South Africa has confirmed their place in the knockout stages, thanks to massive victories over India and the West Indies. The Proteas will play the fourth team in their Super Eight group, Zimbabwe, on Sunday, and if they win, they will secure the top spot in Group 1.

West Indies unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup came to an end on Thursday, as they suffered a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa. 

However, the two-time former champions are still in the running and will have to win their final Super Eight clash against India on Sunday to confirm their semi-final berth. 

India

Conversely, India must win against the West Indies to qualify for the semi-finals, while a loss will see them out of the competition.

South Africa’s neighbours, Zimbabwe, are out of contention, but will want to make their nation proud when they face South Africa in Delhi on Sunday. If they win, they can seriously dent South Africa’s goal of ending on top in Group 1.

The ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026. Image: X/ICC 

In Group 2, England have locked in top spot in Group 2 and a semi-final berth thanks to a narrow victory over New Zealand on Friday evening.  New Zealand’s place in the semi-final will now be determined by the outcome of the Sri Lanka/Pakistan fixture.

They still sit in second, though a Pakistan victory over the co-hosts (who are out of the running for a top two spot) means we’ll see the sides only separated by net run rate. 

Pakistan

Whilst dependent on the first innings total in the match, a Pakistan win of 65 runs or more, or a successful chase inside around 13 overs would knock New Zealand out.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet on Saturday (28/2) in Kandy.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg