England vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026: Group C Clash at Wankhede Stadium

The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai hosts a high-stakes Group C encounter as England faces West Indies in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Both teams enter unbeaten, with England topping the group with two points and a net run rate of 0.200, while West Indies sits third with two points and an impressive 1.750 net run rate.

England defeated Nepal by four runs on February 8, 2026, following a 3-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka. West Indies demonstrated their credentials by defeating Scotland by 35 runs on February 7, 2026. This match between two traditional T20 powerhouses will significantly shape qualification scenarios for the Super 8 stage.

Recent Form Analysis

Both teams have traveled different paths to this England vs West Indies World Cup clash, revealing two sides hitting peak form at the perfect tournament moment.

England's Dominant Run

England's recent performances showcase their championship pedigree. They defeated Nepal by four runs on February 8, 2026, demonstrating composure in tight finishes. Prior to the tournament, England swept Sri Lanka 3-0, winning by 12 runs on February 3, by six wickets via DLS method on February 1, and by 11 runs using DLS method on January 30.

Phil Salt's explosive opening batting sets platforms consistently. Jos Buttler provides experience and firepower. Adil Rashid's leg-spin controls middle overs brilliantly. England's batting depth allows aggressive approaches throughout innings. This clinical execution makes England serious title contenders at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

West Indies' Resurgent Form

West Indies arrives with growing confidence after defeating Scotland by 35 runs on February 7, 2026. Their pre-tournament series against South Africa provided valuable lessons. They won the third match by six runs via DLS method on January 31, despite losing the first two matches by nine wickets and seven wickets respectively.

Shimron Hetmyer's recent form proves devastating. Brandon King provides solid opening partnerships. West Indies plays entertaining, aggressive cricket that excites crowds. Jason Holder brings invaluable experience, while Romario Shepherd provides crucial all-round contributions. The team thrives on big stages in this ENG vs WI T20 World Cup encounter.

Key Batters to Watch

The batting stars will determine which team seizes control in what promises to be a high-scoring encounter at the Wankhede Stadium.

England's Explosive Top Order

Phil Salt accumulated 395 runs from nine matches, maintaining an excellent average of 56.43 with a strike rate of 173.24. Salt's aggressive opening batting destroys bowling attacks regularly. His powerplay dominance sets England's tone perfectly.

Jos Buttler scored 251 runs from 10 matches at an average of 27.89 and strike rate of 170.74. Buttler's experience in pressure situations proves invaluable. His innovative strokeplay and ability to accelerate make him constantly dangerous.

West Indies' Power Hitters

Shimron Hetmyer emerges as West Indies' most dangerous batsman with 297 runs from seven matches, averaging an outstanding 49.5 with a devastating strike rate of 183.33. Hetmyer's ability to clear boundaries effortlessly makes him match-winning material.

Brandon King provides solid opening partnerships with 212 runs from six matches at an average of 35.33 and strike rate of 135.89. King's consistency gives West Indies stable starts for middle-order explosions.

Batters Statistics

Batter	Team	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate
Phil Salt	England	9	395	56.43	173.24
Jos Buttler	England	10	251	27.89	170.74
Shimron Hetmyer	West Indies	7	297	49.5	183.33
Brandon King	West Indies	6	212	35.33	135.89

Key Bowlers to Watch

The bowling attacks face massive challenges containing explosive batting lineups in conditions favoring aggressive strokeplay.

England's Spin-Pace Combination

Adil Rashid leads England's bowling with 14 wickets from eight matches, boasting an economy rate of 8.26 and strike rate of 13.28. Rashid's leg-spin variations bamboozle batsmen consistently. His subcontinental experience provides England crucial advantage.

Liam Dawson complements Rashid with 13 wickets from eight matches at an economy rate of 7.85 and strike rate of 13.46. Dawson's accuracy restricts scoring while building pressure. His partnership with Rashid gives England exceptional middle-overs control.

West Indies' All-Round Attack

Matthew Forde brings pace and bounce with seven wickets from eight matches at an economy rate of 8.29 and strike rate of 21. Forde's ability to move the ball makes him dangerous in powerplay and death overs.

Romario Shepherd provides crucial all-round value with seven wickets from five matches at an economy rate of 9.37 and strike rate of 11.71. Shepherd's medium pace takes wickets while his batting adds depth.

Bowlers Statistics

Bowler	Team	Matches	Wickets	Economy
Adil Rashid	England	8	14	8.26
Liam Dawson	England	8	13	7.85
Matthew Forde	West Indies	8	7	8.29
Romario Shepherd	West Indies	5	7	9.37

Head-to-Head Record

Historical meetings between these traditional rivals provide context for this ENG vs WI T20 World Cup match.

England dominated recent encounters, winning three consecutive matches. They secured a 37-run victory on June 10, 2025, followed by a four-wicket win on June 8. Earlier, England won by 21 runs on June 6.

West Indies' last victory came on November 17, 2024, winning by five wickets with six balls remaining. This shows West Indies can beat England when executing perfectly at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Date	Result
10 Jun 2025	England won by 37 runs
08 Jun 2025	England won by 4 wickets (with 9 balls remaining)
06 Jun 2025	England won by 21 runs
18 Nov 2024	No result
17 Nov 2024	West Indies won by 5 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)

England vs West Indies Full Squads

Both squads feature international cricket's brightest talents for this crucial encounter at the Wankhede Stadium.

England Squad

Harry Brook (c), Jofra Archer, Tom Banton (wk), Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Phil Salt (wk), Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

West Indies Squad

Shai Hope (c & wk), Johnson Charles (wk), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

Tactical Battle Points

The strategic approaches of Harry Brook and Shai Hope will significantly influence this high-stakes England vs West Indies encounter's outcome.

England's Game Plan

England should exploit Wankhede Stadium's batting-friendly conditions aggressively. Phil Salt must attack from ball one. Jos Buttler's experience guides middle-overs acceleration. England's bowling strategy requires early wickets. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson must control middle overs ruthlessly.

West Indies' Strategy

West Indies thrives on aggressive cricket matching their natural instincts. Brandon King and Johnson Charles should attack England's bowlers immediately. Shimron Hetmyer's role involves explosive middle-overs batting. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie provide spin control.

Wankhede Stadium Conditions

Understanding Mumbai's iconic venue provides crucial context for predicting this West Indies vs England clash's likely trajectory.

The Wankhede Stadium historically produces high-scoring matches favoring aggressive batting. Short boundaries reward clean hitting. Average first-innings scores exceed 180 regularly. The surface offers minimal assistance to bowlers. February weather brings pleasant temperatures and minimal dew impact.

Final Thoughts

This Group C encounter between England and West Indies at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 promises entertainment and potentially tournament-defining moments. England seeks to maintain a perfect tournament record. West Indies aims to announce themselves as serious title contenders. Both teams understand victory significantly enhances Super 8 qualification prospects.