Associate’s Team of Tournament: Associate Stars Dominate 2026 T20 World Cup With Performances

The surge of Associate nations has reshaped global cricket narratives. Their fearless batting and disciplined bowling throughout the T20 World Cup 2026 prove that Associate cricket is closing the gap faster than ever.

Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus takes charge as captain after claiming seven wickets at 11.85 with an economy of 7.54. His memorable 4 for 20 against India included the scalps of Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, underlining his value in this Associate’s Team of the Tournament.

Behind the stumps, USA’s Shayan Jahangir gets the nod. He scored 91 runs at 30.33, including a fighting 34-ball knock against Pakistan, standing tall when wickets kept tumbling.

Batting Firepower

Canada’s teenage sensation, Yuvraj Samra, headlines the side. The 19-year-old smashed 144 runs at 36.00, highlighted by a stunning 110 against New Zealand, becoming the first Associate batter to score a T20 World Cup century against them in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee piled up 169 runs at 56.33 and struck at 144.44. His unbeaten 50 off 23 balls sealed victory over Scotland and underlined his finishing ability.

USA allrounder Shubham Ranjane impressed with 141 runs at 70.50 and a strike rate of 180.76, including a 30-ball 51 against Pakistan.

Italy’s Ben Manenti added impact with 138 runs and five wickets, while Netherlands star Bas de Leede delivered 158 runs and five wickets, including an unbeaten 72 against Namibia.

Bowling Excellence

USA seamer Shadley van Schalkwyk topped the wicket charts with 13 wickets at 7.76, including 4 for 25 against India and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Scotland’s Michael Leask bagged nine wickets at 13.55 and produced a vital 4 for 17 spell. Netherlands offspinner Aryan Dutt claimed 5 wickets at 17.80, troubling the top order with the new ball.

Italy wristspinner Crishan Kalugamage finished with seven wickets at 16.57, including 3 for 18 in a historic win.

Scotland’s Michael Jones is named the 12th man after scoring 142 runs at 35.50.

The Associate Elite Squad

Player	Country	Role	Tournament Statistics
Yuvraj Samra	Canada	Opener	144 runs at 36.00; strike rate 156.52
Shayan Jahangir	USA	WK/Opener	91 runs at 30.33; strike rate 137.87
Bas de Leede	Netherlands	All-rounder	158 runs at 52.66; 5 wickets at 19.60
Dipendra Singh Airee	Nepal	All-rounder	169 runs at 56.33; strike rate 144.44
Gerhard Erasmus (C)	Namibia	Captain	7 wickets at 11.85; economy 7.54
Shubham Ranjane	USA	All-rounder	141 runs at 70.50; strike rate 180.76
Ben Manenti	Italy	All-rounder	138 runs at 46.00; 5 wickets at 20.60
Michael Leask	Scotland	Spinner	9 wickets at 13.55; economy 7.62
Shadley van Schalkwyk	USA	Seamer	13 wickets at 7.76; economy 6.80
Aryan Dutt	Netherlands	Spinner	5 wickets at 17.80; economy 6.84
Crishan Kalugamage	Italy	Spinner	7 wickets at 16.57; economy 7.73
Michael Jones (12th)	Scotland	Batter	142 runs at 35.50; strike rate 142