The Group D Super 8 scenarios for the T20 World Cup 2026 promise a tough competition in what many call the ‘Group of Death’. The group includes last edition’s runners-up, South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
Take a look at every squad for the T20 World Cup 2026
Unlike other groups, Group D stands out as it does not feature any former world champion sides. However, it has recent finalists South Africa and New Zealand, along with T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finalists Afghanistan. These three teams are expected to be involved in an intense battle for Super 8 spots. Canada and the UAE will look to perform out of their skin and create an upset threat to these high-ranked teams to keep their Group D Super 8 scenarios alive.
Let’s take a closer look at the Group D Super 8 scenarios for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Last updated on February 10, 2026.
| Pos | Team | Played | Won | Lost | N/R | NRR | Points |
| 1 | New Zealand | 2 | 2 | 0 | – | +1.919 | 4 |
| 2 | South Africa | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | +2.850 | 2 |
| 3 | Afghanistan | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | -1.162 | 0 |
| 4 | UAE | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | -2.763 | 0 |
| 5 | Canada | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | -2.850 | 0 |
In Group D Super 8 scenarios for the T20 World Cup 2026, a team generally needs six points (three wins) to qualify without depending on other results.
After today’s match, New Zealand are topping the points table, with South Africa in second place.
Here’s a breakdown of Group D Super 8 scenarios and which teams have the edge.
The Kiwis have begun the tournament well, winning against Afghanistan by five wickets and then defeating the UAE by 10 wickets. But the question remains the same: what does New Zealand need to qualify for Super 8 from Group D? With two matches remaining against South Africa and Canada, they need to win only one game, and their strong net run rate makes them likely to reach the next stage.
South Africa have started their campaign with a comfortable win against Canada. With matches against the UAE, New Zealand and Afghanistan, the Proteas are expected to reach six points. However, given their past issues with unexpected World Cup losses to lower-ranked sides, the Aiden Markram-led side must avoid any slip-up in the games against Afghanistan and UAE.
Afghanistan face a tougher road after losing their opening game. What does Afghanistan need to qualify from Group D? They must defeat Canada and the UAE and also pull off a surprise win against South Africa to reach six points. Strong performances from Rashid Khan and the spin unit will be crucial to keep their Group D Super 8 qualification hopes alive. Afghanistan also boasts an advantage in that they play the last Group D match against Canada, allowing them to know exactly what they need if net run rate comes into play.
Canada have come across a denting defeat against South Africa, where the difference in quality was visible. They will find it tough to advance, but it is still mathematically possible. What does Canada need to qualify for Super 8 from Group D? They must beat the UAE and then pull off at least one major upset against Afghanistan and New Zealand to stay in contention.
The UAE faces a difficult challenge in the T20 World Cup 2026 Group D Super 8 situations. What does the UAE need to qualify for Super 8 from Group D? They lost their first match against New Zealand. With three games left against Canada, Afghanistan, and South Africa, they must win all to have a chance to reach the Super 8 stage.
New Zealand lead Group D after wins over Afghanistan and the UAE. South Africa are in second place. Net Run Rate (NRR) will likely play a significant role in deciding the T20 World Cup 2026 Group D Super 8 qualification scenarios, especially if teams end up with the same points.
According to ICC rules:
A common question is whether a team can qualify with four points in Group D. The answer is yes, but it will depend heavily on the results of other matches and the net run rate.
New Zealand need at least one more win to reach six points and secure qualification. They can also top the Group D points table if they continue to dominate.
South Africa must avoid upsets against lower-ranked teams and aim for wins in at least three matches, one of which they have won against Canada.
After a defeat against New Zealand, Afghanistan must win all their Group D matches against South Africa, Canada and the UAE for direct qualification. A defeat, on the other hand, may affect their T20 World Cup 2026 Group D Super 8 qualification scenarios.
Canada need wins against the UAE and at least two strong teams to stay in the race. Their defeat against the Proteas will affect their chances.
The UAE face a difficult task and will need several upsets to have a chance in the T20 World Cup 2026 Group D scenarios.
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