The Super 8 phase of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is officially set, with all eight qualifying teams now confirmed. After a gripping opening round, cricket’s global showpiece has moved into its second group phase, where the top performers will battle for spots in the semi-finals.
The Super 8 matches will run from February 21 to March 1. Teams will compete in a round-robin format within their respective groups. The stakes are high, as only four teams will move forward.
Group 1 of the Super 8s features India, Zimbabwe, the West Indies, and South Africa. Group 2 comprises England, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Each side will play the other three teams in its group once. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinal round, setting up the final push toward the title.
Group 1: Heavyweights and an Underdog
India entered the Super 8 stage in commanding fashion after strong performances in the opening round, including a win over Pakistan that highlighted their pace and depth. Zimbabwe also booked their spot, keeping alive one of the tournament’s most unexpected stories after a washout against Ireland sealed their qualification. West Indies and South Africa have shown consistent form, making Group 1 one of the more unpredictable sections of the Super 8s.
| Group 1 | Group 2 |
|---|---|
| India | England |
| Zimbabwe | New Zealand |
| West Indies | Pakistan |
| South Africa | Sri Lanka |
Group 2: Balanced and Competitive
In Group 2, England and New Zealand have already secured places, while Pakistan sealed the final Super 8 berth with a dominant victory over Namibia. Co-hosts Sri Lanka also advanced, buoyed by strong home support.
Alongside the Super 8 action, the teams that reach this stage have also locked in automatic qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028. That means all Super 8 participants, including New Zealand and others, will have a place in the next event in Australia and New Zealand.
Cricket fans can expect intense competition in every match. The Super 8 stage does not carry over any points or run rate from the opening round. With each team starting from zero, every contest has real stakes as semifinal spots hang in the balance. The knockout phase will take place on March 4 and March 5, with the final scheduled at the conclusion of the tournament.
