The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its most intense phase. The Super 8 stage, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, runs until March 1 before the knockout rounds begin on March 4. The final is set for March 8.
As of February 26, one team has already booked their semifinal spot. Others are fighting desperately to stay alive. Here’s where things stand across both groups.
Group 1 Points Table and Situation
Teams: West Indies, South Africa, India, Zimbabwe
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | Net Run Rate |
| 1 | West Indies | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +5.350 |
| 2 | South Africa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +3.800 |
| 3 | India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -3.800 |
| 4 | Zimbabwe | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -5.350 |
What This Means
West Indies and South Africa currently hold all the advantages. Both have wins under their belt and healthy net run rates. India are playing catch-up after their heavy defeat to South Africa. Zimbabwe’s massive loss to West Indies has left them with a severely damaged net run rate and almost no chance of progressing.
India must win both remaining matches – against Zimbabwe today and West Indies on March 1. Even with two wins, net run rate could become a factor if teams finish level on points. That means margins matter as much as victories.
Group 2 Points Table and Situation
Teams: England, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Points |
| 1 | England | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What This Means
England have officially qualified for the semifinals with two wins from two matches. They became the first team to secure their knockout spot after beating Pakistan on February 24.
Sri Lanka are eliminated. Their loss to New Zealand on February 25 confirmed their exit from the tournament.
New Zealand and Pakistan are now battling for the remaining semifinal spot. New Zealand hold the advantage with three points from two games, including a no-result that gave them a share of points. Pakistan have one point and need favorable results to progress.
Recent Results That Shaped the Table
February 25: New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The win officially ended Sri Lanka’s campaign.
February 24: England edged past Pakistan by 2 wickets in a tense finish. The victory sealed England’s semifinal qualification.
February 23: West Indies hammered Zimbabwe by 107 runs after posting 254 for 6. The massive win gave them a net run rate boost that could prove decisive.
February 22: South Africa stunned India by 76 runs in Ahmedabad, ending India’s 12-match winning streak and putting the defending champions in a must-win situation.
Today’s Matches – February 26
Two crucial Group 1 fixtures are scheduled, and both will significantly impact the qualification race.
Match 1: South Africa vs West Indies
- Time: 3:00 PM IST
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- What’s at stake: The winner takes control of Group 1 and moves close to semifinal qualification. The loser remains in contention but loses control over their destiny.
Match 2: India vs Zimbabwe
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- What’s at stake: India must win to stay alive. A loss ends their campaign. A win keeps them in the fight and sets up a potential knockout clash against West Indies on March 1.
India’s Qualification Path
The equation for India is simple but difficult.
- Win against Zimbabwe today
- Defeat West Indies in the final Super 8 match on March 1
- Improve net run rate significantly in both games
Two wins would take India to four points. If South Africa beat West Indies today, that could create a three-way tie depending on other results. If West Indies win today, India’s final match against them becomes a direct shootout for qualification.
Any slip-up in either match, and the defending champions are heading home early.
Tournament Schedule Ahead
Super 8 Remaining Fixtures
After today’s matches, these games will complete the Super 8 stage:
- February 27: England vs New Zealand (7:00 PM IST, Colombo)
- February 28: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (7:00 PM IST, Kandy)
- March 1: India vs West Indies (7:00 PM IST, Kolkata)
Knockout Schedule
- Semi-Final 1: March 4 (Venue: Kolkata or Colombo – TBC)
- Semi-Final 2: March 5 (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
- Final: March 8 (Venue TBC)
Host Venues for Super 8
Matches are being played across multiple cities in both host nations.
India: Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai
Sri Lanka: Colombo (RPS), Colombo (SSC), Kandy
The Bigger Picture
The Super 8 stage has already delivered everything tournament organizers could have hoped for – dominant performances, tight finishes, and major upsets. England have secured their spot. Sri Lanka are out. Everyone else is fighting.
For India, the next two matches will define their tournament. For Pakistan, the equation depends on New Zealand’s results. For New Zealand, controlling their own fate against England is the priority.
With only a few matches left before the knockouts, teams are effectively playing elimination cricket. Every ball matters. Every run counts. Every result reshapes the table.
The next 72 hours will decide who makes the semifinals and who goes home.