Group C promises fireworks from the first ball of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, kicking off on the opening day with a triple-header atmosphere as Scotland take on the West Indies in Kolkata. With England in the mix, this becomes the only group to feature two two-time champions - and both England (2010, 2022) and West Indies (2012, 2016) will be hunting a slice of history as they chase an unprecedented third Men’s T20 World Cup title in sub-continental conditions.
For Nepal, it's a compelling return to cricket's biggest T20 stage for the third time after appearances in 2014 and 2024, while Scotland continue their remarkable consistency as one of the most regular associate presences. Italy add a fresh twist, becoming the 25th different national team to appear at a Men’s T20 World Cup as they make their tournament debut.
England arrive with one of the strongest recent World Cup records in the format - the only team to have reached at least the semi-finals in each of the last four tournaments - and Harry Brook's side looks built to extend that streak. Their chances are boosted by the return of Jofra Archer after recovering from a side strain sustained during the Ashes, adding extreme pace to an already deep bowling unit. England also carry a proven middle-overs threat in Adil Rashid, playing his fifth T20 World Cup, with the leg-spinner riding a remarkable run of consistency - at least one wicket in the last 22 T20I matches in which he has bowled, the third-longest streak in history. Sam Curran, Player of the Tournament in 2022, again shapes as a dual-threat option and comes in with momentum after claiming England’s second-ever T20I hat-trick last month. Add the firepower and experience of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, plus the flexibility of Jacob Bethell, and England look like the team to beat in the group.
Nepal’s storyline is all about embracing the challenge - and using it as an opportunity. Former Australia international Stuart Law leads a Nepal squad that will relish testing itself against world-class opponents, and the batting base looks clear: Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh were Nepal’s highest run-scorers in T20 cricket in 2025 with 509 and 394 runs respectively. Bhurtel is already one of only five Nepali players to score a T20I century and showcased his ceiling with a blistering 92* against the USA in 2024. Vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee is also a T20I centurion and remains Nepal’s X-factor across phases, while Sandeep Lamichhane heads into the tournament with strong recent numbers - Nepal’s leading wicket-taker last year with 21 scalps - giving Nepal a genuine wicket-taking option even against top-tier batting line-ups.
Scotland, meanwhile, continue to set the associate benchmark for consistency, making their fifth straight Men’s T20 World Cup appearance after last missing out in 2014. Their best showing came in 2021 when they reached the Super 12 stage, and they will again believe an upset over a Full Member is within reach — especially if their key performers hit stride. Brandon McMullen shapes as central to that ambition: the 26-year-old has seven international fifties, with three against Australia in 2024, including a quality 60 at the last Men’s T20 World Cup in a narrow defeat. Captain Richie Berrington brings experience and a T20I century, while spinner Mark Watt sits on 89 T20I wickets and could push toward the 100-wicket milestone with a strong campaign.
Italy’s debut adds genuine intrigue. The only tournament newcomers this year, they qualified by finishing second at the 2025 Europe Regional Final and even beat Group C rivals Scotland along the way. Harry Manenti was the standout in that win, claiming five for 31 in a tense 12-run result, and he will be one to watch again. Italy are led by 42-year-old Wayne Madsen, a long-time county stalwart who has also shown recent touch with a 61* against Ireland ahead of the tournament - experience that could be vital in high-pressure moments.
The West Indies, for their part, remain one of the format’s most dangerous - and unpredictable - forces. After owning the middle of the 2010s with titles in 2012 and 2016, their last Men's T20 World Cup knockout moment still traces back to the Carlos Brathwaite Eden Gardens classic. A Super 8 exit on home soil last time will sting, but under Daren Sammy, the Caribbean side carry enough power and flair to beat anyone. Shimron Hetmyer has found form at the right time with impressive recent knocks against South Africa and Afghanistan, while captain Shai Hope proved his ability to play a leader’s innings with his first T20I century last summer against Australia. With Brandon King partnering Hope up top, the West Indies’ early momentum could shape their entire tournament. In the bowling unit, Akeal Hosein stands out as the only West Indian inside the top 20 T20I bowlers (ranked 11th), and his left-arm spin will be a major factor in Indian conditions.
For Nepal, Group C is a tough draw - but also the perfect proving ground. With star power across England and West Indies, an associate heavyweight in Scotland, and a debutant Italy side with momentum, every match carries consequence. One upset can change the group - and Nepal's blend of top-order intent, all-round explosiveness, and wicket-taking spin gives them a genuine chance to create a moment that echoes far beyond the pool stage.
Key players to watch
- Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane
- England: Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Sam Curran
- West Indies: Shai Hope, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein
- Scotland: Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington, Mark Watt
- Italy: Wayne Madsen, Harry Manenti
