3 underrated players to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2026

Finn Allen 

Finn Allen is among the most explosive opening batters in modern T20 cricket, a player capable of changing the direction of a match inside the powerplay. With lightning-quick hands and a clear attacking mindset, Allen thrives on putting bowlers under immediate pressure. His ability to maximise the first six overs is one of New Zealand’s biggest weapons, often forcing captains to rethink plans before the field has even spread.

That impact was on full display during a record-breaking Big Bash League season, where he played a central role in Perth Scorchers’ title win and set a new benchmark for most sixes in a single edition. On smaller Indian grounds, his preference for hitting cleanly through the line should suit conditions perfectly.

In 52 T20I innings, he has scored 1,285 runs at a strike rate of 163.27, while his recent form has been even more telling. In 2025, he struck at over 200 sixes in international cricket, and he also finished as the leading run-scorer in the BBL 2025-26 with 466 runs at a strike rate of 184. While his aggression often steals the spotlight, Allen’s growing selectiveness against swing and spin reflects improving game awareness.