ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Team India now under pressure to win next two Super 8 matches on a better run-rate, will India have to rely on other teams to reach semifinals
ICC T20 World Cup 2026: World champion Team India suffered its biggest defeat in the history of the T20 World Cup. On Sunday, they were defeated by South Africa by 76 runs in their first Super 8 match. This ended India's winning streak in the tournament. Previously, India had won 12 consecutive matches.
While the Indian team won all four matches in the group stage, this defeat not only exposed Team India's many shortcomings but also showed that despite being the favorite, their journey ahead in the tournament will not be easy.
As the Super 8s approach, questions are being raised about the Indian openers. After scoring zero runs in three matches, Abhishek Sharma managed to open his account against South Africa but failed to score more than 15 runs.
Pressure will now be on Team India
The pressure will now be on Team India to not only win the next two Super 8 matches, but also win them on a better run-rate.
Moreover, in the new potential scenario, India may have to rely on other teams to reach the semifinals.
India has to play its next two matches against the West Indies and Zimbabwe. If India wins both of its matches and South Africa also wins both of its matches, Team India will have 4 points and South Africa 6, easily qualifying for the semifinals.
If India suffers another defeat, it risks being eliminated from the World Cup altogether. If India wins both of its matches and South Africa loses one, both teams will have 4 points each.
The team that loses to South Africa will need to lose its next match
Furthermore, for India to retain its chances, the team that loses to South Africa will need to lose its next match. For example, if the West Indies defeat South Africa. In such a situation, the match between Zimbabwe and the West Indies will become crucial. India will then have to hope that Zimbabwe beats the West Indies. In this case, the West Indies and Zimbabwe will each be left with two points, while India and South Africa will qualify with four points each.