The first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 will take place on March 4.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final qualification scenarios are getting heated up with each Super Eights clash. The defending champions and title favourites, India, have taken a major hit in their semi-final qualification chances after a huge 76-run loss against South Africa. For this, the side will now have to win both of their remaining fixtures with big margins, improving their net run rate, to advance to the knockouts.
The tricky qualification path for the hosts has made the fans doubt whether they will get refunds for the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final tickets. Notably, it was pre-decided that if qualified, India will play the semi-final 1 and the final in Kolkata and Ahmedabad, respectively.
But if Pakistan or Sri Lanka qualifies for the semi-final, then the fixture will be moved to Colombo. The final will also not take place in Ahmedabad if the Men in Green make it to the summit clash.
Coming into India’s net run rate mess, the West Indies’ mammoth 107-run victory over Zimbabwe last night has made it more difficult for Suryakumar Yadav and Co. to make it to the top two from Group 1. The Caribbeans are currently at the top of the table with a massive net run rate advantage of 5.350, followed by the Proteas in second place with 3.800.
Considering multiple teams might finish at four points, India will not only play in back-to-back do-or-die fixtures but also need to overcome the net run rate equations. However, with the tickets for the T20 World Cup 2026 knockouts going live on Tuesday, the ICC has confirmed refunds for the buyers if the respective fixtures move out from the Indian venues.
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The dark horses Zimbabwe had registered two major upsets by beating Australia and Sri Lanka in the group stage of the mega T20 championship. They had also entered the Super Eights as the table-toppers of Group B with an unbeaten run. But the team’s momentum has been pushed on the backfoot by Shai Hope and men.
India would look to take advantage of that, as they are desperate for a strong comeback to seal a place in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final. The two sides will lock horns in Chennai on February 26.
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