Associate players shine in T20 World Cup despite Super 8 miss
ESPN Cricinfo has highlighted the tournament’s best associate performers in its “Team of the Tournament,” featuring players who left a mark with bat, ball, and all-round skills.
KATHMANDU: The 2026 T20 World Cup saw several associate nations deliver standout performances, giving top cricketing sides a real challenge—even if they fell short of reaching the Super 8 stage.
ESPN Cricinfo has highlighted the tournament’s best associate performers in its “Team of the Tournament,” featuring players who left a mark with bat, ball, and all-round skills.
Yuvraj Samra (Canada, 19) – The young opener made history by becoming the first associate player to score a T20 World Cup century, smashing 110 against New Zealand with fearless hitting against bowlers like Matt Henry and Jimmy Neesham.
Despite this brilliance, he struggled in other matches, scoring fewer than 18 in three games.
Shayan Jahangir (USA, Wicketkeeper) – Among associate keepers, Jahangir stood out.
Against Pakistan, he produced a 49-run cameo off 34 balls when other teammates failed to reach double digits, keeping the USA’s hopes alive.
Bas de Leede (Netherlands, All-rounder) – De Leede impressed with the bat and ball, scoring crucial runs against Pakistan and India and an unbeaten 72 against Namibia while claiming two wickets.
He also took three wickets against the USA, proving vital in multiple matches.
Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal) – Nepal’s star all-rounder had a tournament to remember.
He hit 44 off 29 balls and took two wickets against England, scored 58 against West Indies, and exploded for 50 off just 23 balls against Scotland, cementing his role as Nepal’s most reliable performer.
Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia, Captain) – While his batting didn’t shine, Erasmus led with the ball, taking seven wickets across the tournament.
Against India, he claimed four scalps, including Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan, keeping Namibia competitive.
Shubham Ranjane (USA) – Ranjane’s explosive middle-order batting rescued the USA in crucial games.
He scored 37 off 22 against India, 51 off 30 against Pakistan, and 48 off 24 against the Netherlands, while also contributing with the ball.
Ben Manenti (Italy) – Italy’s first World Cup appearance saw Manenti emerge as the team’s “X-factor.”
He was instrumental in Italy’s historic win over Nepal, taking two wickets for just nine runs and producing aggressive fifties against England and Scotland.
Michael Leask (Scotland) – Leask starred with both bat and ball, hitting 22 runs off the final five balls against Italy to take Scotland past 200 and claiming four wickets in the tournament.
He also dismissed England’s Harry Brook.
Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA, Fast Bowler) – The pacer wreaked havoc, taking four wickets each against India and Pakistan, putting major sides under early pressure.
Aryan Dutt (Netherlands, Off-spinner) – Dutt troubled top-order batsmen from India and Pakistan with his tight off-spin, picking key wickets and building pressure with consistent dot balls.
Krishan Kalugamage (Italy, Leg-spinner) – Kalugamage stunned fans by taking three wickets against Nepal and deceiving top batsmen from England and West Indies with his spin.
Michael Jones (Scotland) – Jones impressed with a strong batting average and strike rate, rounding off the associate squad.
