COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: After two weeks of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, four teams have secured their places in the Super Eights, while 13 others remain in contention for the remaining five spots.
Cohosts Sri Lanka became the latest side to progress with a win over Australia on Monday.
They join defending champions India, two-time winners West Indies, England, and South Africa in the next stage of the tournament.
Teams eliminated
Namibia, Nepal, and Oman have been knocked out after losing all three of their group matches.
Although they have one remaining group game each, the results will not affect their progression.
Pakistan’s path to Super Eights
Pakistan will advance to the Super Eights stage by defeating Namibia in their group match.
A loss could see them face the United States, with net run rate determining which side progresses.
Currently, Pakistan holds a net run rate of 0.932, ahead of the USA’s 0.788. However, the margin of defeat in their final match could put Pakistan in jeopardy.
Australia at risk of early exit
2021 champions Australia are in danger of being eliminated in the group stage, a scenario that shocked cricket fans.
After losing their second game, Australia must defeat Oman by a significant margin and rely on other Group B results to advance.
Even with a win, net run rate could still eliminate the men in yellow.
Mitchell Marsh’s side would reach four points with a victory over Oman, but Zimbabwe, currently second in the group, could finish with four, six, or eight points.
For Australia to qualify, Zimbabwe would need to lose to Sri Lanka and Ireland, leaving them on two points.
Other teams in contention
- Group A: Pakistan are favourites for the second qualification spot, with the USA still in contention.
- Group B: Zimbabwe or Australia could advance, making it the most closely contested group.
- Group C: West Indies and England have already qualified.
- Group D: New Zealand can join group leaders South Africa with a win over lower-ranked Canada.
- Afghanistan remain in contention, but only if they defeat Canada and New Zealand lose to the same side.
Super Eights schedule
The Super Eights stage will run from February 21 to March 1, with teams competing for places in the semi-finals.
The final round of group matches promises intense competition as teams fight for survival and aim to reach the last eight of the T20 World Cup.
