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3 Underrated Stars Who Shocked the World in T20 World Cup 2026 Group Stage: The group stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has now concluded. These matches, played on Indian and Sri Lankan soil, not only produced thrilling results but also saw the emergence of some heroes who were less talked about at the start of the tournament.
The tournament has now entered the Super-8 stage, where eight teams will battle for the title. But before that, let's take a look at three 'underrated' players who stole the show with their performances.
1. Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe) – Speed and accuracy
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This tall Zimbabwean fast bowler brought even the most prominent batsmen to their knees with his bowling in the group stage. Blessing Muzarabani not only took wickets but also kept the runs under control.
- Impressive Statistics: He took 9 wickets in just 3 matches.
- Economy and Average: His average of 7.88 and economy rate of 5.91 are unmatched in the T20 format.
- Historic Spell: His spell of 4/17 against a formidable Australian team in Colombo was a major factor in Zimbabwe's historic victory. He proved his mettle with both the new ball and in the death overs.
Also Read: Can India vs Pakistan Happen Again in T20 World Cup 2026?, Here the Scenario
2. Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe) – Consistent
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If Zimbabwe's team managed to make it to the Super 8, the contribution of opener Brian Bennett is incomparable. He pulled the team out of every difficult situation with his solid batting.
- Match-Winning Innings: Chasing a tough target of 179 against Sri Lanka, he scored an unbeaten 63 to lead the team to victory.
- Unbeaten Record: Surprisingly, he remained unbeaten throughout the group stage.
- Total Runs: By scoring 175 runs in three innings, he proved that he is a player for the big stage.
3. Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA) – A Display of Experience
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Even though the USA team failed to qualify for the Super 8s, their 37-year-old fast bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk made a lasting impression with his bowling. He emerged as the most successful bowler of the group stage.
- Most wickets: Schalkwyk took a total of 13 wickets in four innings.
- Wrecking against heavyweights: He surprised the cricketing world by taking 4 wickets each against strong teams like India and Pakistan.
- Impact: His performance showed that with the right line and length and experience, any world-class batting order can be dismantled.
Also Read: Oldest Captains and Players to Win Player of the Match in T20 World Cup History
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