New Delhi, February 9: The T20 World Cup 2026 has kicked off with thrilling matches. Before the tournament began, many expected the stronger teams to easily defeat the underdogs. However, the games played so far have challenged these assumptions significantly. Several matches have seen unexpected outcomes, with major teams narrowly avoiding embarrassment.
Having 20 teams in a global cricket event is unprecedented. In competitions like the World Cup, it is often argued that fewer teams lead to better quality and a higher standard of cricket for viewers. Smaller teams have historically been overlooked on big platforms, but the T20 World Cup 2026 has demonstrated that the T20 format cannot be underestimated, and the unpredictability of results is its hallmark.
Looking at the group stage, each group features one or two strong teams alongside several that are considered weaker on paper. India’s group includes Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. Group B features Sri Lanka and Australia, along with Zimbabwe, Oman, and Ireland. Group C has the West Indies and England, alongside Italy, Nepal, and Scotland, while Group D includes New Zealand and South Africa, with Afghanistan, the UAE, and Canada. While these matchups may seem one-sided on paper, the T20 format often turns them into exciting and competitive contests.
The tournament’s opening match set the tone. Pakistan struggled to defeat the Netherlands, who scored 147 runs in 19.5 overs. Pakistan reached the target but faced significant pressure at times. Experience ultimately aided Pakistan, but had the Netherlands capitalized on a few more opportunities, the result could have been different.
Later that day, the host and defending champion, India, faced the USA. India won by 29 runs, but the scoreline does not reflect the match’s reality. At one point, India was under severe pressure, with a score of 77 runs for 6 wickets in 14 overs, and 118 runs for 7 wickets in 16.4 overs. In such circumstances, Suryakumar Yadav‘s captaincy innings of 84 runs off 49 balls proved crucial, helping India reach a respectable score and avoid early embarrassment.
On Sunday, a similar scenario unfolded when Afghanistan faced New Zealand. Although Afghanistan is not a new name in cricket, it still lags behind in infrastructure, resources, and experience compared to top teams. Nevertheless, Afghanistan showcased commendable performance, scoring 182 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs. New Zealand lost its first two wickets for just 14 runs. The experience gained from the recent series against India helped New Zealand recover, but Afghan players left no stone unturned in making their presence felt.
The most surprising match on Sunday belonged to Nepal, which challenged a strong team like England. The scoreboard tells the story: England scored 184 runs for 7 wickets, while Nepal managed 180 runs for 6 wickets, pushing the match to the final over. Sam Curran’s disciplined bowling in the last over (giving away just five runs) saved England. Otherwise, Nepal was on the verge of a historic victory.
These early results have made it clear that the T20 World Cup 2026 is no longer just a game for the big teams. While experience and conditions still favor the stronger teams, this World Cup has become a battle for smaller teams to remain competitive rather than merely focusing on winning or losing. So far, they have largely succeeded in this endeavor. As the group stage progresses, hopes are rising that this World Cup will witness some major upsets.
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