T20 World Cup: One defeat changed the entire equation of Super-8, even after winning the remaining two matches, the path to the semi-finals is difficult for India, know

New Delhi. The excitement of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is now slowly reaching the turning point. The first phase is over and now the tournament continues in the Super-8 round. Where equations are changing rapidly. This great battle, which started with 20 teams, is now going on between 8 teams. Where a lot is happening match after match. First the canceled match of Pakistan and New Zealand changed the story, now South Africa’s victory against India on Sunday has changed the whole picture.

Now the situation is that Team India, which was undefeated in the last 12 matches in the T20 World Cup, may have to lose the semi-finals due to a defeat. That means South Africa’s 76-run victory in Ahmedabad can shatter India’s dream of defending the title. Let us explain to you why this is so…

First know about Super-8

There are 4-4 teams in two groups. Each team will play one match each against the remaining three teams in its group. You get 2 points for victory, 1 point for no result and 0 points for defeat. If the points are equal then the decision is taken on the basis of Net Run Rate (NRR). That is, in simple language, the role of net run rate is also going to be very decisive.

Now Group 1 position in Super-8

South Africa is currently in first place in Group 1. He has gained 2 points by winning his first match and his net run rate has reached +3.800. Because it has defeated Team India by a huge margin of 76 runs. Batting first, he scored 188 runs and then restricted India to 111.

Now India has faced defeat in its first match, that too in a bad manner, due to which it is currently in fourth place. India has 0 points. But the worse news is that his net run rate has become -3.800. That means in a very bad situation. At the same time, Zimbabwe and West Indies have not played any match yet, hence both have 0-0 points and the net run rate is 0.000.

What is difficult for India now?

Only two teams are to be selected from this group for the semi-finals. That means India will have to win its next two matches i.e. against Zimbabwe and West Indies by a big margin. Also, we have to hope that the run rate of other teams is also not good. Because if three teams arrive with 2-2 wins then the decision will be taken on the basis of run rate. In such a situation, this poor run rate of India can harm it.

Super 8 Group 2 standings

England has started with a win in Group 2. He is on top with 2 points and +2.550 net run rate.

The match between Pakistan and New Zealand remained inconclusive due to rain, hence both have got 1-1 point and their net run rate is 0.000. Sri Lanka lost its first match and is in fourth place with 0 points and -2.550 net run rate.

Semi-final and final schedule

Top-2 teams from both the groups of Super-8 will reach the semi-finals.

The first semi-final will be played on March 4 (No. 1 team of Group 1 vs No. 2 team of Group 2).

Also read: IND vs SA: Jasprit Bumrah created history, left Ashwin-Arshdeep behind and made a great record

The second semi-final will be held on March 5 at Wankhede Stadium (No. 1 team of Group 2 vs No. 2 team of Group 1).

The final match is proposed on March 8 in Ahmedabad. However, this will happen only if Pakistan does not qualify for the finals.