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How to tune into Sport NationBlackcaps' group revealed for 2026 T20 World Cup
Reuters • November 26th, 2025 10:21 am
Mitchell Santner's bat came to life against the West Indies at Eden Park | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
The Blackcaps will begin their quest to win the Twenty20 World Cup with a match against Afghanistan in Chennai, India on February 8 next year.
Mitchell Santner's side were drawn in Group D on Tuesday (Wednesday NZ time), a group which also includes Afghanistan, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
They'll face the UAE in Chennai on February 10, South Africa in Ahmedabad four days later, before returning to Chennai for their final group fixture Canada on February 17.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will clash in a politically-charged Group A matchup in Colombo on February 15.
The 20-team tournament will be played across eight venues – five in India and three in Sri Lanka – between February 7 and March 8, the ICC said.
Jubilant India players celebrate victory in the 2024 final against South Africa | Photo: AP
Pakistan will play all of their games in Sri Lanka because of their soured political relations with India.
The March 8 final is scheduled for the western Indian city of Ahmedabad but would be moved to Colombo if Pakistan reach it.
The teams have been divided into five groups of four with the top two in each advancing to the Super Eight phase. The top four in that will qualify for the semi-finals.
New Zealand, runners-up in 2021, didn't make it out of their Group in 2024, losing to Afghanistan and West Indies.
England and West Indies, both twice winners, will face first-timers Italy, and Asian sides Bangladesh and Nepal in Group C.
Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman make up Group B.
2026 T20 World Cup draw:
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
- Additional reporting by Sport Nation.
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