T20 World Cup 2026: 3 Underrated Stars who stood out in the Group Stage

The group stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has concluded, ushering the tournament into the Super Eight phase after weeks of thrilling contests across venues in India and Sri Lanka. Fans witnessed some thrilling finishes, amazing performances from strong teams, and several surprising results that changed the standings of the T20 World Cup. With the qualification process for the tournament having been completed, there are now eight teams left in the running for the title. The next round of games will split the eight remaining teams into two groups of four, with all teams starting at zero points and each team then playing three matches to determine whom will advance to the semi-finals.

Throughout the first phase of the tournament, many players entered without much hype, but they quickly became stars with their performances. Some players played key innings or bowled key overs that led their teams to the next round, while others played well even though their teams did not qualify for the next round. The results from these players have not only shocked fans but have also changed momentum in many of the same games and started much discussion among analysts as the tournament is now beginning to heat up. All of these players have also made a name for themselves and proved that players who are not as well-known can make an impact on the game and attract attention on the biggest stages.

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3 underrated stars who stunned everyone in group stage

1) Blessing Muzarabani

Through teamwork, Zimbabwe has become one of the biggest surprises of the T20 World Cup 2026. Their batters performed at crucial times, while the leader of their bowling attack was Blessing Muzarabani. The 6-foot-6 quick has taken nine wickets in just three matches, averaging 7.88 with an outstanding 5.91 economy rate; these stats reflect his ability to control and be disciplined as well as taking control of games competing against the strongest teams during the tournament to date.

Against Australia, Muzarabani won the match with his 4/17 figures to lead Zimbabwe to a momentous victory; he followed that up with a 2/38 performance against Sri Lanka in what turned out to be another high-scoring match. His performance has made him a consistent threat when bowling at the start and end of a game with his ability to produce steep bounce and high-quality pace causing problems for many of the best batters in the world, and is therefore a major reason why Zimbabwe remains undefeated during the regular stage of the tournament to date overall.

2) Shadley van Schalkwyk

Despite being eliminated prior to making it to the Super 8's of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, paceman Shadley van Schalkwyk was without question the most successful player for the United States. The 37-year-old claimed he was the leading wicket-taker in the opening round going into the Super 8's after having taken an impressive total of 13 wickets in four innings with an outstanding average of 7.76. He displayed consistent performance levels, control, and high impact against teams ranked far ahead of the United States across the first round games as well.

Shadley's successful tournament started with identical 4/25 performances against both India and Pakistan. He decimated India's top order in Wankhede Stadium, then followed up by also causing problems for Suryakumar Yadav early on his 2nd game at the cricket forum rate in Colombo. He went on to take 3/21 from the Netherlands, then 2/30 against Namibia helping his team end the event with pride and certifying Shadley as one of the breakout stars of the tournament through his methodical approach to every ball bowled, proficiency in execution and precision throughout all three formats.

3) Brian Bennett

Brian Bennett has been central to Zimbabwe’s remarkable march into the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The opener struck an unbeaten 63 off 48 balls against Sri Lanka in Colombo, steering a 179-run chase. He forged two 69-run stands with Tadiwanashe Marumani and Sikandar Raza, calmly guiding his side home. The knock highlighted his composure under pressure and growing reputation on the global stage this season.

Unbeaten throughout the tournament, he also made 48 not out versus Oman and 64 not out against Australia. With 175 runs in three innings, Bennett underpinned his team’s unbeaten group run, featuring wins over Oman, Australia, and Sri Lanka, while a clash with Ireland was washed out. Next, Zimbabwe meet West Indies, India, and South Africa, posing a stern Super Eights challenge for the in-form side in coming matches ahead.