The group stages are done and dusted and the T20 World Cup delivered everything we hoped for and more. Upsets, close finishes and stunning individual performances set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling Super 8s scene.
Eight teams emerged from the pack, each with their own strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. India remain unbeaten and it looks ominous even when it doesn’t hit top gear. West Indies and South Africa showed their class while Pakistan recovered from last year’s heartbreak. Sri Lanka are dangerous at home, New Zealand continue to punch above their weight, England are looking for form and Zimbabwe have crashed the party.
As the tournament moves into its next phase, the stakes are higher, the margins thinner, and the path to glory clearer. Here’s how each of the eight teams stack up heading into the Super 8s.
ZIMBABWE
A surprise package. Sikandar Raza’s party turned heads they defeated both Australia and Oman in the group stages to book their place in the Super 8s. They have talent. Sam Raza and pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani are among them.
However, their batting remains largely untested and they benefited from being washed out against Ireland. They lack big game experience, but what they do have is momentum and belief.
Don’t expect Zimbabwe to roll over. They will do their best and see how far they can go.
ENGLAND
The two-time champions are now led by Harry Brook, but they hardly looked like contenders. Whether it’s the captain’s inexperience or a wider problem with their approach (particularly with the bat), something is not quite right.
Jos Buttler and Phil Salt are two of the best T20 openers in the world and both know subcontinental conditions well. However, neither fired. If England’s batting doesn’t catch fire soon, their campaign could fizzle out before it really gets started.
NEW ZEALAND
The Kiwis have built a reputation for punching above their weight, especially when their backs are against the wall. Their opening pair of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have been breaking records of late, while their pace trio of Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Jacob Duffy provide a real threat.
The middle order boasts quality in Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell, but finishing performance remains an issue. More worryingly, their spin separation is thin. Mitchell Santner is their lone front tonner and a glaring weakness in a tournament where slow bowlers have thrived.
The loss of Michael Bracewell was a hammer blow and it could come back to haunt them as the tournament progresses.
SRI LANKA
The co-hosts have proven to be a force to be reckoned with, especially on home soil. Despite losing key men in Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesh Pathiran, Sri Lanka’s bowling depth remains impressive. It’s simply a matter of finding their best form at the right time.
Pathum Nissanka’s elegance at the top coupled with the firepower of Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis make them a tricky proposition in sub-continental conditions. Their power may not be at the level they would like, but they can get away with it on slower, lower tracks.
Don’t write off co-hosts yet.
PAKISTAN
The 2009 champions bounced back. After a shock exit from the group stage in 2024, Salman Ali Agha’s side stormed into the Super 8s with a weapon many teams lack: a formidable rotation.
Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan form the core while the mystery duo of Abrar Ahmad and Usman Tariq have made Pakistan a nightmare. Throw in opener Sahibzada Farhan, who continues his rich form, and this side is in for real content.
If they can put it all together consistently, Pakistan could be a dark horse.
SOUTH AFRICA
The Proteos wasted no time and went into action. Barring a brief wobble against Afghanistan (where they allowed their opponents back into the contest before eventually winning), South Africa have been impressive.
The scars of the 2024 FIFA World Cup final remain fresh and what better payback than claiming the title on India’s own soil? They definitely have the firepower for it.
However, their Achilles heel lies in spin. Keshav Maharaj is world class but beyond him the options are limited. George Linde and Aiden Markram provide backup, but neither offers any real mystery or insight. An attacking leg-spinner like Tabraiz Shamsi may have added another dimension, but for now South Africa have managed without. And in sinister form, they remain a real threat.
WEST INDIES
West Indies successfully outclassed their legendary champions of yesteryear. Led by Darren Sammy, this side have most bases covered and sit comfortably with three wins on the bounce.
While they may not be firing on all cylinders like India, there is undeniable quality throughout the squad. Many of these players have plied their trade with the IPL and that experience pays dividends on the big stage.
Their only real weakness at the moment is the loss of Romario Shepherd. His all-round contributions with bat and ball will be sorely missed and the Men in Maroon will be desperate to have him back in the mix if they are to repeat their 2016 heroics a decade later.
INDIA
This is probably the team to beat. As one of the few sides to remain unbeaten at the tournament, the men in blue cruised through the group stages with four straight wins. But despite their dominance, they haven’t quite hit top speed, which is all the more terrifying.
India’s struggles have been well documented. Abhishek Sharma’s inability to get off the mark and his vulnerability to spin in the power bowler have been glaring issues in all four matches. However, this is a championship team for a reason.
The depth of their squad is simply unmatched. Need more spin? Kuldeep Yadav slots. Do you need a can opener? Sanju Samson steps forward. Looking for pace? Mohammed Siraj is ready. This kind of flexibility gives India options that few teams can match.
The scary part? They haven’t even peaked yet. Imagine what this side could produce on flatter wickets. Four wins and India remain the team everyone wants to avoid.
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T20 WORLD CUP 2026: SCHEDULE SUPER 8s
- 21 February 2026 – New Zealand Vs. Pakistan at Colombo 7:00 PM (IST)
- February 22, 2026 – Sri Lanka vs England at Kandy 3:00 PM (IST)
- 22 Feb 2026 – India Vs. South Africa at Ahmedabad 19:00 (IST)
- 23 February 2026 – Zimbabwe Vs. West Indies at Mumbai at 19:00 (IST)
- 24 February 2026 – England Vs. Pakistan at Kandy at 19:00 (IST)
- February 25, 2026 – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand at Colombo 7:00 PM (IST)
- 26 Feb 2026 – West Indies Vs. South Africa at Ahmedabad 3:00 PM (IST)
- 26 Feb 2026 – India Vs. Zimbabwe at Chennai at 7:00 PM (IST)
- 28 Feb 2026 – Sri Lanka Vs. Pakistan at Kandy at 19:00 (IST)
- 1 March 2026 – Zimbabwe Vs. South Africa at Delhi 3:00 PM (IST)
- 1 March 2026 – India Vs. West Indies at Kolkata 7:00 PM (IST)
T20 WORLD CUP 2026: KNOCKOUT SCHEDULE
- 4th March 2026 – Semi Final 1 TBC vs TBC Mumbai at 07:00 PM (IST)
- 5 March 2026 – Semi Final 2 TBC vs TBC at Ahmedabad/Colombo at 7:00 PM (IST)
- March 8, 2026 – Final TBC vs. TBC at Ahmedabad/Colombo at 7:00 PM (IST)
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 19, 2026