After the end of the preliminary round of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the tournament has entered the Super-8, where now only eight teams are competing for the title. In this tournament which started with 20 teams, now the result of every match is changing the picture of the semi-finals. The equations had already become complicated after the recent match between Pakistan and New Zealand was canceled due to rain, but on Sunday, South Africa changed the situation of the entire group by defeating India.
India’s crushing defeat by 76 runs
The South African team performed brilliantly in Ahmedabad and defeated the Indian team by 76 runs. Batting first in this match, South Africa made a strong score of 188 runs. In response, the Indian team came under pressure and was reduced to only 111 runs. With this big win, South Africa not only gained 2 points but also took its net run rate to +3.800, taking it to the top position in Group 1.
India has suffered a huge loss due to this defeat. The team has not got any points yet and its net run rate has fallen to -3.800, making it difficult for it to reach the semi-finals. In Group-1, Zimbabwe team and West Indies have not played their matches yet, hence both the teams have 0-0 points and 0.000 net run rate.
Two teams will qualify for the semi-finals
According to the rules of Super-8, only two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. In such a situation, India will have to win both its remaining matches by a big margin, so that its net run rate can improve. If many teams have the same points, then the net run rate will take the final decision. In the current situation, this has become the biggest challenge for India.
On the other hand, in Group-2 of Super-8, England started with a win and is in first place with +2.550 net run rate. The match between Pakistan team and New Zealand team was canceled due to rain, due to which both got 1-1 point. Whereas Sri Lanka is in fourth place after losing its first match.
The first semi-final of the tournament will be played on March 4, while the second semi-final will be held on March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium. The final match is proposed on March 8 in Ahmedabad. Looking at the current situation, every match has now become do or die for the Indian team, because one more mistake can completely end the dream of saving the title.
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