The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to get underway on February 7, with India and Sri Lanka hosting the much-awaited 20-over spectacle. The tournament promises thrilling contests, explosive batting, and intense battles between the world’s best teams. With top players in peak form and high expectations surrounding every fixture, fans can look forward to non-stop action and unforgettable moments across iconic venues in the subcontinent.

While trophies and points matter, World Cups are often remembered for the rivalries that ignite passion and drama. These clashes go beyond numbers, shaping narratives and defining momentum throughout the tournament. Historic matchups bring added pressure, emotion, and excitement, making them must-watch encounters. In this article, we take a closer look at five of the fiercest rivalries, fueled by history and pride, that are set to headline the T20 World Cup 2026.

See Also: 5 legendary players who might play their final T20 World Cup in 2026 ft. Glenn Maxwell

Here are the 5 best rivalries to watch in T20 World Cup 2026;

South Africa will aim to seal the three-match T20I series when they take on the West Indies in the second encounter at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Thursday, January 29. The hosts head into the game full of confidence after a dominant showing in the series opener at Paarl. After opting to field first, South Africa applied early pressure, reducing the West Indies to 95/5 by the 12th over. Late resistance from Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, and stand-in skipper Roston Chase helped the visitors post a fighting 173/7.

In reply, South Africa’s batters made light work of the chase with fluent strokeplay. The openers raced through the Powerplay, putting the West Indies bowlers under immediate pressure. Although Lhuan-dre Pretorius fell after a brisk 44 off 28 balls, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding the Proteas to victory with ease in 17.5 overs. Markram led from the front with an unbeaten 86 off 47 deliveries. The West Indies will hope regular captain Shai Hope returns, as they seek a stronger showing to keep the series alive.

See Also: Watch: Rinku Singh's fantastic catch dismisses Glenn Phillips during IND vs NZ 4th T20I

SA vs WI, 2nd T20I: Live Streaming Details

SA vs WI, 2nd T20I: Probable Playing XI

South Africa (SA):

Aiden Markram (C), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka.

West Indies (WI):

Shai Hope (C & WK), Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales.

South Africa and West Indies are set to clash in the opening T20I of their three-match series on Tuesday, January 27, with Boland Park in Paarl hosting the contest. The Proteas come into the series after a challenging five-match T20I assignment against India, where they lost 1-3, with one game abandoned due to rain. Led by Aiden Markram, South Africa will be keen to bounce back strongly and build momentum, especially with the T20 World Cup drawing closer.

The West Indies, meanwhile, arrive after a narrow 1-2 defeat in a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan held in Dubai earlier this month. Their campaign in that series was hampered by the absence of key players, including regular skipper Shai Hope and in-form batter Sherfane Rutherford, who were engaged in the SA20 league. With more of their senior players now available, the Caribbean side will aim to put up a stronger challenge against the hosts.

See Also: Watch: Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube practicing right after India's emphatic win against New Zealand in 3rd T20I

SA vs WI, 1st T20I: Live Streaming Details

SA vs WI, 1st T20I: Probable Playing XI

South Africa (SA):

Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.

West Indies (WI):

Shai Hope (C & WK), Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Springer.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, marking the 10th edition of the prestigious global tournament. India enter the competition as the defending champions, having lifted the title in the previous edition. With world-class venues and subcontinental conditions in play, the tournament is expected to deliver high-octane cricket and intense rivalries. Fans around the world are gearing up for a month-long spectacle featuring the best T20 talent from across the globe.

A total of 20 teams will compete in the 2026 edition, divided into four groups of five teams each. Co-hosts India have been slotted into Group A, where they will face Namibia, Netherlands, USA, and arch-rivals Pakistan in the group stage. Each team will play the others once, with the top two sides from every group advancing to the Super 8 stage. This phase will further intensify the competition as teams battle for places in the knockout rounds.

See Also: Watch: Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube practicing right after India's emphatic win against New Zealand in 3rd T20I

Following the Super 8s, the tournament will move into the knockout phase, beginning with the semifinals. The first semifinal is scheduled for March 4, followed by the second on March 5. The winners will then lock horns in the grand final on March 8 to decide the new world champions. As the countdown to the marquee event begins, fans eagerly await a closer look at the group-wise squads shaping up for what promises to be a thrilling World Cup.

Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Group A squads

Cricket South Africa has announced a major commercial partnership, confirming Cricket South Africa (CSA) has appointed SHREY as its Official Helmet and Luggage Partner in a five-year deal running until 2030.

The agreement covers both the Proteas Men and Proteas Women national sides, along with all home international fixtures played in South Africa. South African players will use SHREY helmets and premium luggage products which the company designed to meet current requirements of high-intensity cricket.

The partnership includes multiple areas which extend beyond equipment used in games. Fans will see SHREY branding through stadium displays during home domestic matches while the company will run digital and social media campaigns and fan activities and provide access to hospitality areas. The CSA partnership provides support throughout the entire player development process through its combination of advanced protective technology and tested high-quality travel products.

ALSO SEE: Star South Africa all-rounder unlikely to feature in PSL 2026 auction

CSA and SHREY underline shared commitment to player safety and elite performance

The CEO of CSA Pholetsi Moseki described SHREY as a global leader in cricket safety equipment through his remarks about the new partnership. The CSA partnership with other organizations supports the board's dedication to maintaining elite standards across all cricket formats through its focus on player welfare and excellence.

Raghav Kohli, who serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SHREY, explained that the contract serves as a critical milestone for developing South Africa's professional cricket ecosystem. He explained that the brand's values represent performance and safety and innovation, while the brand takes pride in its support for players who compete at the highest levels of the sport.

CSA, which holds full membership in the International Cricket Council, is expanding its commercial operations to develop player support systems while expanding its reach in both men's and women's cricketing domains.

Wiaan Mulder will miss the Pakistan Super League 2026 because his County Championship duties prevent him from playing in the tournament. 

County commitments take priority as Mulder remains unavailable for PSL 2026

Mulder has signed with Essex for the first half of the 2026 English domestic season. The agreement allows the 27-year-old to compete in the first six County Championship matches and the first six Vitality Blast matches while he will stay in the United Kingdom from April until June.

The scheduling overlap means Mulder is unlikely to enter or feature in the Pakistan Super League auction, a development that could impact franchise plans given his growing reputation as a reliable seam-bowling all-rounder.

Mulder has experience in county cricket because he played for Leicestershire and Kent during his early career. He has played 92 first-class matches and 140 T20 matches and became a regular member of South Africa's international team throughout his career.

ALSO SEE: India celebrate new team record before Pakistan during IND vs NZ 2nd T20I in Raipur

county agreement ensures Wiaan Mulder will remain in England

Chris Silverwood, the director of cricket for Essex, announced the signing while showing appreciation for Mulder's ability to play multiple positions and his extensive experience. "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Wiaan to Essex. He is a proven international performer and one of the most complete all-rounders in the game today," Silverwood said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "His ability to contribute consistently with both bat and ball will add real balance to our squad."

Mulder expressed his enthusiasm to return to England because he wants to face new challenges. "I am really excited about joining Essex and coming back to the UK for a new challenge. I have always had great experiences playing here and am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together," he said.

Derbyshire signed Pakistan left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem to play during the first half of the Blast while Yorkshire has signed Netherlands all-rounder Logan van Beek to compete in the first part of the Championship season. The county cricket commitments which Mulder has with Essex will take priority over his franchise obligations, which means he will most likely miss the PSL 2026 tournament.

South Africa has received a major blow before their 2026 T20 World Cup because both Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira have been declared unfit to participate in the prestigious event which takes place in India and Sri Lanka. 

De Zorzi has not achieved rehabilitation success according to expected recovery milestones since he suffered a right hamstring muscle tear which occurred during the ODI series against India last month. The left-hander needs more rehabilitation according to medical staff because he will not reach full health before the upcoming T20I series. De Zorzi has withdrawn from the World Cup squad.

Ferreira experienced a left clavicle fracture during a domestic T20 match which took place in South Africa earlier this month. His injury demands extended recovery because it will prevent him from participating in international competitions until further notice while it also nullifies his chance to compete at the World Cup.

Rickelton and Stubbs recalled and Miller fitness concern looms ahead of World Cup

The Proteas have responded by calling up Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs as replacements. South Africa has gained batting strength through the return of both batters who were missing from the initial squad after South Africa announced their first team.

ALSO SEE: “No justice from…”- Bangladesh sports advisor accuses this on ICC after boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026

David Miller who has experience as a campaigner has developed fitness problems because he has an adductor muscle injury. Miller has been ruled out of the three-match home T20I series against the West Indies but remains in contention for the World Cup, subject to passing a fitness test closer to the tournament.

In the meantime, in-form Rubin Hermann has been drafted into the squad for the West Indies series after impressing in the ongoing SA20 league. South Africa will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Canada on February 9 in Ahmedabad after they were placed in Group D.

Updated South Africa T20 World Cup Squad

Aiden Markram (captain), 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

*Subject to fitness test

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with 10 editions of the annual men's world cup tournament. Defending their title as current world champions of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, India will play against 19 other international teams to try and become the men's champions again. Each of the participating teams has been organised into 4 groups, with 5 teams per group.

India are placed into Group A by virtue of having the tournament in their country and will play alongside Pakistan, the USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. These games will have a lot of exciting matchups between these countries. The goal for all teams will be to finish in the top 2 spots in their respective groups in order to advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament. The Super 8 stage will then have the early stages of knockout rounds, two semi-finals of the tournament, which take place on March 4 and 5, respectively. The final will then be held on March 8, with anticipation building towards the 2026 tournament. Fans are currently beginning to analyse the squad of the other competing nations by their group. On that note let us take a look at the squads which are already announced;

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli’s aggressive batting intent during practice ahead of IND vs NZ 2nd ODI 2026

Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Group A squads

India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c). Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh

USA: Yet to be announced

Namibia: Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Ben Shikonga, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo. Traveling Reserve: Alexander Volschenk

Netherlands: Max O'Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Noah Croes Scott Edwards (c), Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Fred Klaassen, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Timm van der Gugten, Saqib Zulliqar

Pakistan: Yet to be announced

Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Group B squads

Australia (provisional squad): Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Josh inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann

Sri Lanka (preliminary squad): Pathum Nissanka, Kusol Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Charmeera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Dushan Hermantha, Traveen Mathew, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth

Oman: Jatinder Singh (c), Vinayak Shukla, Mohammad Nadeem, Shakeel Ahmad Hammad Mirza, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Shah Faisal, Jiten Ramanandi, Hasnain Ali Shah, Jay Odedra, Shafiq Jan, Ashish Odedaro

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Ryan Buri, Graeme Cremer, Sikandar Raza (c). Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor, Tany Munyonga, Tashingo Musekiwa

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Collitz, George Dockrell, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy. Matthew Humphreys, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Group C squads

England (Provisional Squad): Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Harry Brook (c), Jafra Archer, Tom Banton, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood. Rehan Ahmed

West Indies: Yet to be announced

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (c), Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin

Italy: Yet to be announced

Nepal: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasil Sheikh, Sompal Komi, Karan KC, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Nandan Yadav, Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi

Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Group D squads

South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram (c), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Donovan Ferreira

Afghanistan: Roshid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen Ul Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Noib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Reserves: AM Ghazanfor, jaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitchell Santner (c), Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi Reserve: Kyle Jamieson

Canada: Yet to be announced

UAE: Yet to be announced

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 runners-up South Africa have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where one surprise name has been included. 

South Africa reached the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, which was their first Final in the ICC World Cup history (only in senior men's). They lost the Final against India closely, as the Proteas lost that game by seven runs. 

While South Africa are struggling in the T20I format, as they won only six matches out of 18 T20Is in 2025 (lost 12 games), they are dreaming of their first ICC World Cup title. 

See Also: 3 reasons why Usman Khawaja retiring from Tests after Ashes 2025-26 is the wrong move

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: South Africa are in Group D

India and Sri Lanka will jointly host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 from February 7 to March 8. South Africa are in Group D in the tournament with New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. The top two teams in the final points table will advance to the Super Eight stage. 

Aiden Markram will lead South Africa in the forthcoming T20 World Cup. He will take the major batting role along with experienced wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, and Jason Smith. The 31-year-old Smith has played only two T20Is and three ODIs, while Tristian Stubbs has been dropped from the squad. 

The SA20 is scheduled to start on December 26, and South Africa’s festive cricket season will not only be lit, but it is also going to be a major clash with the Boxing Day Ashes Test. The country has a buzzing franchise cricket atmosphere and the Durban Super Giants are among the first teams to reinforce their squads for the tournament’s initial stage. 

Simon Harmer’s brilliant Test performance gives a very welcome boost as Narine is out for the first few SA20 games

Durban have reported the acquisition of the veteran Proteas off-spinner Simon Harmer, who will stand in short term for Sunil Narine. Narine is presently in UAE for ILT20 which runs until January 4, 2026. This means Narine will not participate in the initial five SA20 matches, which is the time Harmer is expected to have a big impact during his tenure.

Harmer comes back to Kingsmead in fantastic form. It is true that his SA20 stats so far aren’t that impressive, he has taken only 9 wickets in 23 matches, but his recent red-ball performances testify to his talent. The 36-year-old was remarkable during South Africa’s recent Test trip, first he made 6/50 against Pakistan in Rawalpindi to complete a historic Proteas’ victory and he also reached the milestone of 1,000 first-class wickets.

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He then went a step further in India, showing the world his best cricket. He got 17 wickets and took them at an unbelievable **Dale Steyn’s 8.94 average during the two Tests; thus he broke the record for most wickets by a South African in a Test series in India. He was the star of the match for South Africa with his 6/37 in Guwahati that made the series 2-0 in their favor - thus marking their first Test series win in India after a long gap of 25 years.

Harmer's and the batting strength of Durban keep Super Giants at the right place even early in Season 4

The team of Durban still stays quite strong in terms of balance. The batting unit, which is headed by Aiden Markram and Jos Buttler, with Heinrich Klaasen and David Wiese in the middle, offers quite a lot of firepower even when Narine is not playing.

Narine is anticipated to come to the squad after he is back from his overseas duties; this will be his first SA20 appearance for the Super Giants. Until then, the firepower of Harmer's experience, control, and super-hot form gives Durban a dependable option as they look for a strong beginning in Season 4.