Nasser Hussain gives his verdict on the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, with full live coverage on Sky Sports from February 7 to March 8. The former England captain and Sky pundit runs through the leading contenders, dark horses to watch, and his picks for top run-scorer and wicket-taker.
England’s opening match is on Sunday against Nepal in Mumbai, a 9.30am start.
Tournament groups
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
Who will lift the trophy?
Hussain’s pick is India. As defending champions playing at home, they combine huge six-hitting power with a deep bowling unit. T20 always throws up surprises, but India’s balance, variety and home conditions make them the team to beat.
Probable semi-finalists
He expects a repeat of the last World Cup’s semi-final line-up: India, England, South Africa and Afghanistan. Afghanistan face a tricky Group D alongside South Africa and New Zealand, but they possess destructive hitters, seamers who can swing the new ball and a rich inventory of spinners. Hussain also notes Jonathan Trott’s calm coaching influence, which could be important if this turns out to be Afghanistan’s last big tournament together.
Other nations to keep an eye on include Australia and Pakistan, while Sri Lanka and West Indies are capable of producing match-winning performances on their day.
A surprise package?
Hussain is rooting for Nepal as an outside hope. The team has passionate support and recent T20 results that show they can compete — including a 2-1 series win over West Indies last year. If Nepal can navigate past Scotland and Italy, their clash with West Indies becomes pivotal; however, death bowling remains a potential weakness. He also reminds fans that Netherlands and Scotland have caused upsets in previous T20 World Cups and have players who can turn games.
England’s prospects
This format suits England right now. Ranked third behind India and Australia, they arrive with a settled squad and a well-rounded bowling attack. Sam Curran’s return gives experience and versatility, while spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson provide dependable middle overs options—Rashid’s ability to deliver four overs reliably is a major asset.
The batting looks deep: Phil Salt and Jos Buttler at the top, Harry Brook as a middle-order anchor, and Tom Banton continuing to develop. One area to monitor is the new-ball bowling; opponents found some success there during the recent Sri Lanka series. Still, England will be buoyed by their ability to close out the third T20 in Pallekele on a challenging surface.
Top run-scorer and wicket-taker predictions
For the leading batter, Hussain tips India’s Abhishek Sharma — a front-line, in-form top-order hitter with enormous power. For the bowlers, he expects Jasprit Bumrah to finish as the tournament’s top wicket-taker: a genuine strike bowler often used at crucial moments and highly effective at the death.
Players to watch
Quinton de Kock: back in the South Africa side and in good form, his IPL experience on subcontinental tracks will be valuable.
Salman Ali Agha: Pakistan’s captain has impressed at No. 3 and handles spin well; his partnership with coach Mike Hesson brings structure and calm to the side.
Catch every match live on Sky Sports from February 7 to March 8.