants (DSG):

Aiden Markram (C), Jos Buttler, Devon Conway, Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), David Wiese, Gerald Coetzee, Eathan Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, Noor Ahmad, Simon Harmer

The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will begin on February 07 and run for almost one month, giving a massive excitement to the fans across the globe. The marquee event will be played by 20 sides this time, who are divided into four groups. This edition of the competition will be about the players and how they capture the attention.

With India hosting the tournament, there is anticipation of many sixes and boundaries from the players, who have expectations on their shoulders. The spinners will also have a key role to play in the event on the dry and spinning surfaces.

A look at the top 5 players to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2026

1.   Travis Head (Australia)

Australia’s aggressive left-handed opening batter of the shortest format, Travis Head, finished the previous season of the T20 World Cup as the third leading run-getter. The southpaw clubbed 255 runs in seven innings at an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 158.33 with the help of two half-centuries at the best score of 76 runs.

Head, who has amassed an overall 1197 runs in 45 innings of the shortest format at an average of nearly 30 and a strike rate of 156.67 with the help of five half-centuries at the best score of 91, was in superb touch even during their previous Caribbean trip. He can use his Indian Premier League (IPL) experience to earn success in the T20 World Cup 2026.

2.   Hardik Pandya (India)

For India to do well, the eyes will always be on Hardik Pandya for the Indian side to get the best balance in the eleven. He can bat in the lower middle order of the innings, besides providing them with at least three overs in various parts of the innings. Last year, Hardik collected 144 runs in six innings of the T20 World Cup 2024 at a strike rate of 151.57 and picked up 11 wickets.

See Also: England face another massive setback ahead of 4th Ashes 2025/26 Boxing Day Test

Hardik recently became the first Indian player to celebrate the double of 2000 runs and 100 wickets in the shortest format. In the home World Cup, the Baroda player’s presence will be key for India, putting the strongest playing eleven and defending their title.

3.   Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

The premier leg spinner and the Afghanistan T20I captain, Rashid Khan, was in superb touch during the previous season of the T20 World Cup. He collected 14 wickets in eight innings at an average of 12.78 and a strike rate of 12.42 with an economy rate of just over six. He can use his variations and IPL experience to collect many wickets for the success of his team.

Rashid Khan is the leading wicket-taker in the shortest format. The 27-year-old has picked up 182 wickets in 108 innings at an average of under 14 and a strike rate of 13.52 with an economy rate of just 6.97, thanks to nine four-wicket and two five-wicket hauls at the best figures of 5/3.

4.   Abhishek Sharma (India)

Since the beginning of 2024, India’s left-handed batter, Abhishek Sharma, has been India’s leading run-getter in the shortest format. The southpaw has collected 1115 runs in 32 innings at an average of 35.96 and a strike rate of 188.02 with the help of six half-centuries and two centuries at the best score of 135 runs.

Abhishek is anticipated to open the batting with wicket-keeper batter, Sanju Samson, and he will have to take the responsibility for them getting aggressive starts with the bat inside the first six overs of the innings. He was also in superb touch during the Asia Cup 2025 with 314 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 200.

5.   Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s experienced left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, was in decent form during the last T20 World Cup. However, he could pick only five wickets in four innings at an average of 21 and a strike rate of 14.40 with an economy rate of just over six, thanks to the bowling figures of 3/22.

Afridi has overall collected 126 wickets in 96 innings of the T20Is at an average of 21.26 and a strike rate of 16.5 with an economy rate of 7.71. In Sri Lanka’s condition, he will be a key member to pick up wickets with the new ball.

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Who are the top players to watch in the T20 World Cup 2026?

The T20 World Cup 2026 will feature match-winners like Travis Head, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Abhishek Sharma, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. These players bring a mix of power-hitting, all-round skills, and wicket-taking ability, making them key attractions of the tournament.

Why is Travis Head considered a dangerous T20 batter?

Travis Head is known for his explosive starts and high strike rate in the powerplay. His aggressive batting can shift momentum early, putting bowlers under pressure from the first over.

How important is Hardik Pandya for India in T20 World Cup 2026?

Hardik Pandya provides balance with his finishing skills and seam bowling. His experience in pressure situations makes him a crucial all-rounder for India’s World Cup campaign.

What makes Rashid Khan a game-changer in T20 cricket?

Rashid Khan’s leg-spin, control, and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs make him one of the most impactful bowlers in T20 cricket, especially on slower pitches.

Why is Abhishek Sharma a player to watch in the 2026 World Cup?

Abhishek Sharma’s fearless batting and ability to score quickly at the top make him a valuable asset in high-scoring T20 matches.

How can Shaheen Shah Afridi influence matches in T20 World Cup 2026?

Shaheen Afridi’s pace and swing with the new ball allow him to take early wickets, giving his team a strong advantage in crucial matches.