The T20 World Cup 2026 is the 10th edition of the tournament and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka last hosted the T20 World Cup in 2012, while India hosted the 2016 edition. India was originally scheduled to host the tournament in 2021; however, it was held in the UAE and Oman due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7, with 20 teams competing for the title. The final will be played on March 8. It will be the second time the tournament features 20 teams. The teams have been divided into four groups of five, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 stage.
Which Teams Are in Group B?
Sri Lanka, the co-hosts, headline Group B. The other four teams in the group are Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman. All matches in this group will be played exclusively in Sri Lanka, making home conditions a major factor.
Sri Lanka qualified directly for the tournament as co-hosts and will be looking to use familiar conditions to improve on their recent World Cup performances. Australia, winners of the 2021 T20 World Cup, secured qualification as one of the top eight finishers at the 2024 edition and remain one of the strongest teams in the competition.
Ireland earned their place through their position in the ICC T20I Team Rankings at the qualification cutoff. Zimbabwe qualified by winning the 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, marking their return to the global stage after missing out in 2024. They defeated Namibia in the final, successfully chasing a target of 168 with seven wickets in hand.
Oman booked their spot by winning the Asia-East Asia-Pacific Regional Final. They have become a regular presence in recent T20 World Cups and arrive with a balanced squad built around a spin-heavy bowling attack suited to subcontinental conditions.
Top 2 Teams Most Likely to Qualify from Group B
Australia and Sri Lanka are the two teams most likely to qualify from Group B. Australia’s depth, power-hitting, and big-match experience make them strong contenders in any conditions. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will benefit from home support and a deep understanding of local pitches.
That said, Group B has the potential to produce upsets. Zimbabwe have beaten Sri Lanka in white-ball cricket before and come into the tournament with confidence after their regional triumph. Ireland have a history of giant-killing at World Cups, while Oman’s experience in similar conditions means they cannot be taken lightly.
Which Grounds Will Group B Matches Be Played At?
All Group B matches will be played in Sri Lanka at the following venues:
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
SSC Cricket Ground, Colombo
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
Sri Lanka will begin their campaign against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 8. The marquee clash between Australia and Sri Lanka will be played under lights at Pallekele on February 16. Zimbabwe and Oman will open their campaigns at the SSC Cricket Ground, while Ireland will face Australia at the Premadasa Stadium.
