Qualification Scenario: India almost out of T20 World Cup 2026 after West Indies’ domination
Published - 24 Feb 2026, 09:54 AM | Updated - 24 Feb 2026, 11:34 PM
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West Indies' 107-run win against Zimbabwe in a Group 1 match of the Super 8 makes India's chances to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup thin. Against Zimbabwe, the West Indies not only secured crucial two points, but also took their net run rate to +5.350.
South Africa, who beat India on February 22, placed in the second position of the points table of Group 1, with a net run rate of +3.800. As of now, India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies have played one match each, and each will play 2 more matches before the conclusion of the Super 8 phase.
South Africa can save India in the title race
Rather than the points, India's chances to qualify for the semi-finals are looking leaner because of the net run rate. The defeat against South Africa makes India's net run rate -3.800. To qualify for the next round, the Men in Blue will have to keep an eye on the South Africa vs West Indies match, which will be on February 26 in Ahmedabad.
If the Proteas can get a win against the Caribbeans, then because of the points, South Africa will be in the top place, and West Indies will drop in their ranks, despite having a higher run rate. Furthermore, India will have to win their remaining two matches against the West Indies and Zimbabwe, respectively.
If the Indian National Cricket Team drops points again, then their chances of playing the semi-finals will fade away. So, for India, to play the next stage of the tournament, the primary criterion is to win 2 out of 2 matches with massive margins.
Equations for India to qualify for the Semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026:
1. Will have to win against Zimbabwe and the West Indies by big margins, so that the total number of points and net run rate can increase.
2. South Africa needs to win their remaining two Super 8 games, including against West Indies.
3. If India gets points from their remaining two matches, then their total points will be 4, and if South Africa remains undefeated after playing 3 matches, then their points will be 6.
4. If the West Indies lose against South Africa and India, then their points will remain at 2. Which means, South Africa and India will qualify for the Semi-finals.
What will happen if 3 teams have 4 points each?
In case of a possibility of a three-way tie on 4 points, candidates for the semi-finals will be selected based on Net run rates. Then, because of the low net run rate, India can be eliminated from the title race. So, there are high chances to see South Africa and the West Indies qualify for the semi-finals from Group 1 of the Super 8 stage because of their high run rates compared to India and Zimbabwe.
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Indian National Cricket Team West Indies National Cricket Team South Africa National Cricket Team Zimbabwe National Cricket Team ICC T20 World CupAbout the Author
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