Nasser Hussain makes his predictions for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, live in full on Sky Sports from February 7 to March 8. The Sky Sports pundit and former England captain assesses the top contenders, potential surprise packages, and his picks for leading run-scorer and wicket-taker.
Watch England’s first game on Sunday as they take on Nepal in Mumbai from 9.30am.
Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 pools
Group A: India, Pakistan, Namibia, Netherlands, USA
Group B: Australia, Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe
Group C: England, Italy, Nepal, Scotland, West Indies
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, UAE
Winners
Hussain picks India. As defending champions with home advantage, huge six-hitting ability and deep bowling resources, they are the side to beat. T20 is unpredictable, but India’s balance makes them favourites.
Semi-finalists
He expects the four semi-finalists from the previous World Cup to repeat: India, England, South Africa and Afghanistan. Afghanistan have a tough group with South Africa and New Zealand but offer high-quality hitters, seam and swing options and plenty of spinners. Jonathan Trott’s calm leadership as coach will be a factor in what could be his final tournament.
Other contenders include Australia and Pakistan, while Sri Lanka and West Indies can be dangerous on their day.
An outsider who could push for the Super 8s?
Hussain would like to see Nepal do well; they have fervent support and have shown they can compete, beating West Indies 2-1 in a T20I series last year. If Nepal can get past Scotland and Italy, their meeting with West Indies becomes crucial. Death bowling is a potential concern for them. Netherlands and Scotland have both caused upsets in past T20 World Cups and possess quality players.
What to expect from England
This is England’s best format at present. Ranked third behind India and Australia, they have a settled group and a well-balanced bowling attack. Sam Curran’s return adds experience; spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson give dependable options. Rashid’s four overs are invaluable and he rarely goes around the park.
The batting line-up is deep: Phil Salt and Jos Buttler open, Harry Brook anchors the middle order, and Tom Banton continues to develop. One potential issue is who takes the new ball, an area opponents targeted in the recent Sri Lanka series. England will take confidence from closing out the third T20 in Pallekele on a difficult pitch.
Leading run-scorer and wicket-taker
Hussain predicts India’s Abhishek Sharma to top the batting charts; a top-order batter in form and a massive six hitter. For bowling, he tips Jasprit Bumrah as the leading wicket-taker — a genuine wicket-taker often used at key moments and crucial at the death.
Players to watch
Quinton de Kock is back for South Africa and has been in strong form, his experience in the IPL helpful on subcontinental pitches. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has impressed at No. 3 and is an excellent player of spin; his partnership with coach Mike Hesson brings calm and structure.
Watch every match of the T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports from February 7-March 8.