After South Africa defeated India by a massive 76 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Now, India has a net run rate of -3.800 and their chances of reaching the semi-final have become more difficult.
The South Africa National Cricket team defeated the defending champions, the India National Cricket Team, by a massive 76 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With this loss, India is now under serious pressure, and their net run rate is quite bad; they now have to do some extraordinary things to remain in contention for the semi-finals.
South Africa played exceptional cricket with both bat and ball against India and broke the undefeated streak of the India National Cricket Team in the ICC events after the 2023 World Cup Final. Now, India has a net run rate of -3.800 and their chances of reaching the semi-final have become more difficult.
India’s Current Position in Super 8 Group 1
|
Pos
|
Team
|
Matches
|
Won
|
Lost
|
NR
|
Points
|
NRR
|
|
1
|
South Africa
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
+3.800
|
|
2
|
###PROTECTED_4###
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0.000
|
|
3
|
###PROTECTED_5###
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0.000
|
|
4
|
India
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
-3.800
|
India must win both Remaining Matches.
If India wins both the remaining matches of the Super 8 round, they will have 4 points, but this will only keep their semi-final hopes alive. However, India must also win by big margins to improve their net run rate, as if multiple teams finish with equal points, NRR is going to play a crucial role in qualification for the semi-finals.
India will be playing their next in Chennai and Kolkata against Zimbabwe and the West Indies, respectively. Both venues are known for their spin-friendly wickets, but at the same time, batters also enjoy playing on this surface.
Best Scenarios for India to Qualify
- India won both matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies.
- South Africa wins all their remaining matches.
In this case, South Africa will be the table topper with 6 points and undefeated, while India will finish in second spot with 4 points. Zimbabwe and West Indies, on the other hand, will have fewer points than India, so in this scenario, India will directly qualify for the semi-final.
Dangerous Scenario for India
If India, the West Indies and South Africa finish with equal points, then the net run rate will decide the semi-finals qualification. Since India’s net run rate is currently very low, they might miss the chance to qualify for the semi-finals. However, India can improve their net run rate by winning matches with big margins or chasing targets quickly.
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