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Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath has shared bold set of predictions for the T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking on The Fast Bowling Cartel YouTube channel, McGrath moved away from traditional safe bets to highlight a new era of T20 dominance. His forecasts focus on a blend of tactical spin mastery and the fearless aggression of the next generation. By backing specific subcontinental stars and predicting a high-stakes rematch of the 2024 final, McGrath has provided a comprehensive roadmap for the upcoming tournament.
Glenn McGrath shares his bold predictions for T20 World Cup 2026
1. T20 World Cup 2026: Leading wicket taker
McGrath has officially backed Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan to finish as the leading wicket-taker of the 2026 tournament, citing his unmatched efficiency in the shortest format. Rashid enter the World Cup as the all-time leading wicket-taker in T20I history with 187 wickets in just 111 matches. McGrath specifically highlighted Rashid’s career economy rate of 6.02 and a remarkable bowling average of 13.59 as the factors that make him tough to beat compared to traditional pacers. With 2 five-wicket hauls and 9 four-wicket hauls already to his name, Rashid is expected to lead the Afghan attack as he nears the historic milestone of 200 T20I wickets during this event.
2. T20 World Cup 2026: Highest run scorer
For the highest run-scorer, McGrath has placed his bets on India’s Abhishek Sharma, the current World No. 1 ranked T20I batter. McGrath’s prediction is driven by Sharma’s astronomical career strike rate of 194.74, which is currently the highest in T20I history for any player with over 30 innings. The 25-year-old opener has amassed 1,297 runs in just 38 outings, including 2 centuries and 8 fifties. McGrath pointed to Abhishek’s ‘Player of the Tournament’ form from the 2025 Asia Cup, where he scored 314 runs, and his recent blitz against New Zealand (averaging 45.50 at a strike rate of 249.31) as proof that he will be the most dominant force at the top of the order in 2026.
3. T20 World Cup 2026: Finalists and winner
McGrath has predicted an India vs South Africa final for the 2026 edition setting the stage for a repeat of the 2024 summit clash. Despite the high-pressure nature of a one-off final where ‘anything can happen,’ McGrath has officially backed India to successfully defend their title and come out on top. He views the Men in Blue as the ultimate ‘team to beat,’ specifically noting their superior balance of world-class spin options and the clinical pace of Jasprit Bumrah. While he respects South Africa’s ability to reach the final for a second consecutive time, McGrath believes India’s familiarity with subcontinental conditions, given the tournament is hosted by India and Sri Lanka, gives them the definitive edge to secure the trophy.
Also READ: Ricky Ponting explains why Australia will make it to the semifinal of T20 World Cup 2026
