ITeam: Pakistan
Coach: Mike Hesson
Captain: Salman Ali Agha
Star batter: Saim Ayub
Star bowler: Abrar Ahmed
Best performance: Champions (2009)

Analysis: Pakistan remains one of the most unpredictable, yet dangerous, teams in the competition — unpredictable because they can lose to sides like the USA, and dangerous because they can defeat even arch-rivals India by 10 wickets when fully focused. The Men in Green will rely on exciting young batters like Saim Ayub, capable of changing games quickly, while Abrar Ahmed provides mystery and control with the ball.

Under Mike Hesson’s structured coaching and Salman Ali Agha’s aggressive captaincy, Pakistan aims to reduce its traditional volatility. With Saim Ayub and Babar Azam leading the batting, and Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah spearheading the bowling, a Super 8s finish looks likely. If their batting clicks consistently and the bowling unit holds its nerve in crunch moments, Pakistan has the tools to mount a serious title challenge.

Team: India
Coach: Gautam Gambhir
Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Star batter: Abhishek Sharma
Star bowler: Jasprit Bumrah
Best performance: Champions (2007, 2024)

Analysis: Defending champions and hosts India enter the tournament as clear favourites, boasting an enviable blend of experience, depth and explosive talent. Fans may question coach Gautam Gambhir’s aggressive style, but skipper Suryakumar Yadav encourages freedom and adaptability, which explains the remarkable form of Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube and Ishan Kishan.

Strengths, stars and stories from all 20 teams competing at the T20 World Cup

Jasprit Bumrah remains the ultimate difference-maker in pressure situations, and his workload will be eased by all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar, along with spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. India’s biggest challenge will be maintaining consistency across all departments.

Team: United States
Coach: Pubudu Dassanayake
Captain: Monank Patel
Star batter: Saiteja Mukkamalla
Star bowler: Harmeet Singh
Best performance: Super 8s (2024)

Analysis: The United States continues its rapid upward trajectory in international cricket and will look to prove that its Super 8s run in the last T20 World Cup was no fluke. Under experienced coach Pubudu Dassanayake, the team blends athleticism with growing tactical awareness. Monank Patel’s calm leadership and Saiteja Mukkamalla’s stroke play anchor the batting, while Harmeet Singh offers control through accurate bowling.

With several players of Indian and Pakistani origin in the squad, the USA could adapt well to subcontinent conditions and surprise stronger opponents.

Team: Netherlands
Coach: Ryan Cook
Captain: Scott Edwards
Star batter: Max O’Dowd
Star bowler: Paul van Meekeren
Best performance: Super 10s (2014)

Analysis: The Netherlands is a well-drilled side known for maximising limited resources, relying on planning and adaptability rather than star power. Many of their players bring years of international experience and have produced memorable upsets in previous T20 World Cups. Max O’Dowd’s solidity at the top and Paul van Meekeren’s energy with the ball give the side balance.

Subcontinent conditions may pose a challenge, but the Dutch have a habit of thriving when written off.

Team: Namibia
Captain: Gerhard Erasmus
Coach: Craig Williams
Star batter: JJ Smit
Star bowler: Bernard Scholtz
Best performance: Super 12s (2021)

Analysis: Namibia may not be among the strongest teams in the competition, but they approach the tournament with quiet confidence and a strong team ethos. Captain Gerhard Erasmus leads by example, while JJ Smit provides stability and valuable all-round contributions. Anchored by Bernard Scholtz’s accuracy, their bowling attack thrives on discipline rather than raw pace.

Their biggest challenge will be converting competitive performances into victories.

Team: Australia
Coach: Andrew McDonald
Captain: Mitchell Marsh
Star batter: Travis Head
Star bowler: Adam Zampa
Best performance: Champions (2021)

Analysis: Despite the strength of the Big Bash League, Australia’s T20 side has often been overshadowed by its dominance in Tests and ODIs. Led by Mitchell Marsh, they will look to change that narrative by combining aggression with game awareness. Travis Head’s attacking intent sets the tone, supported by the power of Tim David and the experience of Glenn Maxwell, both seasoned performers in PSL and IPL.

Adam Zampa’s control in the middle overs will again be crucial, alongside the pace battery led by Josh Hazlewood. With a strong record in subcontinent conditions, Australia will back themselves to peak when it matters most.

Team: Sri Lanka
Coach: Sanath Jayasuriya
Captain: Dasun Shanaka
Star batter: Pathum Nissanka
Star bowler: Wanindu Hasaranga
Best performance: Champions (2014)

Analysis: Former champions and co-hosts Sri Lanka enter the tournament as a side rebuilding its identity while retaining flashes of past brilliance. Under Sanath Jayasuriya’s guidance, their T20 performances have improved significantly. Dasun Shanaka’s leadership promotes flexibility, while Pathum Nissanka offers stability at the top.

Mystery spinner Wanindu Hasaranga remains the X-factor, capable of turning games with both the bat and the ball. Familiarity with conditions and their ability to fight till the end could work for them.

Team: Ireland
Coach: Heinrich Malan
Captain: Paul Stirling
Star batter: Harry Tector
Star bowler: Matthew Humphreys
Best performance: Super 8s (2009)

Analysis: Though not fully professional like many established nations, Ireland continues to impress, steadily bridging the gap between associate and full-member status. Under Paul Stirling’s leadership, they enter the tournament as a side capable of disrupting group-stage calculations. Harry Tector’s reliability in the middle order strengthens their batting, while Matthew Humphreys leads a disciplined bowling unit.

Closing out tight matches, however, remains an area for improvement.

Team: Zimbabwe
Coach: Justin Sammons
Captain: Sikandar Raza
Star batter: Brian Bennett
Star bowler: Brad Evans
Best performance: Super 12s (2022)

Analysis: With Sikandar Raza at the helm, Zimbabwe has evolved into a fearless unit capable of competing at the highest level. While strong performances have not always resulted in qualification, belief within the squad has grown steadily.

Their batting revolves around emerging talent like Brian Bennett, supported by veteran Brendan Taylor, while Blessing Muzarabani, Ryan Burl and Brad Evans add bite with the ball. Sustaining momentum throughout the tournament will be their biggest test.

Team: Oman
Coach: Duleep Mendis
Captain: Jatinder Singh
Star batter: Hammad Mirza
Star bowler: Shakeel Ahmed
Best performance: First round (2016, 2021, 2024)

Analysis: Oman may lack big names, but they compensate with structure, discipline and preparation. Captain Jatinder Singh anchors the batting, which also features Hammad Mirza at the top, while Shakeel Ahmed leads a bowling attack focused on control rather than pace.

With several expatriate players in their line-up, Oman can challenge stronger teams, but progress will depend on turning competitive performances into victories.

Team: England
Coach: Brendon McCullum
Captain: Harry Brook
Star batter: Phil Salt
Star bowler: Adil Rashid
Best performance: Champions (2010, 2022)

Analysis: Bazball may have faded in Tests, but in T20Is, England remain a formidable force. Their fearless, high-octane style, central to their 2022 triumph, continues under Brendon McCullum. Captain Harry Brook leads a side built to dominate, with Phil Salt providing explosive starts and Adil Rashid offering control and experience.

Extensive IPL exposure could prove decisive and while their aggressive approach carries risk, it also makes England one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.

Team: West Indies
Coach: Daren Sammy
Captain: Shai Hope
Star batter: Rovman Powell
Star bowler: Akeal Hossain
Best performance: Champions (2012, 2016)

Analysis: Two-time champions West Indies had to qualify for a tournament tailor-made for their flair and power. Under Daren Sammy, the side embraces its attacking identity, led by Shai Hope’s consistency and Rovman Powell’s destructive ability.

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hossain adds control, while the team’s infectious energy in the field often lifts performances. Determined to reclaim lost glory, the West Indies remain capable of overwhelming any opponent on their day.

Team: Nepal
Coach: Stuart Law
Captain: Rohit Paudel
Star batter: Dipendra Singh Airee
Star bowler: Sandeep Lamichhane
Best performance: First round (2014, 2024)

Analysis: Though not traditionally considered a subcontinent giant, Nepal’s players are well acclimatised to regional conditions and backed by passionate support. Stuart Law’s guidance and Rohit Paudel’s leadership have brought stability and belief to the side.

Much depends on the all-round brilliance of Dipendra Singh Airee and the match-winning spin of Sandeep Lamichhane. Nepal’s success will hinge on whether their batting can consistently complement their bowling attack.

Team: Italy
Coach: John Davison
Captain: Wayne Madsen
Star batter: Anthony Mosca
Star bowler: Harry Manenti
Best performance: First-time qualified

Analysis: For Italy, qualification alone represents a historic milestone. Led by Wayne Madsen and coached by John Davison, the focus will be on gaining valuable experience at the highest level, with victories considered a bonus. Anthony Mosca and Harry Manenti offer promise.

Team: Scotland
Coach: Owen Dawkins
Captain: Richie Berrington
Star batter: George Munsey
Star bowler: Mark Watt
Best performance: Super 12s (2021)

Analysis: Scotland has emerged as one of the strongest associate sides, though their qualification came late following Bangladesh’s withdrawal. Despite limited preparation time, Richie Berrington’s leadership, George Munsey’s aggressive batting and Mark Watt’s intelligent spin make them competitive.

Turning this unexpected chance into landmark victories will be Scotland’s primary goal.

Team: New Zealand
Coach: Rob Walter
Captain: Mitchell Santner
Star batter: Glenn Phillips
Star bowler: Jacob Duffy
Best performance: Runners-up (2021)

Analysis: New Zealand remains one of the unluckiest sides, who have yet to win the T20 title, despite consistent excellence. Under Mitchell Santner, they will rely on IPL experience and adaptability to subcontinent conditions. With Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert in strong form, and Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy leading a disciplined bowling attack, New Zealand once again looks poised for a deep run.

Team: South Africa
Coach: Shukri Conrad
Captain: Aiden Markram
Star batter: David Brevis
Star bowler: Marco Jansen
Best performance: Runners-up (2024)

Analysis: Runners-up in the previous edition, South Africa will aim to pick up where they left off. Aiden Markram’s leadership encourages freedom, reflected in strong batting performances and wicket-taking bowlers across the line-up. Overcoming historical knockout pressure remains the final hurdle for a supremely talented side.

Team: Afghanistan
Coach: Jonathan Trott
Captain: Rashid Khan
Star batter: Ibrahim Zadran
Star bowler: Mujeeb ur Rahman
Best performance: Semi-finals (2024)

Analysis: After their semi-final finish in 2024, Afghanistan will be eager to prove their success was built on skill rather than luck. Experience gained through the IPL and PSL will benefit Rashid Khan’s side as they face strong group opponents like New Zealand and South Africa.

The growing maturity of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz strengthens the batting, while world-class spin led by Mujeeb ur Rahman and a capable pace attack make Afghanistan a threat to any team.

Team: Canada
Coach: Ingleton Liburd
Captain: Dilpreet Bajwa
Star batter: Harsh Thaker
Star bowler: Dillon Heyliger
Best performance: First round (2024)

Analysis: With several players of Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan origin, Canada possesses more depth than many emerging teams. While still in a rebuilding phase, Dilpreet Bajwa’s side has the potential to spring surprises. Harsh Thaker adds stability with the bat, and Dillon Heyliger leads the bowling.

Team: United Arab Emirates
Coach: Lalchand Rajput
Captain: Muhammad Waseem
Star batter: Alishan Sharfu
Star bowler: Haider Ali
Best performance: First round (2014, 2022)

Analysis: UAE fans will hope for a breakthrough performance from a side built on technical discipline and improving batting depth. Beyond captain Muhammad Waseem, consistency has been an issue, but if Alishan Sharfu and Haider Ali deliver, the UAE could spring a surprise or two.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 7th, 2026