The race for the remaining semi-final positions at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has entered a nail-biting stage. Two teams have already booked their passage to the last four: South Africa from Group 1 and England from Group 2. That leaves four sides still vying for the remaining semi-final berths—West Indies and India in Group 1, alongside New Zealand and Pakistan in Group 2.
For Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, the tournament is over, having failed to achieve the results necessary to remain in contention during the Super Eight stage.
Group 2: England Safe, One Spot Remains
With England already guaranteed a semi-final berth, the focus now shifts to which team will join them.
Group 2 Standings
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +1.49 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | +3.05 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | –0.46 |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | –2.80 |
England v New Zealand — Colombo
A win for England will ensure they top Group 2.
A defeat would drop them to second place, potentially pitting them against the Group 1 leaders in the semi-finals.
For New Zealand, victory guarantees progression.
Even in the event of an abandoned match, New Zealand would still qualify.
A loss would leave New Zealand reliant on net run rate calculations and a convincing Pakistan win over Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka v Pakistan — Pallekele (28 February)
Pakistan’s fate is largely out of their control. A New Zealand win over England—or a washout—would see them eliminated.
Pakistan can only advance if New Zealand lose, and they must then beat Sri Lanka convincingly to overcome the net run rate deficit.
Sri Lanka, already out, have nothing to play for.
This leaves New Zealand in a strong position, while Pakistan must depend on both favourable circumstances and a dominant performance to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Group 1: A De Facto Quarter-Final
Group 1 presents a clearer scenario. South Africa have already qualified and now aim to secure top spot.
Group 1 Standings
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +2.89 |
| West Indies | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | +1.79 |
| India | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | –0.10 |
| Zimbabwe | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | –4.48 |
Zimbabwe v South Africa — Delhi (1 March)
South Africa are already through; a win would confirm them as group leaders.
Zimbabwe, eliminated after two defeats, will play purely for pride.
India v West Indies — Kolkata (1 March)
Effectively a quarter-final, the winner of this match advances to the semi-finals.
If the game is abandoned, West Indies would progress due to a superior net run rate.
India must win outright to qualify, while West Indies could reach the semi-finals without securing a victory on the field.
