The T20 World Cup 2026 has kicked off with a bang, shattering expectations that top teams would cruise past minnows. From the opening fixtures, underdog sides have pushed powerhouses to the brink, turning what seemed like mismatches into nail-biters.
With 20 teams vying for glory, this tournament expands cricket’s global footprint like never before. Critics often argue fewer teams mean higher quality, but these early games prove T20’s unpredictability levels the playing field. Small nations are proving they’re no pushovers.
Group stages mix giants with newcomers. India’s pool features Namibia, Netherlands, and USA. Group B pits Sri Lanka and Australia against Zimbabwe, Oman, and Ireland. Group C has West Indies and England with Italy, Nepal, and Scotland, while Group D includes New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada. On paper, lopsided; on turf, thrilling.
Pakistan’s opener against Netherlands was a wake-up call. The Dutch posted 147 in 19.5 overs, and Pakistan wobbled before scraping home. A few sharper catches could have flipped the script.
Hosts India faced USA next. Despite a 29-run win, India teetered at 77-6 after 14 overs and 118-7 after 16.4. Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive 84 off 49 balls rescued them, averting disaster.
Sunday’s clashes intensified the drama. Afghanistan rattled New Zealand, scoring 182-6 and reducing the Kiwis to 14-2 early. Nepal nearly stunned England, falling six runs short at 180-6 chasing 185, thanks to Sam Curran’s last-over heroics.
These results signal a shifting landscape. Big teams still hold edges in experience, but underdogs are competing fiercely. Expect upsets as group stages unfold, making this T20 World Cup one for the ages.