Group B of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be the only pool played exclusively in Sri Lanka, putting the spotlight firmly on familiar conditions in Colombo and Kandy. Two former champions headline the group - hosts Sri Lanka, chasing a return to their 2014 heights, and 2021 winners Australia, currently ranked second in the world. Ireland arrive with a reputation for punching above their weight, while Oman and Zimbabwe bring dangerous narratives of their own: Oman’s bowling depth and tournament experience, and Zimbabwe’s return after missing the last edition with a squad that has already proven it can shock big teams.
Australia enter with star power across departments, led by Mitchell Marsh, who captains the side for a second straight tournament. Australia’s recent Men’s T20 World Cup record has been uneven — they’ve reached the semi-finals only once since 2012 - but that single run ended in the ultimate prize in 2021, when Marsh produced a defining 77 in the final against New Zealand. The batting engine remains stacked with Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, while Adam Zampa and Cooper Connolly are expected to shoulder key roles in spin-friendly conditions. Opening against Ireland, Australia will want a fast start and a clear path back to the knockouts for the first time since their 2021 title run.
Ireland have featured at every Men’s T20 World Cup except the inaugural edition and again target progression to the Super 8 stage. Their last breakout from the first round came in 2022, a tournament where they inflicted the eventual champions England’s only defeat - proof of how quickly Ireland can flip a group. Paul Stirling, ever-present across Ireland’s World Cup history, leads once more, supported by experienced names like George Dockrell and wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker. With the ball, Josh Little remains a key strike option, while 23-year-old spinner Matthew Humphreys has impressed in recent matches against the UAE and Italy, adding a fresh tactical dimension.
Oman return for a fourth Men’s T20 World Cup appearance after navigating the Asia & East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, and they’ve shown before they can compete — winning matches in two of their three previous campaigns, including a famous debut victory over Ireland in 2016. Jatinder Singh captains and opens, with vice-captain and wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla providing support at the top and behind the stumps. Oman’s edge may lie in their bowling unit, with Jiten Ramanandi, Sufyan Mehmood and Nadeem Khan all enjoying strong Qualifier returns. They also bring unique experience at the top end of age: Aamir Khaleem (44) and Mohammad Nadeem (43) are the two oldest players in the tournament, a reminder that Oman will rely on craft and control as much as flair.
Sri Lanka’s story is about re-igniting a proud World Cup legacy. Across the first five editions, they reached three finals and another semi-final — but the last decade hasn’t matched that golden run, and their worst moment came two years ago in the Caribbean when losses to South Africa and Bangladesh sent them out in the group stage. Back on home soil, they’ll feel conditions are a genuine advantage, and the bowling resources look built for impact: Wanindu Hasaranga’s control, Maheesha Pathirana’s uniqueness, and Dushmantha Chameera’s pace make for a threatening mix under Dasun Shanaka’s captaincy. The key will be the batting doing enough to let that attack dictate games, with Pathum Nissanka showing form in recent white-ball series against England, alongside the experience of Kusal Mendis.
Zimbabwe return to the Men’s T20 World Cup after missing the last edition, and they bring both familiarity and upside. Sikandar Raza leads a squad that includes wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor, but one of the most exciting elements is 22-year-old Brian Bennett, who played a starring role in qualification on home soil with three half-centuries and a hundred. He then followed it with strong contributions in a tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in November, and could be the difference if Zimbabwe are to repeat past surprises. They have history here — Zimbabwe upset eventual finalists Pakistan four years ago — and they’ll be targeting a quick start against Oman before a tougher early test against group favourites Australia.
With every match played in Sri Lanka, Group B could be shaped by who adapts fastest to local rhythms — and with Sri Lanka’s home advantage, Australia’s firepower, Ireland’s proven upset ability, Oman’s bowling, and Zimbabwe’s renewed belief, it’s a group that feels wide open from day one.
Key players to watch
- Australia: Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa
- Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis
- Ireland: Paul Stirling, Josh Little, Lorcan Tucker, Matthew Humphreys
- Oman: Jatinder Singh, Vinayak Shukla, Sufyan Mehmood, Aamir Khaleem, Mohammad Nadeem
- Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor
