Suryakumar Yadav and Shai Hope (Image credit: ICC)
New Delhi: Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens is set to host a big match on Sunday as India take on West Indies in what has become a virtual quarter-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: Win this match, and you’re in the semi-finals. Lose, and your campaign ends here.India earned their place in this do-or-die match with a convincing 72-run win over Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With South Africa already having secured a place in the knockout rounds, all eyes will now turn to Kolkata, where the winner between India and West Indies will go on to face England in the semi-finals.
India lands in Kolkata for ‘do or die’ WI clash | Semi-final place on the line
India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s : Net operating rate can decide fate
While India’s victory over Zimbabwe keeps them alive, their net run rate (NRR) is currently a cause for concern. India’s NRR stands at -0.100, while West Indies, buoyed by their massive 101-run win over Zimbabwe earlier in the Super 8s, have a solid +1.791. This means that in the unlikely event that the match is rained out, both teams will receive one point each, leaving them tied on points at 3 each after three Super 8 matches. However, West Indies will qualify for the semi-finals thanks to a superior net run rate, while India will be eliminated despite their previous win.
India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: Kolkata weather forecast
Right now, the outlook is encouraging for cricket fans. Kolkata is expected to witness sunny and clear conditions on Sunday. Daytime temperatures will hover around 34°C, then drop to 25-26°C by the evening when the match starts.The match is scheduled to start at 7 p.m., with the draw taking place at 6:30 p.m. At the moment, there is no chance of rain, meaning fans can expect a full match at the iconic Eden Gardens.
India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: What if it rains?
Both India and West Indies have one win from two matches in Super 8s, effectively making this a knockout encounter. But if rain intervenes:Each team gets one point each.Points tally: 3 points for India and West Indies.West Indies advance to the semi-finals due to a high NRR of +1.791, while India’s -0.100 NRR would leave them eliminated.This makes Sunday’s match a must-have for India, as there is no margin for error and even weather disruptions can be costly.
