India's dream of winning a second consecutive T20 World Cup trophy received a huge setback with their defeat against South Africa in the Super 8 stage on Sunday. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side were no match for South Africa's clinical bowling performance and David Miller's blistering knock of 63 off 35 deliveries. Team India lost the game by 76 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, denting their Net Run Rate (NRR).
While Jasprit Bumrah's three-wicket haul created a scare for the Proteas, the Aiden Markram-led squad were able to bounce back, courtesy quickfire knocks from Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis. The Indian batting line-up failed to resist the combined attack of Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj, with Shivam Dube emerging as the only player to go past the 20-run mark.
For the Men in Blue, the next few Super Eight games are vital to keep their hope of reaching the semi-final alive. There are two scenarios in which the Indian team can reach the T20 World Cup 2026 semis.
How India Can Reach The T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals
Scenario 1 - India win both their Super 8 games
If India win both of their remaining matches, they will get 4 points. They can reach the semi-final if two other sides don't have the same points. India will need South Africa to win one of their remaining fixtures, and the winner of the game between Zimbabwe and West Indies to beat the Proteas. In that case, India's qualification will come down to Net Run Rate (NRR).
Scenario 2 - India win only one of their remaining games
If India win just one game, they will need South Africa to win all of their fixtures. The other condition in this case will be that India's victory will need to be against the winner of the West Indies-Zimbabwe game. If that happens, India, Zimbabwe and West Indies will have 2 points each, and the qualification will depend entirely on NRR.
India's Super 8 Games
India will next face Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Feb. 26. After that, their final Super 8 fixture will be against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on March 1.
The remaining schedule of Group 1's Super Eight Games is as follows
Feb 23: West Indies vs Zimbabwe (Mumbai)
Feb 26: South Africa vs West Indies (Ahmedabad)
Feb 26: India vs Zimbabwe (Chennai)
March 1: South Africa vs Zimbabwe (Delhi)
March 1: India vs West Indies (Kolkata)
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