Shivam Dube, left, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: The uncertainty surrounding India’s campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has finally cleared. After a dramatic round of Super 8 matches, the defending champions now have a direct path to the knockout stages.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!South Africa’s commanding nine-wicket win over West Indies in Ahmedabad confirmed the Proteas’ progress to the semifinals from Group 1. Later in the day, India strengthened their position with a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai.With Zimbabwe out and South Africa already through, the final Group 1 clash between India and West Indies at the Eden Gardens on Sunday effectively turned into a virtual quarter-final.
India keep T20 World Cup dream alive, now to Kolkata
India Semi Final Qualifier Scenario
The equation is simple: India must beat the West Indies to qualify for the semi-finals.Both teams currently hold two points from two matches. The winner of Sunday’s encounter will join South Africa in the last four.However, there is one small caveat. If the match ends due to rain – and there is no reserve day – the West Indies would advance on the basis of a higher net rate, knocking India out of the tournament. However, there is currently no forecast to indicate any disruption to Kolkata’s weather.Calculators are simply back in the bag. It is purely a win-and-progress scenario for India. India’s qualification push has gained serious momentum after a master class batting performance against Zimbabwe. Posting 256/4 — the second-highest total in Men’s T20 World Cup history — India entertained the home fans with a flurry of sixes.Abhishek Sharma returned to form with a blistering half-century while Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma provided a blistering finish. Zimbabwe battled through Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97 but India’s bowlers secured a comfortable victory.Earlier, South Africa’s clinical chase of 177 against the West Indies reshaped the group. A quick opening partnership between Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock made the target easy and underlined why the Proteas remain unbeaten in the tournament.
