The race for the remaining semi-final spots at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has entered its most gripping phase. Two teams have already confirmed their places in the last four: South Africa from Group 1 and England from Group 2. That leaves four sides still vying for the remaining berths—West Indies and India in Group 1, alongside New Zealand and Pakistan in Group 2.
Unfortunately for Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, both have been eliminated, failing to secure the results necessary to remain in contention during the Super Eight stage.
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Group 2: England Confirmed, One Spot Up For Grabs
With England already guaranteed a semi-final place, all eyes now turn to who will join them.
Group 2 Standings
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +1.49 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | +3.05 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | –0.46 |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | –2.80 |
England v New Zealand — Colombo
A win for England will secure the top spot in Group 2.
A defeat would see England finish second, potentially setting up a semi-final clash against the Group 1 leaders.
For New Zealand, victory ensures progression to the semi-finals.
Even if the match is abandoned, New Zealand would still qualify.
Should New Zealand lose, they would need a favourable net run rate calculation—dependent on a comprehensive Pakistan victory over Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka v Pakistan — Pallekele (28 February)
Pakistan’s fate is largely out of their hands. A New Zealand win over England—or even a washout—would eliminate Pakistan.
The only scenario in which Pakistan advances is if New Zealand lose, allowing Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka convincingly and overcome the net run rate deficit.
Sri Lanka, having already lost both fixtures, are eliminated.
This scenario leaves New Zealand in a commanding position, while Pakistan must rely on both favourable circumstances and a commanding performance to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Group 1: A De Facto Quarter-Final
Group 1 presents a more straightforward scenario. South Africa have already qualified and now aim to confirm top spot in the group.
Group 1 Standings
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +2.89 |
| West Indies | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | +1.79 |
| India | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | –0.10 |
| Zimbabwe | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | –4.48 |
Zimbabwe v South Africa — Delhi (1 March)
South Africa are through to the semi-finals regardless of the outcome. A win will, however, secure top spot in the group.
Zimbabwe have already been eliminated following defeats in their first two matches and will play purely for pride.
India v West Indies — Kolkata (1 March)
Effectively a quarter-final, the winner of this match will advance to the semi-finals.
If the game is abandoned, West Indies would progress courtesy of their superior net run rate.
India must win outright to secure semi-final qualification, while West Indies could advance without needing a victory on the field.
As the Super Eight stage concludes, all permutations, net run rate calculations, and weather contingencies combine to make the remaining fixtures a dramatic precursor to the semi-finals. With only two semi-final spots still undecided, cricket fans are in for a tense and electrifying finish.