Team India (Image Credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: The Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has reached its crucial stage and the final points table gives defending champions India a clear equation – to beat West Indies on Sunday and book a place in the semi-finals.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Group 1 witnessed a dramatic upheaval on Thursday. South Africa cruised into the last four with a commanding nine-wicket victory over West Indies in Ahmedabad, chasing down 177 in just 16.1 overs. A stunning 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 on 177/1. The win extended South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament and confirmed their semi-final berth.
India keep T20 World Cup dream alive, now to Kolkata
Meanwhile, India kept their title defense alive with a stunning 72-run win over Zimbabwe in Chennai. That result, along with South Africa’s dominance, set up a virtual India-West Indies quarter-final at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. Both teams have two points from two games, so it’s a direct shootout for the second semi-final spot from Group 1.
T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 1 Points Table
PWLNRPointsNRRSSouth Africa (Q)22004+2,890West Indies21102+1,791India21102-0.100Zimbabwe (E)20200-4,475While South Africa take on Zimbabwe in their final Super 8 match, all eyes will be on Kolkata where the winner of the India vs. West Indies.In Group 2, co-hosts Sri Lanka became the first team to be eliminated after losing to New Zealand in the 61st round. The Kiwis posted 168/7 before restricting Sri Lanka to 107/8 to end 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
PWLNRPointsNRREEngland (Q)22004+1.491New Zealand21013+3.050Pakistan20111-0.461Sri Lanka (E)20200-2.800With knockout points on the line and sheer momentum in play, the battle for the semi-finals is now at a boiling point. Sunday’s India-West Indies clash promises to be decided by more than two points – it will decide who keeps their World Cup dream alive.
