Top 5 key matches to watch out for in ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The much-awaited game between India and Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on February 15.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be played in India and Sri Lanka. This tournament features 20 matches, and they will be involved in 55 matches between February 7 and March 8. Team India are the defending champions, who will put their title on the line.

The tournament will begin with a game between Pakistan and Netherlands in Colombo. With the tournament spanning to 20 teams, it has added more flavor to the competition. As we saw in the last edition, there were several thrilling matches, which became the highlights of the tournament.

Even in the coming tournament, there are a number of matches that everyone is waiting for. This article is all about those much-awaited matches. Below we will talk about the top five matches to watch out for in ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Top 5 key matches to watch out for in ICC T20 World Cup 2026

5. Afghanistan vs New Zealand, February 8, Colombo

Afghanistan made history and made it to the semifinal of the 2024 edition. They managed to win a few big matches in their campaigns. One of them was against New Zealand in Guyana. New Zealand were among the favorites heading into the tournament, but they suffered a massive blow in their very first game of the tournament.

Afghanistan thrashed them by 84 runs and bowled New Zealand out for 75 runs. That defeat shook New Zealand up, and they couldn’t recover and faced an early exit. These two teams will meet in Colombo, which is a spin-friendly venue, and Afghanistan can once again surprise the Black Caps.

4. England vs West Indies, February 11, Mumbai

The last time the T20 World Cup was played in India, it ended with a thrilling final between England and the West Indies. Carlos Brathwaite hitting Ben Stokes for four consecutive sixes helped England win the title. Since then, there has always been something to look for between these two sides.

The head-to-head record between these sides is also pretty good. The West Indies have been going through a tough phase, but in the T20 World Cup, they are leading England with a 5-2 margin. These two will be up against each other in Mumbai on February 11.

3. New Zealand vs South Africa, February 14, Ahmedabad

Group D of ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is considered the group of death. Because it has New Zealand and South Africa, two strong sides in it. Apart from them, Afghanistan are another side that can beat these sides. That means the game between New Zealand and South Africa is going to be an important one.

These two sides have revamped their T20I side since the last edition and have been playing high-level T20I cricket. Both sides will be in action on February 14 at the world’s biggest cricket stadium, Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium, and the atmosphere is going to be electrifying.

2. Australia vs Sri Lanka, February 16, Pallekele

Australia couldn’t make it to the semis of the last edition. But this time, they will be top contenders to win ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They are in Group B and are expected to qualify for the Super Eight. However, all four group games for them are in Sri Lanka in spinning conditions.

So, it can be slightly tough for them. Especially the game against Sri Lanka on February 16 in Pallakele. Sri Lanka at home are very strong and have spinners who can trouble Australia.

1. India vs Pakistan, February 15, Colombo

The mother of all clashes, India vs Pakistan will be the highlight of the league round of ICC T20 World Cup 2026. These two teams met in Asia Cup 2025, and India won all three matches. But the rising tensions between two countries and their respective boards will add more spice to this clash.

Team India are the defending champions and will look to maintain their dominance over Pakistan. But they will have only one game in Colombo, while Pakistan will play all four group games in those conditions. Hence, they can certainly plan better than India.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.