The T20 World Cup 2026 group stage is closing with clarity and consequence. India and South Africa march into the Super 8s unbeaten, Pakistan survive a must-win
test, and disciplinary and squad changes add fresh subplots. Records were broken, reputations tested, and for some players, the pressure only intensified as the knockout phase draws closer.
India Beat Netherlands by 17 Runs to Complete Group A Clean Sweep
India finished Group A with a perfect record after defeating the Netherlands by 17 runs in Ahmedabad. Batting first, India posted 193/6, powered by Shivam Dube's explosive 66 off 31 balls. The Netherlands mounted resistance but fell short, as India sealed four wins from four heading into the Super 8 stage.
Abhishek Sharma Registers Third Duck of T20 World Cup 2026
Abhishek Sharma's difficult tournament continued as he was dismissed for his third duck of the competition against the Netherlands. Aryan Dutt removed him in the first over, exploiting uncertainty with pace and skid off the surface. Abhishek has now faced eight balls across the tournament without scoring and equalled Sanju Samson's unwanted record for most T20I ducks by an Indian batter in a calendar year.
George Munsey Reprimanded for Breaching ICC Code of Conduct
Scotland batter George Munsey received an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during their Group C match against Nepal. Munsey was penalised for flinging his helmet onto advertising boards after dismissal. It is his first offence within a 24-month period.
Pakistan Beat Namibia to Secure Super 8 Spot
Pakistan delivered a clinical performance in their must-win clash against Namibia, posting 199/3 thanks to Sahibzada Farhan's unbeaten 100 off 58 balls. Usman Tariq then claimed a four-wicket haul to bowl Namibia out and confirm Pakistan's progression to the Super 8s. The comprehensive victory keeps their campaign alive after the earlier defeat to India.
South Africa Enter Super 8s Unbeaten After Fourth Straight Win
South Africa made it four wins from four, chasing down a modest target of 123 despite rain delays. Contributions from Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis ensured a comfortable victory. The unbeaten Proteas head into the Super 8s with strong momentum.
Hardik Pandya Completes 6,000 T20 Runs Milestone
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya reached the 6,000-run mark in T20 cricket during the Netherlands clash in Ahmedabad. Though he played a subdued knock, he shared a 76-run partnership with Shivam Dube and added another milestone to his decorated white-ball career.
Dilshan Madushanka Replaces Injured Matheesha Pathirana in Sri Lanka Squad
Sri Lanka have brought in Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana, who has been ruled out with a left leg muscle strain sustained against Australia. The ICC Event Technical Committee approved the change as Sri Lanka prepare for the Super 8 stage.
The group stage has done its job: separating contenders from casualties. Now the Super 8s begin, where momentum means everything and margins shrink to the width of a yorker.
