india national cricket team vs netherlands national cricket team standings: India beat Netherlands as Super 8s picture finalised
India's victory over the Netherlands on Feb. 18, 2026 (ET) kept their unbeaten run intact and wrapped up a group-stage campaign that helped confirm the eight teams progressing to the Super 8s. Pakistan's emphatic win over Namibia completed the last available slot, leaving several notable sides eliminated and settling qualification consequences for the next World Cup cycle.
Match recap: India maintain momentum
India delivered a composed performance against the Netherlands to take another step toward the tournament's business end. The result preserved India's clean sweep in the group stage and left the Netherlands without the points needed to trouble the top places. With their final pool match rendered inconsequential by Pakistan's parallel result, the Netherlands exit the competition earlier than many had hoped.
India had already secured progression with strong wins earlier in the group, including a stand-out victory over Pakistan that boosted their position at the summit. The team’s consistency with both bat and ball across the first four fixtures underscored why they enter the Super 8s as firm favourites.
Standings and who advances to the Super 8s
The Super 8s line-up is now complete: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, West Indies, England, South Africa and New Zealand. Pakistan clinched the final berth with a dominant win over Namibia, while Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe sealed their places through a combination of strong performances and a washout that benefited Zimbabwe. Several pre-tournament contenders – including the USA, the Netherlands, Namibia, Ireland, Australia and Oman – bowed out during the group phase.
Net run rate played a decisive role in the shaping of final group positions. Pakistan’s earlier defeat to India dented their net run rate, which briefly threatened their path through the groups; they responded emphatically in their last game to move into the second qualifying spot in their pool. The Netherlands’ narrow margin for error evaporated when results elsewhere fell against them, making their final group fixture effectively academic.
Qualification ripple effects and what comes next
Progression to the Super 8s carries stakes beyond the current tournament: teams advancing have secured automatic entry into the next World Cup cycle. Co-hosts of the upcoming edition already hold guaranteed places, and the remaining automatic qualification slots will be finalised through the rankings cut-off after the tournament concludes. That framework means several teams have now locked in early access to the next global event while others will need to chase places through regional pathways or ranking slots.
Attention now turns to the Super 8s draw and the remaining group fixtures on Feb. 19–20 (ET). The eight qualifying nations will regroup and prepare for more high-stakes encounters, with margin for error narrowing and the tournament shifting into its knockout-focused phase. For eliminated teams, the focus turns to lessons learned and planning for the next qualification cycle.
The Super 8s begin shortly after the group stage concludes, and the coming fixtures will clarify which sides are peaking at the right moment. Fans can expect an intensified tactical battle as teams adjust line-ups and strategies for the deeper rounds.
