T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan will be out of the semi-finals! If all the matches of Super-8 are cancelled, then what does the ICC rule say?

T20 World Cup 2026: t20 world cup 2026 Now we have come to an exciting turn. Super-8 matches have started in the tournament. While some matches of Super-8 will be played by India and some matches by Sri Lanka due to Pakistan. The first match of Super-8 was to be played between Pakistan and New Zealand, which could not be played due to rain.

After the cancellation of the match, Pakistan and New Zealand got 1 point each. After Super-8, 4 teams will enter the semi-finals and 4 will be out of the tournament. Now a big question has arisen in the minds of cricket fans that if all the 12 matches of a group or the entire Super-8 are washed out due to rain, then how will the decision be taken about the four teams of the semi-finals?

What is the format of Super-8?

In the Super-8 round, eight teams have been divided into two groups, each group has four teams. Two teams from each group will reach the semi-finals. Altogether 12 matches are to be played.

Group-1: India, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe

Group-2: Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand and Pakistan

What do ICC rules say?

After all the matches of Super-8 were canceled due to rain, this is how the teams will be selected for the semi-finals….

1. First of all the ranking will be decided on the basis of total marks.

2. If the points are equal then the team winning more matches in Super-8 will advance.

3. If the number of wins is also the same then the Net Run Rate (NRR) will be seen.

4. If NRR also remains equal then the winner of the mutual match will qualify.

5. If the mutual match is also cancelled, then the decision will be taken on the basis of ICC T20 ranking of 6th February.

What if all the matches of Group 2 are cancelled?

Suppose all the matches of Group-2 get canceled due to rain. In such a situation, all four teams will have 3 points each. Then the decision will be based on ICC ranking.

According to the ranking of 6th February

1. England in third place

2. New Zealand in fourth place

3. Pakistan at sixth place

4. Sri Lanka at eighth place

According to this, England and New Zealand will reach the semi-finals, while Pakistan and host Sri Lanka will be out.

What if this happens in Group-1 also?

If all the matches of Group-1 are canceled then the decision will be taken on the basis of ranking. According to ICC rankings of 6 February:

1. India at first place

2. South Africa is in fifth place

3. West Indies in seventh place

4. Zimbabwe at 12th place

In such a situation, India and South Africa will make it to the semi-finals, while the journey of West Indies and Zimbabwe will end.

Will rain become a villain or will the equation change?

The uncertainty of the weather in Colombo has further increased the excitement of the Super-8. If the matches are completed then every win will be decisive, but if rain continues to be a hindrance, then the ICC rankings will decide the fate of the teams. Now everyone’s eyes are on the weather and the upcoming matches because the race for the semi-finals now depends on the ground as well as the sky.