‘I’m putting them in final’: Michael Clarke predicts the finalists of T20 World Cup 2026

The countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has entered its final phase, with the world’s elite teams arriving in the subcontinent for the February 7 kickoff. As India and Sri Lanka prepare to co-host the tenth edition of the tournament, the tactical battle lines are already being drawn. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke recently joined the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast to break down the favorites and the psychological hurdles facing the 20 participating nations.

Michael Clarke picks the finalists for the T20 World Cup 2026

Clarke has explicitly named India and Australia as his predicted finalists for the 2026 showpiece. He noted that while the T20 format is famous for its unpredictability, the ‘big-game temperament’ of these two nations sets them apart from the field. Clarke emphasized that India’s home advantage and Australia’s clinical efficiency in knockouts make them the most likely candidates to reach the summit in Ahmedabad. Reflecting on the mental edge required for such a tournament, Clarke remarked:

” I’m Australian biased, aren’t I? So, look, I’m I’m putting Australia in the final, but I’m putting them in the final. Yes, it’s because I’m Aussie and I’m biased and I want them to win, but I think they’ve also got a brilliant T20 team. I I think they the experience, assuming everyone’s fully fit, the experience in that team in big tournaments is is underrated.” Clarke said.

It’s probably as experienced as any team that will be in this World Cup campaign um in regards to, you know, winning big games, winning big tournaments. So, that’s got definitely got to play a part. So, if I had to pick two teams, I think I would go Australia v India in the final. Oh, things we love to see. And who knows, maybe India can finally get the job done at home in front of an adoring crowd of 1.5 billion basically. [laughter] I mean, how’s that for pressure? Imagine the eyeballs. But it’s going to be an absolutely epic tournament.” Clarke concluded.

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Finalists carry formidable momentum ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

As the tournament begins on February 7, both finalists-elect carry formidable momentum from their recent international cycles. India, the defending 2024 champions, enter the World Cup with a staggering 29-5 record under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, including a recent hard-fought T20I series win against New Zealand. They are set to open their campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium.

Meanwhile, Australia have focused on a ‘spin-heavy’ strategy for the Sri Lankan legs of the tournament, led by Mitchell Marsh. Having won the 2021 title and dominated the ODI World Cup 2023 final against India, the Australians are viewed as the ultimate tactical rivals. Both teams have finalized their squads as of January 2026, with India banking on the explosive form of Abhishek Sharma and Australia relying on a core of seasoned veterans like Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa.

Also READ: Monty Panesar predicts the semifinalists of T20 World Cup 2026