Team India (Pic credit: BCCI)

NEW DELHI: The Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has reached its decisive phase, and the latest points table leaves defending champions India with a clear equation — beat West Indies on Sunday and book a place in the semi-finals.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Group 1 witnessed a dramatic shake-up on Thursday. South Africa stormed into the last four with a commanding nine-wicket win over West Indies in Ahmedabad, chasing down 177 in just 16.1 overs. A blistering 95-run opening stand between Aiden Markram (82 not out) and Quinton de Kock (47) set the tone, while Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 45 sealed the deal as the Proteas finished at 177/1. The victory extended South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament and confirmed their semi-final berth.

India, meanwhile, kept their title defence alive with a thumping 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai. That result, coupled with South Africa’s dominance, has set up a virtual quarterfinal between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday. Both teams sit on two points from two matches, making it a straight shootout for the second semi-final spot from Group 1.

T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 1 Points Table

While South Africa face Zimbabwe in their final Super 8 fixture, all eyes will be on Kolkata, where the winner of India vs West Indies will advance.In Group 2, co-hosts Sri Lanka became the first side to be eliminated after a 61-run loss to New Zealand. The Kiwis posted 168/7 before restricting Sri Lanka to 107/8, ending their campaign. England have already qualified with two wins from two matches, while New Zealand and Pakistan remain in contention.

T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 2 Points Table

With knockout spots on the line and net run rates in play, the race to the semi-finals is now at boiling point. Sunday’s India-West Indies clash promises to decide more than just two points — it will determine who keeps their World Cup dream alive.

Pakistan’s Usman Tariq drops a catch of England’s Jacob Bethell during the T20 World Cup cricket match between England and Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo)

England became the first side to confirm a semi-final berth at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Pakistan on Tuesday, whose qualification hopes have suffered a setback.Following a loss to England and a washout against New Zealand, Pakistan no longer control their own path to the last four. With England already through, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are left competing for the remaining semi-final place from group 2.England began their Super 8 campaign with a 51-run win over Sri Lanka in Kandy on Sunday and followed it up with another victory over Pakistan at the same venue on Tuesday. Captain Harry Brook led the effort, scoring his first T20I century to take his team home. He also became the first captain to register a hundred in T20 World Cup history.

Scenarios for Pakistan to enter semifinal

If New Zealand win both their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and England, Pakistan will be eliminated, even if they beat Sri Lanka.If New Zealand lose both games, Pakistan will qualify with a win over Sri Lanka. In case New Zealand lose one match, Pakistan will still have a chance, but qualification could depend on Net Run Rate.Pakistan were denied a Net Run Rate boost after losing to England in the final over. They had reduced England to 58/4 in the eighth over while defending 166, but could not close out the game.Brook, promoted to No. 3, rebuilt the innings with Sam Curran in a 45-run stand and then added 52 runs with Will Jacks, shifting the contest in England’s favour. He reached his maiden T20I hundred with a six over cover followed by a four through mid-off.By the time Brook was out, England were 155/6 and close to the target. However, they lost three wickets for six runs, adding tension late in the chase. Needing three runs in the final over with two wickets in hand, Jofra Archer finished the match by pulling a delivery through mid-wicket for four.