After two weeks of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, only three teams have booked their berths for the next round while the remaining teams are vying for the remaining 5 berths.
In a rare event, 2021 champions Australia are in danger of being eliminated at the first hurdle, leaving the United States with a slim chance of advancing.
advertise
Al Jazeera has analyzed in detail the opportunities and pathways to advance to the Super Eight:
Which teams have advanced to the Super Eights?
Defending champions India became the latest team to improve, joining West Indies and South Africa with a win over Pakistan on Sunday.
Which teams dropped out of the Super Eights?
Namibia, Nepal and Oman have been eliminated from the tournament after losing all three of their group matches. They will each play one remaining group game, but that won’t matter to their chances of advancing.
Can Pakistan still advance to the Super Eights?
A win over Namibia in their final group game would see Pakistan advance to the next stage, but a defeat could see them lock horns with the United States in a net-margin battle.
advertise
Currently, the 2009 champions have a net run rate of 0.932, which is higher than the United States’ 0.788, but a loss to Namibia and its disparity could change those numbers and put Pakistan in trouble.
Interactive – Winner – T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup – 2026 – FEB3, 2026-1770220856
Can Australia really be eliminated from the T20 World Cup?
While it has happened before – in 2009 – the prospect of Australia crashing out of the World Cup in the group stages will come as a shock to cricket fans who are used to seeing men in yellow and gold dominate the global tournament.
Australia must win their remaining two games, against Sri Lanka on Monday and Oman on Friday, to be in a strong position to qualify for the Super Eights.
advertise
However, winning two games may not be enough for Australia as they could still be eliminated from the World Cup based on net win. A much-needed win would take them to six points, but the current joint leaders – Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe – can also end the group with six points each.
The 2021 champions hope Zimbabwe beats Sri Lanka or the African team loses to Ireland.
If Australia loses to Sri Lanka, they will need to beat Oman to take four points. Before that final group game, Australia wanted Zimbabwe to lose two games and finish with two points.
Which other teams can still advance to the Super Eight?
Group A: Pakistan are favorites to claim the second qualifying spot, while the United States remains in contention.
advertise
Group B: Three teams – Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Australia – can all advance, making this group the most exciting of the four teams in the final round.
Group C: If England beats Italy in the final group match, they will advance to the Super Eights.
Group D: New Zealand are confident of beating lower-ranked Canada in the next round to advance alongside current group leader South Africa. While Afghanistan are still in contention, their only chance of qualifying is if they beat Canada and New Zealand lose to Canada.
When will the T20 World Cup Super Eights be held?
The second phase of the competition lasts from February 21st to March 1st.
Interactive – Winner – T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup – 2026 – FEB3, 2026 copy-1770220851
