The group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has concluded with a whirlwind of high-octane drama, stunning upsets, and individual brilliance. As the tournament shifts into the Super 8 phase, the statistical leaderboard tells a compelling story of dominance on the subcontinental tracks of India and Sri Lanka. While established stars have made their mark, the opening round belonged to those who mastered the art of balancing aggression with adaptability.
From the explosive maiden century of Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan to the fearless strike rate of India’s Ishan Kishan, these five batters have defined the tournament’s early narrative.
Most runs in T20 World Cup 2026 Group Stage
- Sahibzada Farhan (PAK) – 220 Runs
At the summit of the charts stands Farhan, who has emerged as the linchpin of Pakistan’s top order. Across 4 innings, Farhan amassed 220 runs at a staggering average of 73.33. His campaign was punctuated by a historic maiden T20I century (100) against Namibia in Colombo, making him only the second Pakistani after Ahmed Shehzad to score a hundred in a T20 World Cup. Operating at a strike rate of 164.17, Farhan has proved he can anchor an innings and explode in the death overs with equal ease.
- Pathum Nissanka (SL) – 199 Runs
Playing on home soil, Pathum Nissanka has been the model of consistency for Sri Lanka. With 199 runs in 4 matches, he fell just one run short of the 200-mark. His standout performance was a masterful 100 off 52 balls against Australia, an innings that effectively ended the 2021 champions’ campaign. Averaging 66.33 with a strike rate of 156.69, Nissanka’s ability to find the gaps during the powerplay has been the catalyst for Sri Lanka’s progression.
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- Kusal Mendis (SL) – 182 Runs
The second half of Sri Lanka’s formidable opening duo, Kusal Mendis, finds himself in third place with 182 runs. Mendis displayed remarkable poise, scoring three consecutive half-centuries earlier in the tournament. His average of 60.66 reflects his role as the stabilizer, ensuring that the Lankans never lost momentum even when wickets fell. While his strike rate of 124.65 is lower than his peers, his 18 boundaries were often perfectly timed to release pressure.
- Aiden Markram (SA) – 178 Runs
South Africa’s captain has led from the front, guiding the Proteas to an unbeaten group-stage run. Aiden Markram’s 178 runs were scored with a 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. Averaging 59.33, Markram has cemented his status as one of the most dangerous middle-order finishers in the world.
- Ishan Kishan (IND) – 176 Runs
Rounding out the list is India’s dynamic southpaw, Kishan. In just 4 innings, Kishan hammered 176 runs with a mind-boggling strike rate of 202.29. His defining moment came against arch-rivals Pakistan, where he smashed 77 off 40 balls to derail their bowling attack. Despite a lower average of 44.00 compared to others, his ability to provide India with hyper-starts has made him the most impactful batter of the tournament so far.
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