South Africa Secures Semi-Final Spot After India’s Victory Over Zimbabwe
South Africa has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup, following India’s victory over Zimbabwe. The match took place in Chennai on Thursday night, effectively knocking Zimbabwe out of the tournament. This performance marks South Africa as the second team to reach the semi-finals, alongside England.
Match Highlights and Group Standings
Earlier on Thursday, South Africa triumphed over the West Indies, earning four points in the Super Eight stage. They are set to face Zimbabwe again in their final match in Delhi on Sunday afternoon. The results from this match will influence the final team to qualify from Group 1.
Upcoming Matches
- India vs. West Indies – Kolkata
- Zimbabwe vs. South Africa – Delhi
On Sunday, India and West Indies will face off in Kolkata. Both teams currently hold two points. The outcome of this match will determine the second semi-finalist from Group 1, with West Indies having a superior net run rate of 1.791 compared to India’s -0.100. However, potential rain could impact the match.
Group 2 Overview
In Group 2, England has maintained its position at the top after defeating both Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They have four points and also secured a semi-final spot. Meanwhile, New Zealand is currently in second place after a victory against Sri Lanka in Colombo, which eliminated the co-hosts from contention.
Key Matches to Watch
- New Zealand vs. England – Colombo
- Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka – Saturday
If New Zealand wins against England on Friday, they will finalize their qualification and lead Group 2 with five points. Conversely, an England victory will allow them to top the group with six points, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive. For Pakistan to advance, they must achieve a significant win over Sri Lanka to improve their net run rate.
Future Scheduling
If Pakistan fails to qualify, both semi-finals will be hosted in India, scheduled for March 4 and 5 in Kolkata and Mumbai respectively. The tournament’s progression continues to promise intense and thrilling matches as teams vie for semi-final spots.
