The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the Team of the Tournament for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Pakistan’s star opener Sahibzada Farhan emerging as one of the standout performers despite Pakistan’s early exit from the competition.
Although Pakistan national cricket team failed to reach the semi-finals and were eliminated at the Super Eight stage, Farhan’s remarkable consistency with the bat made him the leading run-scorer of the tournament and earned him a place at the top of the elite XI.
The ICC selection panel featured prominent cricket figures including former West Indies great Ian Bishop, ex-England captain Eoin Morgan, commentator and coach Natalie Germanos, ICC representative Gaurav Saxena, and senior Sri Lankan journalist Rex Clementine.
Farhan Breaks Records with Historic Batting Display
Farhan delivered a historic performance throughout the tournament. The 29-year-old opener scored 383 runs in seven matches, averaging 76.60 with a strike rate of 160.25, making it the highest run tally in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.
He also became the first batter in T20 World Cup history to score two centuries in one edition. His most memorable knock came against Sri Lanka national cricket team during the final Super Eight match, where his century guided Pakistan to a thrilling five-run victory.
Despite Pakistan’s inconsistent campaign, Farhan’s explosive batting provided one of the biggest highlights of the tournament.
Sanju Samson Named Player of the Tournament
India’s Sanju Samson was named Player of the Tournament after delivering crucial performances for the India national cricket team.
Samson scored 321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25 and an incredible 199.37 strike rate. His unbeaten 97 against the West Indies cricket team in the Super Eight stage proved decisive, while back-to-back scores of 89 in both the semi-final against England cricket team and the final against New Zealand national cricket team sealed his status as the tournament’s best player.
Samson became only the second batter in T20 World Cup history to record three consecutive scores above 80.
Explosive Indian Batting Dominates Line-Up
Another Indian star, Ishan Kishan, made a huge impact at the top of the order. He scored 317 runs in nine matches with a blazing 193.29 strike rate, including a brilliant 77 off 40 balls against Pakistan.
India’s all-round powerhouse Hardik Pandya also earned a place in the team with 217 runs and nine wickets. His explosive 50 off 23 balls against Zimbabwe helped India post 256/4, the highest team total of the tournament.
Markram Leads with Bat and Leadership
Aiden Markram captained the team of the tournament after guiding the South Africa national cricket team through a strong campaign. Markram scored 286 runs in eight matches at an average of 47.66, including key innings of 86 against New Zealand* and 82 against West Indies*.
South Africa won their first seven matches before falling in the semi-finals, but Markram’s leadership and all-round contributions stood out.
All-Round Performers Make Major Impact
England’s rising star Will Jacks enjoyed a breakout tournament, scoring 226 runs and taking nine wickets. He also equalled the record for most Player of the Match awards in a T20 World Cup, matching the mark set by Shane Watson.
Meanwhile, Jason Holder proved invaluable for the West Indies cricket team, contributing 10 wickets and 141 runs with both bat and ball.
Bowlers Dominate with Match-Winning Spells
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah finished as joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets and delivered a match-winning 4/15 in the final, earning the Player of the Match award.
South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi impressed with 12 wickets in seven matches, while England leg-spinner Adil Rashid claimed 13 wickets and played a crucial role during the Super Eight stage.
Zimbabwe’s towering pacer Blessing Muzarabani also starred with 13 wickets in six matches, helping the Zimbabwe national cricket team reach the Super Eight stage in one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
USA Pacer Named 12th Man
USA fast bowler Shadley Van Schalkwyk was selected as the 12th man after an exceptional group-stage performance. The United States national cricket team pacer took 13 wickets in four matches, including four-wicket hauls against India and Pakistan.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament
Playing XI:
1. Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)
2. Sanju Samson (wk, India)
3. Ishan Kishan (India)
4. Aiden Markram (captain, South Africa)
5. Hardik Pandya (India)
6. Will Jacks (England)
7. Jason Holder (West Indies)
8. Jasprit Bumrah (India)
9. Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)
10. Adil Rashid (England)
11. Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe)
12th Man: Shadley Van Schalkwyk (USA)
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 showcased exceptional talent from across the cricketing world, but Farhan’s record-breaking run tally ensured that Pakistan had a major presence in the tournament’s best XI despite their disappointing campaign.