Salman Agha Suryakumar Yadav for iND vs PAK at T20 World Cup 2026. Image Credits: AFP
India's crushing defeat at the hands of South Arica exposed quite a few tactical and batting issues in the team after they entered the ICC Men's T20 World Cup as favourites.
The huge loss has brought India's net run rate down to -3.800 with two matches to go, meaning they would need to win both the games by big margins if they don't want the NRR to be a roadblock for them.
On the other hand, South Africa have set themselves up nicely for a semi-final berth alongside England, who won their first match as well. Interestingly, due to a washout, Pakistan also currently stand a better chance to reach the next stage of the tournament, while worries mount for India.
Also Read: “Embarrasing”: India Slammed After Shocking Defeat Vs South Africa In T20 World Cup Super 8
Team-wise chances for T20 World Cup SF spots: Pakistan above India
Following the abandoned Pakistan vs New Zealand match, England's win against Sri Lanka and South Africa's win over India, a fan analysed team-wise chances for making it to the next round. Considering the remaining fixtures, net run rates and team forms, it is derived that the Proteas are the best-suited team to reach the final-four alongside England.
The same post kept India below the West Indies and Zimbabwe in Group A. For Group B, Pakistan and New Zealand have similar chances and co-hosts Sri Lanka find themselves at the bottom. Even Sri Lanka have a poor net run-rate of -2.550 after their loss against England.
Which teams have the best chances of T20 World Cup semi-final?
Group A:
South Africa - 90%
West Indies - 50%
Zimbabwe - 50%
India - 30%
Group B:
England - 80%
Pakistan - 50%
New Zealand - 50%
Sri Lanka - 20%
How can India still qualify for T20 World Cup semi-final?
Having lost the first match of the Super 8, India will face both West Indies and Zimbabwe in a do-or-die scenario. They will have to clinch both games, preferably with big margins. Additionally, if they want to keep the net run-rate out of the picture, they will hope for South Africa to also win both their matches.
The above scenarios would mean South Africa will finish first in their group, followed by India in the second spot. In such a scenario, they face the table toppers from the other Super 8 group in the semis.
Can India play Pakistan in the T20 World Cup again?
The recent India vs Pakistan game had ended in the total domination from Men in Blue in Colombo, winning by 61 runs despite Pakistan being in form. While none of the teams has yet to win any of their Super 8 matches, it is still possible that we get India vs Pakistan in the further rounds of the tournament.
If India finish second in their group behind the Proteas and Pakistan beat England and Sri Lanka to top the group, they can face off in the semi-final. In another case, if both teams finish second and win the respective semi-finals, they can collide again in the final of the tournament.
