Group C is shaping up to be one of the most explosive pools of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Champions, contenders, and fearless newcomers collide in a group where reputations will be tested early and upsets feel inevitable.
England arrive as tournament heavyweights, the West Indies carry a legacy built on big-stage brilliance, while Scotland, Nepal and debutants Italy bring hunger that could rattle even the strongest sides.
In conditions expected to favour spin, control, and composure, every match could swing the fate of the group.
Group C Teams
- England
- West Indies
- Italy
- Scotland
- Nepal
England – Built to dominate
England look the most complete side on paper. Two-time champions with depth across departments, Harry Brook’s men combine raw hitting power with tactical bowling options tailored for the subcontinent.
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler and Brook form one of the most dangerous top orders in world cricket, capable of turning matches in a handful of overs, while Sam Curran’s all-round value and Jofra Archer’s pace add balance and threat.
The glue, however, remains Adil Rashid, the wily leg-spinner whose control in the middle overs could prove decisive on turning tracks.
Squad: Harry Brook (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood
West Indies – Power and unpredictability
Few teams carry T20 pedigree like the West Indies. Two titles. Countless match-winners. A history of thriving under pressure. Yet their recent campaigns have been defined by inconsistency, with explosive performances often followed by sudden collapses.
Captain Shai Hope, Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer hold the key with the bat, while the likes of Jason Holder and Akeal Hosein provide the versatility needed in tight contests.
If the Windies find rhythm early, they remain one of the most dangerous sides in the competition.
Squad: Shai Hope (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
Italy – A fairytale begins
Italy’s presence adds romance to Group C. After a remarkable qualification journey, they enter their first-ever T20 World Cup carrying belief and momentum.
Led by veteran Wayne Madsen and boosted by the Manenti brothers’ experience in professional leagues, Italy promise fearless cricket and nothing-to-lose intensity.
Their opening clash against Scotland already feels like a defining moment, a debut that could ignite their entire campaign.
Squad: Wayne Madsen (C), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge Kalugamage, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca
Scotland – The late call-up with a point to prove
Scotland arrive with urgency, pride, and a golden opportunity. Their 11th-hour entry into the tournament, stepping in after Bangladesh’s removal, hands them an unexpected lifeline and a chance to turn late fortune into a statement campaign. Making their fifth consecutive T20 World Cup appearance, Richie Berrington’s men are far from newcomers, bringing experience, grit, and a history of troubling bigger teams on the global stage.
Brandon McMullen’s consistency with the bat, Mark Watt’s left-arm spin control, and a disciplined bowling unit give Scotland the balance to punch above their weight.
Given a second chance at the biggest stage, don’t expect them to waste it, Scotland have the tools and the hunger to play spoilers and shake up Group C.
Squad: Richie Berrington (C), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal. Travelling reserves: Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis. Non-travelling reserves: Mackenzie Jones, Chris McBride, Charlie Tear
Nepal – Passion meets potential
Nepal bring unmatched energy wherever they play. Backed by some of the loudest fans in world cricket, Rohit Paudel’s young side thrives on momentum and emotion.
Dipendra Singh Airee’s power-hitting and Sandeep Lamichhane’s wicket-taking ability give them genuine match-winning weapons, making them a dangerous wildcard capable of springing surprises.
Squad: Rohit Paudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam
The verdict
Spin will play a central role. Middle overs will decide outcomes. Nerves will be tested nightly. England may start favourites, but Group C feels far from predictable, with West Indies chasing redemption and the remaining sides ready to disrupt the order.
If recent World Cups have taught anything, it’s this, reputation guarantees nothing. In Group C, every game will feel like a knockout. And only the bold will survive.
