T20 World Cup 2026: Know how Team India will reach the semi-finals? Understand the complete equation

New Delhi. The ‘Super-8’ match of T20 World Cup 2026 is to be played between India and Zimbabwe on Thursday at MA Chidambaram Stadium, winning which will be very important for Team India. However, the fate of the Indian team will be decided to a great extent even before this match. Before the India-Zimbabwe match on Thursday, a Super-8 match is to be played between South Africa and West Indies, in which South Africa’s victory will be beneficial for India.

Come, let us understand this equation…

After defeating Zimbabwe by 107 runs in the Super-8, West Indies are on top in Group-1 with +5.350 net run rate, while South African team is at the second position with +3.800 net run rate after defeating India by 76 runs. India (-3.800 net run rate) is at third place in the points table and Zimbabwe (-5.350 net run rate) is at fourth place after losing the first match of Super-8.

If Team India beats Zimbabwe (26 February) and West Indies (1 March) in its next matches, it will have 4 points. Along with this, if the South African team defeats West Indies (26 February) and Zimbabwe (1 March), then it will have 6 points. In such a situation, West Indies will have 2 points, while Zimbabwe will have 0 points and Team India will enter the semi-finals by finishing second in Group-1.

If the West Indies team beats South Africa in Thursday’s match and the South African team wins against Zimbabwe, then India, South Africa and West Indies will have 4 points each. In such a situation, the two teams with the best net run rate will be in the semi-finals. To reach the knockouts, India will have to win by big margins against Zimbabwe and West Indies.

In Group-2, England has become the first team to get a ticket for the semi-finals by winning both the initial matches of Super-8. In this group, it has become difficult for Pakistan to reach the next round, which has suffered a defeat by 2 wickets at the hands of England in the next match after the first match was canceled due to rain. Currently, New Zealand is second in the points table with 1 point, while Sri Lanka is at fourth position after losing the first match.