The World Cup Super-8 is heading towards an exciting finish, as the group one has become complicated after India’s defeat against South Africa. In the Thursday double header, India will play against Zimbabwe. To secure their place in the semis, India has to win all their next matches and also have to rely on others to get into the semis.
Qualification scenario for India
If the West Indies secures a victory against South Africa, the situation will become more complex. If India wins its next two matches, it means that the West Indies will likely lose to India. In this scenario, both India and the West Indies would finish with four points. Additionally, if South Africa loses today but wins against Zimbabwe later, all three teams, India, West Indies, and South Africa, will end up with four points. In this case, net run rate will play a crucial role in determining the standings.
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While describing the iconic Chepauk, Sikandar Raza reflects on MS Dhoni 🥹💛#Cricket #T20WC #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/ws4jxDLoXi
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 26, 2026
What will happen if India loses this match?
India has no other option but to win the match; if the upset happens, then India has to cut the ticket to home. There will be no way left for them and have to wait to be officially disqualified from the tournament. But a victory for the Proteas would hand the Men in Blue a chance to enter the semi-final race. If Aiden Markram’s side defeats Shai Hope’s team, India would remain mathematically alive even in the event of a loss to Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe.
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However, the equation is layered. India would then require South Africa to beat Zimbabwe on March 1, while they must secure a win against the West Indies the same day. In that scenario, South Africa would qualify outright, leaving the remaining sides tied on points. The net run rate would then determine the second qualifier.
