The tenth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is here. Co-hosted by defending champions India and Sri Lanka, this World Cup will see a total of 20 teams battle it out for the trophy, with Pakistan facing the Netherlands in the tournament opener.
Here, we present our preview and predictions for the first game of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Pakistan come into the tournament with a lot of noise surrounding their camp, especially after expressing their intent to boycott the game against India. On the pitch, though, Salman Agha and Co are coming into the World Cup on the back of a big morale-boosting series win at home against an albeit not-at-full-strength Australian side.
Captain Agha will be leading a Pakistani squad that’s boasting plenty of experience in the batting department, with the seasoned duo of Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam at the top, and Saim Ayub having locked in the opening slot alongside Zaman. Agha will come in at No. 3, with Azam playing more of an anchor role at No. 4. The middle order, comprising Usman Khan, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz, provides the team further depth, with Khan and Nawaz being handy with the ball as well.
With the ball, Shaheen Shah Afridi will be leading the Pakistani attack. In the absence of Haris Rauf, Afridi will have even more responsibility on his shoulders. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed will be the two key names along with Afridi, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz will also be crucial in the middle overs in slow conditions.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, have a host of names with experience in the squad, albeit not at the topmost level. Max O’Dowd is not only one of their most experienced players but also a lock-in at the top of the batting order, with Michael Levitt set to partner him as the other opener.
Bas de Leede is a handy option for the Dutch as well. Zach Lion-Cachet, wicketkeeper-captain Scott Edwards, and Collin Ackerman make up an experienced middle order, and all three of them will be key in tough batting conditions.
Aryan Dutt and Logan van Beek lead the bowling attack for the Netherlands, with the veteran spinner Roelof van der Merwe set to be key in spin-friendly conditions across India and Sri Lanka.
The Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo will be hosting its first men’s T20I in over 15 years, having seen limited action over the last couple of years. The strip here is known to be a slow one, with spinners usually having a good outing.
Expect some runs and the slower bowlers to be on top in an encounter that favours the Pakistani team.
Fantasy XI: Fakhar Zaman, Max O’Dowd, Saim Ayub (c), Salman Agha, Scott Edwards (wk), Shadab Khan, Bas de Leede, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed (vc), Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
Winners Prediction: Pakistan
England will take on New Zealand in match 49 at R. Premadasa Stadium on 27th…
This article contains information about the organisations acting as the official sponsors and partners of…
Formula One has announced a new partnership extension with ESPN inc., with the new extension…
Premier League club Manchester City have signed a new partnership with Silentnight, UK-based sleep brand,…
British tennis star Emma Raducanu has joined the UNIQLO family, becoming their Global Brand Ambassador.…
American Formula One team Haas have announced a new partnership agreement with the Singha Corporation,…