The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has already begun to challenge cricket’s established hierarchy, with underdog teams delivering fearless performances against top-ranked nations. Recent encounters between Nepal and England, and Afghanistan and New Zealand, showcased how competitive the tournament has become.

England were pushed to the brink by a spirited Nepal side, eventually escaping with a narrow four-run victory. Batting first, England posted 184/7, led by confident middle-order contributions that suggested a comfortable contest. However, Nepal’s response was anything but cautious. Chasing a daunting target, they finished on 180/6, staying in the hunt until the final over. Their aggressive intent, sharp running between the wickets and calm approach under pressure drew praise from fans and experts alike, despite falling just short of a historic upset.

In Chennai, Afghanistan once again underlined their growing stature in T20 cricket with a bold display against New Zealand. Afghanistan put up a challenging 182, setting the Black Caps a target of 183. The Afghan batters played with intent and confidence, testing New Zealand’s bowling attack through the middle overs. New Zealand, however, relied on experience and depth to chase down 183 for five wickets, sealing the win with more than two overs to spare.

Together, these results reinforce a defining theme of the 2026 World Cup: underdog teams are narrowing the gap, ensuring no contest can be taken lightly.