The group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has concluded, and the tournament is now moving into the Super Eight phase. Over the past few weeks, several exciting matches took place across India and Sri Lanka, with a mix of expected results and surprising outcomes.
With the eight qualifying teams set, they will now be divided into two groups of four, starting fresh as previous points won’t carry over. Each team will play three matches, and the top two from each group will advance to the semi-finals. During the group stage, several lesser-known players shone with outstanding performances, contributing to their teams’ successes and displaying individual skill.
Blessing Muzarabani
Zimbabwe has become an unexpected contender in the T20 World Cup 2026, thanks to their strong all-around play. The batters performed well when needed, with Muzarabani leading the bowling attack. This tall pacer has taken nine wickets in three matches, with an average of 7.88 and an economy rate of 5.91.
Muzarabani’s notable figures of 4/17 against Australia in Colombo were crucial for securing a historic win, and his 2/38 against Sri Lanka capped off Zimbabwe’s unbeaten group stage. His combination of speed and bounce has posed challenges for top-order batters throughout the tournament.
Shadley van Schalkwyk
Though the USA did not reach the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk stood out during their campaign. At 37 years old, he was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker after the group stage, claiming 13 wickets in four innings at an average of 7.76.
Van Schalkwyk started strong with two impressive spells, taking 4/25 against both India and Pakistan. In the match against India at the Wankhede, he disrupted the top order, creating difficulties during the Powerplay. He continued his success with another four-wicket haul against Pakistan in Colombo, alongside figures of 3/21 against the Netherlands and 2/30 against Namibia. While the USA fell short of their 2024 achievement, van Schalkwyk’s performance left a lasting impact on the tournament.
Brian Bennett
Brian Bennett has been instrumental in Zimbabwe’s successful journey to the Super Eights of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He scored an impressive unbeaten 63 off 48 balls against Sri Lanka in Colombo, helping Zimbabwe chase down 179 runs to secure their next round spot. He formed key partnerships, contributing 69 runs with Tadiwanashe Marumani and later with captain Sikandar Raza.
Still unbeaten in the tournament, he scored 48 against Oman and 64 against Australia. With a total of 175 runs in three innings, Bennett has been a vital part of Zimbabwe’s undefeated group-stage campaign, which included wins over Oman, Australia, and Sri Lanka, with the match against Ireland being rained out. Zimbabwe is now set to face West Indies, India, and South Africa in the Super Eights.
