T20 World Cup 2026: Super 8 Group 1 qualification scenarios explained ahead of SA vs WI and IND vs ZIM clash

T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Group 1 qualification scenarios explained ahead of South Africa vs West Indies and India vs Zimbabwe clashes, including how Net Run Rate could decide semi-final spots.

Team India (Image Credit: BCCI)

The matches on February 26 is going to be quite crucial for Group 1 and will decide the fate of the semi-finalist. The first match is up between South Africa and West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad at 3 PM IST followed by India vs Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai at 7 PM IST.

The encounters are crucial for all the teams and hence, it is going to be an interesting day for the game of cricket. Let's talk about the qualification scenarios of all the teams in Group 1. For the unversed, from Group 2, England have qualified and the competition is now between New Zealand and Pakistan.

India's qualification scenarios

The simple scenario for India is to win the upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies. This is the best way they can qualify without having to depend on anyone else. However, if India do lose any one game, they'll have to depend on South Africa or West Indies. If South Africa beat West Indies, India and the Proteas will qualify. But if South Africa lose to West Indies and beat Zimbabwe, then three teams will be stuck at four points and the qualification will move to the NRR to be the tie-breaker.

If India bat first against Zimbabwe,

If India bowl first,

South Africa's qualification scenarios

South Africa's dominant performance against India in the first game certainly helped them with the NRR. Now, they'll have to look to defeat West Indies in the next clash and they'll be through to the semi-finals. However, if they lose the match, they'll have to beat Zimbabwe and as mentioned above, if the three teams have four points each, the NRR will be the tie-breaker. Currently, SA's NRR is +3.80, which means they are in the safe zone as of now. Just a victory against West Indies will help them qualify.

West Indies' qualification scenarios

Similar to South Africa, the Caribbean nation will also have to win their upcoming matches and maintain their NRR which is currently +5.35. If they lose against South Africa, they'll have to beat India to qualify for the semi-finals. But if they lose both the games, then India and South Africa will qualify, provided India have won against Zimbabwe.

India vs Zimbabwe match is schedul ed on February 26 while India vs West Indies match is scheduled on March 1. Similarly, South Africa vs West Indies is on February 26 while South Africa vs Zimbabwe is on March 1. All the matches are co-related to each other and on the same dates as well.

Also read: How can India qualify for semi-finals after loss to South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026?

Where to watch India vs Zimbabwe match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs Zimbabwe match on February 26 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson: Who should open for India?

Share