South Africa Seal Semi-Final Berth as India Knock Out Zimbabwe

South Africa became the second team after England to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup, booking their place after India defeated Zimbabwe in Chennai on Thursday night.

Earlier in the day, South Africa strengthened their position with a crucial win over West Indies, moving to four points in the Super Eight stage. Their qualification was confirmed later when India’s victory eliminated Zimbabwe from contention.

South Africa will conclude their Super Eight campaign against Zimbabwe in Delhi on Sunday afternoon. Later the same day, India and West Indies — both on two points — will clash in a virtual knockout encounter in Kolkata to determine the second semi-finalist from Group 1. Although West Indies hold a superior net run rate of 1.791 compared to India’s -0.100, that advantage will only come into play if rain forces a washout at Eden Gardens.

In Group 2, England secured their semi-final berth after victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka, climbing to the top of the table with four points. New Zealand currently sit second after defeating Sri Lanka in Colombo on Wednesday, a result that ended the co-hosts’ hopes of progression.

New Zealand can eliminate all remaining qualification scenarios with a win over England at the same venue on Friday. Such a result would see them top the group with five points and set up a semi-final against the second-placed team from Group 1.

However, if England prevail, they will finish first in the group with six points and keep Pakistan’s hopes alive. Pakistan would then need a commanding victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday to overturn a significant net run rate deficit and surpass New Zealand.

Should Pakistan be eliminated, both semi-finals are set to be held in India, with matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai on March 4 and 5.