When it comes to the favorites to win the T20 Men’s World Cup, there’s always the big three: India, Australia, and England. India is the most obvious because it’s a cricket nation that has produced the industry’s biggest and most talented players.
For this year, in particular, India is also the defending champion, and they have the home court advantage. So, them being a favorite this year is just given. However, the race is far from a one-team show.
England arrives with a point to prove and a fresh leader in Harry Brook, looking to become the first-ever three-time champion. Meanwhile, Australia remains the most dangerous big game team in history, even if their T20 record is lighter than their other achievements.
Now, how great are their chances to win a trophy this year? Let’s take a closer look at these three favorites.
Realizing the Big Three
While these teams are titans on the field, their being dubbed the Big Three actually started in 2014. It was a power move by the cricket boards of India, Australia, and England to gain more control over the sport’s finances and scheduling.
Because India generates the vast majority of cricket’s global revenue, they argued that the nations bringing in the most money should have the most say in how the game is run.
Today, this trio remains the wealthiest and most influential in the sport. That’s evident in how these countries possess the best cricket stadiums, the biggest domestic leagues, and the most packed schedules compared to other cricket nations like Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India as the Ultimate Team to Beat
India enters this tournament with a target on their back. As the defending champions and co-hosts, they have the home-field advantage and the most balanced squad in the world.
They’ve already started proving it on the field. During their opening match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7, India faced an early scare that could have rattled any other team. They slumped to a dangerous 46-4 during the power play, with top stars like Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan falling early.
Now, thankfully, their Big Three quality showed. Captain Suryakumar Yadav stepped up with a masterclass, scoring an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls to drag India to a competitive 161. The bowlers then took over, with Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh dismantling the American chase to secure a 29-run victory.
Australia Needs More Trophies
While they dominate Test and ODI cricket, Australia’s T20 trophy cabinet is surprisingly thin, with only one title. This year, they are entering the tournament as the wounded giant. Star pacer Pat Cummins is out with a back injury, and Josh Hazlewood has also been officially ruled out.
Even after a rough 3-0 series loss to Pakistan recently, captain Mitchell Marsh remains confident in their depth. They have power-hitters like Travis Head and the spin of Adam Zampa. Australia thrives when the stakes are highest. So, they shouldn’t be counted out by fans who are into cricket betting at 10CRIC or who simply share their predictions with their peers.
England’s Consistency as a Powerhouse
England is arguably the most consistent T20 force of the three. They already have two titles under their belt and play a style of cricket that’s all about non-stop pressure. They showed that exact resilience just yesterday, on February 8, in their 2026 opener against Nepal.
After a rocky start left them at 57/3, new captain Harry Brook and young Jacob Bethell both smashed half-centuries to save the day. That definitely proved that England’s deep batting lineup can pull them out of almost any hole.
Nuances to Consider
Now, we can never really guarantee a winner because of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. In a short game, all it takes is one bad over to change everything. The conditions in India and Sri Lanka are also huge factors.
So, when predicting winners, consider the heavy humidity and spinning tracks that can neutralize even the best power-hitters.
Then, of course, the Big Three aren’t only teams capable of getting a trophy. We still have dark horse teams like Afghanistan or Pakistan who thrive in these specific conditions and could easily pull off an upset that ruins the Big Three’s party.
Conclusion
All that considered, one shouldn’t assume that any of the big three will actually win the World Cup. It’s best to closely follow the matches because the more we see how all teams perform, the better grasp we’ll have of which teams will actually make it to the semi-finals and the final.
The T20 World Cup 2026 final is scheduled on March 8, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India. However, it can also take place at Colombo, Sri Lanka, if Pakistan makes it to the final.
