Stats & Squads: Everything You Need to Know About World Cup Group B

In every World Cup, there is a “Group of Opportunity”—a pool where the traditional hierarchy is threatened by form, conditions, and hunger. In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, that is Group B.

On paper, the group features a clear heavyweight in Australia (ranked 2nd) and a dangerous host nation in Sri Lanka (ranked 8th). However, cricket is not played on paper. The narrative heading into this tournament is one of shifting tides. Australia arrives in the subcontinent bruised, battered, and arguably vulnerable after a stunning drubbing in Pakistan. Conversely, Sri Lanka, playing on home soil, smells blood.

With dangerous “banana skin” teams like Ireland, a revitalized Zimbabwe, and a determined Oman rounding out the group, the race for the Super Eight is far from a foregone conclusion. This isn’t just a battle for qualification; it is a battle for survival.

The Heavyweights: A Tale of Two Trajectories

1. Sri Lanka: The Lions in Their Den

For the co-hosts, the stars seem to have aligned. While their ranking sits at eighth, their potential in home conditions is top-tier. Captain Dasun Shanaka leads a squad that perfectly balances experienced power-hitters with mystery spinners—the ultimate formula for winning on sub-continental tracks.

The narrative for Sri Lanka is simple: Capitalize on Australia’s weakness. Having seen the Aussies struggle against spin in Pakistan, Sri Lanka knows that if they prepare turning tracks in Colombo and Pallekele, they can top the group.

Key Strength: The “Double Threat” of Wanindu Hasaranga. As the team’s premier spinner and a destructive lower-order batter, he allows Sri Lanka to play with a deep batting lineup without compromising on bowling options.

Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

2. Australia: The Vulnerable Giants

Two years ago, Mitchell Marsh led Australia to the Super Eight stage, but the 2021 champions are currently searching for answers. Their preparation has been far from ideal, marked by a recent series loss in Pakistan where their batting lineup was exposed.

The squad is undeniably talented, featuring the likes of Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell, but they are reportedly “not at full strength.” The pressure will be on Adam Zampa to lead the spin attack on pitches that won’t favor the Aussie pace cartel.

Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Player to Watch: The Rise of Pathum Nissanka

If Sri Lanka is to dominate Group B, it will start at the top of the order with Pathum Nissanka. The stylish opener has evolved from a steady accumulator into a genuine match-winner.

Nissanka recently became the 10th fastest player to reach 2000 T20I runs in history. His ability to switch gears—and his usage of the switch hit—makes him difficult to set fields for. However, he has a point to prove against the Australians.

Pathum Nissanka: The Stat Attack

Analysis: While his recent form against England (striking at nearly 150) is terrifying, his historical struggle against Australia (SR 108) is a concern. Playing at home, he will be desperate to fix that stat.

The Disruptors: Can They Cause an Upset?

Group B is not a two-horse race. The presence of Ireland and Zimbabwe adds a layer of volatility that could ruin the big teams’ parties.

Zimbabwe: The Return of the Chevrons

After missing the 2024 edition, Zimbabwe is back with a vengeance. They have a history of giant-killing (famously beating Pakistan in 2022), and their squad is a mix of veteran savvy and youthful exuberance.

• The Veteran: Sikandar Raza (Captain) remains one of the world’s most dangerous all-rounders.
• The Surprise Packet: Keep an eye on Brendan Taylor, who makes a shocking return to the squad, adding immense experience.
• The Young Gun: Brian Bennett (22). This youngster essentially dragged Zimbabwe into the World Cup single-handedly through the qualifiers.

Brian Bennett: The Qualifier Phenom

Ireland: The Perennial Threat

Ireland has featured in almost every T20 World Cup and knows how to navigate the pressure. Led by the evergreen Paul Stirling, they have the firepower to chase big totals. Their victory over eventual champions England in 2022 proves they fear no one. With players like Josh Little and Harry Tector, they are a well-oiled machine capable of punishing a complacent Australia or Sri Lanka.

Oman: The Asian Derby

Oman is playing in their fourth World Cup and shouldn’t be underestimated. Their clash with Ireland on February 14 in Colombo is a grudge match—Oman beat Ireland in their debut World Cup game in 2016. Captain Jatinder Singh will look to replicate that history.

Prediction: How Group B Will Play Out

This group will likely be decided by spin bowling and adaptation.

1. Sri Lanka (Prediction: 1st): With home advantage and a spin attack led by Hasaranga and Theekshana, they are favorites to top the group.
2. Australia (Prediction: 2nd – but shaky): They have the firepower to qualify, but their recent form suggests they might drop a game. A loss to Sri Lanka is highly possible.
3. The Upset Risk: If Australia slips up against the spin of Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza or Ireland’s tactical discipline, we could see a shock exit for the 2021 champions.

Conclusion: Australia might be the higher-ranked side, but Sri Lanka holds the aces. The “Lions” have a golden opportunity to qualify in pole position for the Super Eight, sending a warning to the rest of the world. For Australia, the mission is simple: survive the spin, silence the crowd, and find form before it’s too late.