Shivam Dubey, left, Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya (AP Photo)
New Delhi: The uncertainty surrounding India’s campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has finally been cleared. After an exciting round of Super 8 matches, the defending champions now have a direct path to the playoffs.Go beyond boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!South Africa’s thumping nine-wicket win over West Indies in Ahmedabad confirmed the Proteas’ place in the semi-finals of Group A. Later in the day, India consolidated its position with a resounding 72-run win over Zimbabwe in Chennai.With Zimbabwe eliminated and South Africa already qualified, the final Group A clash between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday effectively turned into a virtual quarter-final.
Keeping their T20 World Cup dream alive, India move to Kolkata now
Scenario for qualifying for the semi-finals in India
The equation is simple: India must defeat the West Indies to qualify for the semi-finals.The two teams currently have two points from two matches. The winner of Sunday’s match will join South Africa in the semi-finals.However, there is one small caveat. If the match was called off due to rain – and there was no reserve day – the West Indies would qualify on the basis of a superior net run rate, resulting in India’s exit from the tournament.
However, at present, there are no forecasts indicating weather disturbance in Kolkata.In short, the calculators are back in the bag. For India, this is just a win-win scenario.
India’s efforts to qualify gained momentum after their thrashing against Zimbabwe. Posting 256/4 – the second highest total in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup – India entertained their home fans with a barrage of sixes.Abhishek Sharma returned to form after a brilliant half-century, while Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma produced a resounding finish. Zimbabwe battled through Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97, but India’s bowlers secured a comfortable win.Earlier, South Africa’s clinical chase of 177 against West Indies reshaped the group. A quick opening partnership between Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock easily achieved the goal, underscoring why the Proteas remain unbeaten in the tournament.
