Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Full schedule
Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
Analysis: England avoid tricky draw but Group C not straightforward
All eyes are currently on the Ashes but things quickly move on when the Australia series concludes. Having exited the Champions Trophy without winning a match this year, Brendon McCullum needs an upturn in white-ball fortunes in conjunction with captain Harry Brook.
England's group could have been worse - the trio of South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan in Group D is tasty - but it is not entirely straightforward.
It is a cliche but West Indies are always dangerous, though England have won their past two series against them, while Bangladesh, who have won four of their past five T20 series, could be tricky in conditions that suit.
The allocation of venues has been more kind to England. They begin in Mumbai and while they were heavily beaten there by South Africa in the 50-over World Cup of 2023 that high-scoring pitch should suit their aggressive batters and pace bowlers compared to spinning conditions elsewhere.
Two games in Kolkata, including the one against Bangladesh, is intriguing. If the pitch is like the one in last week's Test between India and South Africa then spinners will come to the fore. It was largely flat there in the IPL this year, however, and similar conditions would suit England.
Should they progress, England will head to Pallekele - another high-scoring venue.
Whichever way you cut it, they will enter as one of the favourites.
Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
Analysis: England avoid tricky draw but Group C not straightforward
All eyes are currently on the Ashes but things quickly move on when the Australia series concludes. Having exited the Champions Trophy without winning a match this year, Brendon McCullum needs an upturn in white-ball fortunes in conjunction with captain Harry Brook.
England's group could have been worse - the trio of South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan in Group D is tasty - but it is not entirely straightforward.
It is a cliche but West Indies are always dangerous, though England have won their past two series against them, while Bangladesh, who have won four of their past five T20 series, could be tricky in conditions that suit.
The allocation of venues has been more kind to England. They begin in Mumbai and while they were heavily beaten there by South Africa in the 50-over World Cup of 2023 that high-scoring pitch should suit their aggressive batters and pace bowlers compared to spinning conditions elsewhere.
Two games in Kolkata, including the one against Bangladesh, is intriguing. If the pitch is like the one in last week's Test between India and South Africa then spinners will come to the fore. It was largely flat there in the IPL this year, however, and similar conditions would suit England.
Should they progress, England will head to Pallekele - another high-scoring venue.
Whichever way you cut it, they will enter as one of the favourites.
Comment