The Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is currently underway. All eight teams are battling intensely for a place
in the semi-finals, with some chasing their maiden title and others aiming to add a second or third trophy to their history. Only four teams will progress to the knockout stage, and the qualification scenarios vary significantly across the board.
Here are the semifinal qualification scenarios for each Super Eight team
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe entered the tournament as underdogs but impressed everyone in the group stage. They remained unbeaten, defeating Oman and registering a stunning win over Australia to qualify for the Super Eight. However, they suffered a heavy defeat to West Indies in their opening Super Eight fixture, which severely damaged their Net Run Rate (-5.350). To qualify for the semi-finals, Zimbabwe must win their remaining two matches against South Africa and India and significantly improve their NRR.
South Africa
South Africa advanced to the Super Eight unbeaten in the group stage and began the second round strongly with a win over India, boosting their NRR to +3.800. If they win both of their remaining matches, qualification will be assured. A single win, however, would leave them dependent on other results.
West Indies
West Indies were dominant in the group stage, defeating England, Nepal, Italy, and Scotland. They continued their momentum in the Super Eight with a convincing win over Zimbabwe, powered by strong performances from Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, and spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie. Two more wins will confirm their semi-final spot. If they win only one, they will need favourable results elsewhere.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Eight despite a group-stage loss to Zimbabwe, highlighted by Pathum Nissanka’s century against Australia. However, they lost their opening Super Eight match to England and currently sit at the bottom of the table. To stay in contention, they must win both remaining matches against New Zealand and Pakistan.
New Zealand
New Zealand progressed to the Super Eight with one group-stage defeat to South Africa. Their first Super Eight match was washed out, earning them one point. They now need victories against Sri Lanka and England to reach five points, which should secure a semi-final berth.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s qualification depends on three possible scenarios. In the first, they must beat Sri Lanka, England must defeat New Zealand, and Sri Lanka must either beat New Zealand or that match ends in a washout. In the second, Pakistan and England win their games, but New Zealand beat Sri Lanka, leaving Pakistan needing a superior Net Run Rate. In the third, Pakistan and Sri Lanka win, New Zealand beat England, and Pakistan must top both on NRR.
India
India entered the Super Eight undefeated but lost their first match to South Africa and currently sit third with an NRR of -3.800. They must defeat both West Indies and Zimbabwe to ensure qualification. A single loss could end their campaign from the marquee event.
