 "What happens to India if South Africa or West Indies win their T20 World Cup match")
As the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 nears its end, India’s semi-final place is still not confirmed. What’s worse is that the hopes of qualifying are not even in their own hands anymore. The result of the ongoing South Africa vs West Indies match in Ahmedabad has a direct impact on what happens next for the Men in Blue, who are preparing to face Zimbabwe in Chennai later today.
Follow LIVE | West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8
India are currently in a tricky situation after their heavy defeat to South Africa earlier in the Super 8 stage. That loss significantly hurt their net run rate and also put pressure on them to win their remaining matches by big margins. Tonight’s game against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is already a must-win. But apart from winning, India also need other results to go in their favour.
What will happen if South Africa win?
If South Africa win against West Indies in Ahmedabad, it will make things slightly clearer for India. South Africa would move ahead at the top of the points table with four points and almost confirm their semi-final place. In that case, India’s main competition for the second spot would be against the West Indies. India would just need to beat Zimbabwe and also defeat West Indies in their final Super 8 match to qualify easily without relying on net run rate.
What will happen if West Indies win?
If West Indies defeat South Africa, Group 1 will become more complicated. It will become a three-way tie for South Africa, West Indies and India, who could end up fighting closely for two semi-final spots with two wins and four points each. In that situation, net run rate would decide who qualifies. India would not only need to win both their matches but also hope that margins in other games help their position.
West Indies fight back after early wickets vs South Africa
West Indies posted a fighting total of 176/8 in 20 overs against South Africa in their Super 8 clash in Ahmedabad. After being asked to bat first, the Caribbean side had a shaky start but recovered well in the second half of the innings thanks to a world record partnership between Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder.
The innings began in aggressive fashion as Brandon King smashed 21 off 11 balls, while captain Shai Hope scored a quick 16 off just six deliveries. However, South Africa hit back quickly. Kagiso Rabada removed Hope and Shimron Hetmyer in the same over, and Lungi Ngidi also struck early to reduce West Indies to 43/4 inside four overs.
Things kept getting worse as wickets fell at regular intervals. At one stage West Indies were struggling at 83/7 in the 11th over. South Africa looked completely in control with their disciplined bowling attack. But Romario Shepherd had other plans. The all-rounder played a superb unbeaten knock of 52 off 37 balls. He got good support from Jason Holder, who scored an important 49 off 31 balls.
 "India, Israel elevate ties to special strategic partnership; PM Modi calls it ‘reflection of aspirations of both nations’")
 "Anthropic faces blacklisting by Pentagon. Why is the AI firm battling with Trump administration?")
 "Trump vowed to end Ukraine war in 24 hours, but he still can’t — Putin’s maximalist goals to blame?")
 "Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Privacy display is not a gimmick, here is why")
 "India, Israel elevate ties to special strategic partnership; PM Modi calls it ‘reflection of aspirations of both nations’")
 "Anthropic faces blacklisting by Pentagon. Why is the AI firm battling with Trump administration?")
 "Trump vowed to end Ukraine war in 24 hours, but he still can’t — Putin’s maximalist goals to blame?")
 "Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Privacy display is not a gimmick, here is why")
