T20 World Cup 2026 Group B: Complete Guide to Teams, Schedule and Venues
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is set to commence on February 7, with Group B promising intense cricketing action featuring five competitive teams. This group brings together the 2021 champions Australia, co-hosts Sri Lanka, and emerging cricketing nations Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe. All matches in this group will be played exclusively in Sri Lanka, adding a unique home advantage dynamic for the Lankan team.
Group B Teams and Tournament Context
Group B presents an intriguing mix of cricketing pedigree and emerging talent. Australia enters the tournament as the 2021 T20 World Cup winners but arrives with some challenges. The Australian team suffered a significant 0-3 defeat to Pakistan in Lahore just before the tournament and is dealing with injury concerns that have affected their squad composition. Despite these setbacks, the Australian side remains formidable with substantial batting firepower, though their vulnerability against spin bowling could be tested in Sri Lankan conditions.
Sri Lanka, as co-hosts, will enjoy the advantage of familiar conditions and home support. Their campaign begins on February 8 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo against Ireland. The other teams in the group – Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe – are all capable of causing upsets, making this one of the most unpredictable groups in the tournament.
Venues for Group B Matches
All Group B matches will be played across three premier cricket venues in Sri Lanka:
- R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo – The primary venue hosting several key matches including Sri Lanka's opener against Ireland
- SSC Cricket Ground, Colombo – Another Colombo-based venue that will see action
- Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Kandy – The picturesque stadium in the hill country that will host multiple group stage encounters
The exclusive use of Sri Lankan venues for this group means all teams must adapt quickly to subcontinental conditions, particularly the turning tracks that could favor spin bowling.
Complete Match Schedule for Group B
The Group B fixture list features ten matches spread across two weeks of intense competition:
- Match 6 – February 8, 2026 (7:00 PM): Sri Lanka vs Ireland at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Match 8 – February 9, 2026 (3:00 PM): Oman vs Zimbabwe at SSC Cricket Ground, Colombo
- Match 14 – February 11, 2026 (3:00 PM): Australia vs Ireland at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Match 16 – February 12, 2026 (11:00 AM): Sri Lanka vs Oman at Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Kandy
- Match 19 – February 13, 2026 (11:00 AM): Australia vs Zimbabwe at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Match 22 – February 14, 2026 (11:00 AM): Ireland vs Oman at SSC Cricket Ground, Colombo
- Match 30 – February 16, 2026 (7:00 PM): Sri Lanka vs Australia at Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Kandy
- Match 32 – February 17, 2026 (3:00 PM): Ireland vs Zimbabwe at Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Kandy
- Match 38 – February 19, 2026 (3:00 PM): Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Match 40 – February 20, 2026 (7:00 PM): Australia vs Oman at Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Kandy
All match timings are in local Sri Lankan time. The schedule ensures each team plays four matches, with the top two teams advancing to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
Squad Lists for All Group B Teams
Australia Squad
Led by captain Mitchell Marsh, Australia brings a balanced squad with significant T20 experience:
- Mitchell Marsh (Captain)
- Xavier Bartlett
- Cooper Connolly
- Tim David
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Cameron Green
- Nathan Ellis
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Glenn Maxwell
- Matthew Renshaw
- Marcus Stoinis
- Adam Zampa
Sri Lanka Squad
Under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka, the co-hosts field a strong squad with excellent local knowledge:
- Dasun Shanaka (Captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis
- Kamindu Mendis
- Kusal Janith Perera
- Charith Asalanka
- Janith Liyanage
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Eshan Malinga
Zimbabwe Squad
Sikandar Raza captains a Zimbabwean side looking to make an impact:
- Sikandar Raza (Captain)
- Brian Bennett
- Ryan Burl
- Graeme Cremer
- Bradley Evans
- Clive Madande
- Tinotenda Maposa
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Wellington Masakadza
- Tony Munyonga
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Dion Myers
- Richard Ngarava
- Brendan Taylor
Ireland Squad
Paul Stirling leads an Irish team known for their fighting spirit:
- Paul Stirling (Captain)
- Mark Adair
- Ross Adair
- Ben Calitz
- Curtis Campher
- Gareth Delany
- George Dockrell
- Matthew Humphreys
- Josh Little
- Barry McCarthy
- Harry Tector
- Tim Tector
- Lorcan Tucker
- Ben White
- Craig Young
Oman Squad
Jatinder Singh captains the Omani team that has shown steady improvement in recent years:
- Jatinder Singh (Captain)
- Vinayak Shukla
- Mohammad Nadeem
- Shakeel Ahmad
- Hammad Mirza
- Wasim Ali
- Karan Sonavale
- Shah Faisal
- Nadeem Khan
- Sufyan Mehmood
- Jay Odedra
- Shafiq Jan
- Ashish Odedara
- Jiten Ramanandi
- Aamir Kaleem
Tournament Expectations and Key Matchups
The Group B stage promises several compelling narratives. Australia's quest to defend their 2021 title begins against the backdrop of recent struggles and injury concerns. Their vulnerability against spin bowling will be thoroughly tested in Sri Lankan conditions, particularly against teams like Sri Lanka that boast quality spin options.
Sri Lanka's home advantage could prove decisive, especially in matches against stronger opponents. The February 16 clash between Sri Lanka and Australia at Pallekele Stadium stands out as a potential group decider. Meanwhile, the matches involving Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe could produce unexpected results, as these teams have historically punched above their weight in global tournaments.
The exclusive use of Sri Lankan venues adds an interesting dimension to the group, with all visiting teams needing to adapt quickly to local conditions. The turning tracks, humid weather, and passionate local crowds will test every team's adaptability and resilience.
As the tournament progresses, the battle for the two Super 8 qualification spots from Group B is expected to be fiercely contested, with every match carrying significant importance in the round-robin format.
