as T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka approaches, the global cricket community is buzzing with anticipation and intense speculation. Analysts and former legends have already begun surveying the twenty qualified nations, trying to identify the tactical changes and standout performers that will define this ninth edition of the tournament.
T20 World Cup 2026: Michael Clarke identifies BU team as last dark horse
In the latest episode of the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, former Australian captain Michael Clarke sat down with the host Erin Holland Sharing a surprising pick for Darkhorse of the tournament. When Holland asked: “Is there a dark horse or one you think might be?”
Clarke did not hesitate to name the Proteas as the team to watch, citing their newfound ability to handle pressure situations. He explained it South Africa team for me as they have finally learned how to win close games of cricket, a clear turnaround from consistent form across all three formats. Clarke attributed this evolution to a strong squad culture where the players believed in their ability to win and effectively removed the radar tag he believed they currently held.
“South Africa is my team. South Africa are the ones for me. III I don’t know if it’s not, I just think they’ve learned how to win cricket games. For example, if you look at their form in all three formats, I think they deal with the pressure of the moment much better than they did in the past. And they really have a culture at the moment.” Groups, in their teams, believe they can win. Clark said.
However, he balanced his praise with an important tactical warning about the subcontinental venues that will play a major role in the 2026 event. Clarke noted that the only proviso for the Proteas in his top four is their historic struggle with spin, with their success ultimately dependent on how well they spin and, more importantly, how the batsmen perform when the bats start turning. This endorsement from the World Cup-winning captain has boosted the Proteas’ status significantly, placing them firmly in the conversation as a legitimate threat to the traditional favourites.
“Um, me and the only thing when I say South Africa, because I’m me, I’d put South Africa in the top four because I think they’re like I said they’re under the radar. I think the only thing that’s going to stop them from winning this tournament is the conditions, how those wickets have turned and then how they’ve turned.” Clark concluded.
Also READ: ‘I’m putting them in the final’: Michael Clarke predicts T20 World Cup 2026 finalists
A historic performance and a long quest for T20 glory
The history of South Africa’s T20 World Cup is a story of great talent often met with disappointing results and misses. The Proteas have participated in every edition since the first tournament they hosted in 2007, but they remain one of the elite few teams to never lift the trophy.
They reached the semi-finals twice in 2009 and 2014, but not until the most recent edition in 2024. West Indies and USA that they finally reached the first final. In that historical course, Aiden Markram led the side to eight consecutive victories, only to lose to India by 7 runs in the final they were poised to win.
Apart from these knock-out performances, the team often falls victim to the ‘Super 8’ or ‘Super 12’ stages, often falling short on net run-rate despite strong individual performances from legends. AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn. This ‘so close but so far’ legacy sets the backdrop for their 2026 campaign, where they look to capitalize on Clarke’s ‘dark horse’ status to finally secure that elusive maiden ICC title.
