Team India’s Title Defence Dream Still Alive; Here's How Suryakumar Yadav & Co. Can Reach T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final

T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India clinched a commanding 72-run win over Sikandar Raza's Zimbabwe in the Super Eight fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday, February 26.

Hardik Pandya was named Player of the Match following his resounding knock in the first innings. Pandya remained unbeaten and scored 50 runs off 23 balls at a strike rate of 217.39. The Indian batters delivered a solid performance, easing the complications surrounding their qualification scenario for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026.

ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly Calls For Auqib Nabi's Inclusion In The Indian team After Fiery Ranji Trophy Campaign

Here's How India Can Qualify For Semi-Finals In T20 World Cup 2026

Currently, India and West Indies both have two points in their Group 1 standings in the Super Eight. However, West Indies occupy second place with a net run rate of +1.791, while India sit third with a net run rate of -0.100.

To qualify for the semi-finals, the Men in Blue must defeat West Indies in their upcoming clash without relying on other results or net run rate calculations.

India’s clash against West Indies on Sunday, March 1, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata will effectively serve as a virtual quarter-final. The winner of this battle will secure a spot in the semi-finals.

ALSO WATCH: 'Pardon? I'm Bennett': Journo Makes Hilarious Identity Goof-up While Asking Brian Bennett About Not Getting T20 WC Century 

India's Run In T20 World Cup 2026

India had a stunning start to the T20 World Cup 2026, winning all four of their group-stage matches. They began their campaign with a 29-run victory over the United States of America (USA) in Mumbai on February 7. The Men in Blue then defeated Namibia by 93 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on February 12.

After that, India traveled to Colombo to face arch-rivals Pakistan, where Suryakumar Yadav and his team clinched a 61-run win on February 15. They wrapped up the group stage with a 17-run victory over the Netherlands.

However, Team India suffered a setback in the Super Eight, conceding a disappointing 76-run defeat to South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 22. That loss ended India’s 12-match winning streak in the T20 World Cup. But the Men in Blue bounced back strongly with a 72-run win over Zimbabwe.