Group stage ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 culminated in a whirlwind of high-octane drama, jaw-dropping thrills and individual brilliance. As the tournament moves into the Super 8 stage, the statistical leaderboard tells a compelling story of dominance on the subcontinental tracks. India and Sri Lanka. While the big stars made their mark, the opening round belonged to those who mastered the art of balancing adaptability with aggression.
From the Age of Explosive Girls Pakistanof Sahibzade Farhan to India’s fearless strike rate Ishan Kishithose five innings defined the first story of the tournament.
Most T20 World Cup 2026 Group stage runs
- Sahibzade Farhan (PAK) – 220 Runs
At the top of the charts is Farhan, who has emerged as the fulcrum of Pakistan’s top order. In 4 innings, Farhan scored 220 runs at an amazing average of 73.33. His campaign was halted by a historic maiden T20I century (100) against Namibia in Colombo, making him only the second Pakistani to do so. Ahmed Shahzad Scoring a hundred in the T20 World Cup. Working at a strike rate of 164.17, Farhan has proved that he can anchor the innings and explode in the death overs with equal ease.
- Pathum Nissanka (SL) – 199 runs
Playing on home soil, Pathum Nissanka It has been a model of consistency for Sri Lanka. With 199 runs in 4 matches, he is just one run short of 200. His standout performance was his 100 off 52 balls against Australia, effectively ending the 2021 champions’ campaign. With an average of 66.33 and a strike rate of 156.69, Nissanka’s ability to find gaps during the power play has been the catalyst for Sri Lanka’s progress.
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- Kusal Mendis (SL) – 182 runs
The second half of Sri Lanka’s magnificent opening duo, Where in MandyHe is third with 182 runs. Mendis made a remarkable stand by scoring three consecutive half-centuries earlier in the tournament. His average of 60.66 reflects his role as a stabilizer and ensures that the Lankans never lose momentum even when the wickets fall. Although his strike rate of 124.65 was lower than his peers, his 18 boundaries were often perfectly timed to release the pressure.
- Aiden Markram (SA) – 178 runs
South Africa‘s captain took the lead, leading the Proteas to an unbeaten group stage run. Aiden Markram‘s 178 runs were scored with brutal efficiency, boasting a strike rate of 187.36, the second highest in the top five. His unbeaten 86 against New Zealand was a masterclass in modern T20 batting, combining traditional strokes with raw power. Scoring an average of 59.33, Markram cemented his status as one of the most dangerous middle-order finishers in the world.
- Ishan Kishan (IND) – 176 runs
Completing the list is India’s dynamic southpaw Kishan. In just 4 overs, Kishan scored 176 runs at an unbelievable strike rate of 202.29. His defining moment came against arch-rivals Pakistan, where he smashed 77 off 40 balls to disrupt the bowling attack. Despite averaging below 44.00 compared to others, his ability to provide India with hyper-starts has made him the most effective batsman of the tournament so far.
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