The group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is reaching its decisive phase, and the tournament has already delivered one of its biggest shocks.
Zimbabwe have sealed a historic qualification to the Super Eights, while former champions Australia have been eliminated before the knockout stage for the first time in the competition’s history.
As matches unfold across India and Sri Lanka, the qualification race has brought drama, surprise performances, and shifting momentum, with several teams already booking their Super Eight spots and others clinging to fading hopes.
Dominant India March Ahead With Authority
India have lived up to their status as defending champions, topping Group A with six points and an imposing net run rate of +3.050. Their campaign has been marked by composure, depth, and match-winning performances across departments.
After surviving early jitters against the USA in their opener, India found momentum quickly. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 84 in that match proved crucial, setting the tone for what followed. Comprehensive wins against Namibia and arch-rivals Pakistan underlined India’s balance and adaptability in pressure situations.
With multiple players contributing at different stages, India look settled and confident as they head into the Super Eights.
Sri Lanka Shine at Home, Send Australia Packing
Co-hosts Sri Lanka have been one of the standout teams of the tournament. Topping Group B with six points and a net run rate of +2.462, they combined fearless batting with disciplined bowling.
Their defining moment came against Australia in Kandy. Chasing 182, opener Pathum Nissanka produced one of the innings of the tournament, smashing an unbeaten century to guide Sri Lanka to a dominant eight-wicket win. That victory not only sealed their own qualification but also effectively ended Australia’s campaign.
Earlier wins over Ireland and Oman showcased Sri Lanka’s depth, making them a formidable force heading into the next phase.
West Indies Rediscover Their T20 Mojo
Group C leaders West Indies have reminded the cricketing world why they remain one of T20 cricket’s most dangerous teams. With six points and a net run rate of +1.820, their aggressive batting approach has paid rich dividends.
Victories over Scotland and Nepal were convincing, but it was their performance against England that sent a strong message. Sherfane Rutherford’s blistering knock powered them to a massive total, while the bowling unit backed it up with discipline and intent.
With Daren Sammy now guiding the team from the dugout, memories of their 2016 triumph have begun to resurface.
South Africa Blend Firepower With Composure
South Africa have quietly gone about their business in Group D, collecting six points and maintaining an unbeaten run. Their campaign has been built on explosive batting and calm decision-making in tight moments.
Skipper Aiden Markram’s attacking 86 against New Zealand highlighted their batting strength, while a dramatic double Super Over win against Afghanistan showcased their nerve under pressure.
With both momentum and confidence on their side, South Africa look well-equipped for the demands of the Super Eights.
New Zealand Secure Passage After Canadian Scare
New Zealand’s qualification was not without drama. Facing Canada in a must-win encounter, the Black Caps were pushed hard after teenage sensation Yuvraj Samra struck a historic century.
However, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips ensured there was no upset, guiding New Zealand home with authority. With six points and a healthy net run rate, they join South Africa as qualifiers from Group D.
Zimbabwe’s Fairytale Run Continues
Zimbabwe’s qualification is arguably the story of the tournament. Finishing with five points in Group B, they advanced after their final match against Ireland was washed out, enough to keep them ahead of Australia.
Their shock victory over Australia earlier in the group stage proved decisive. Wins over Oman and a no-result against Ireland completed a memorable run, marking Zimbabwe’s first-ever progression beyond the group stage at a Men’s T20 World Cup.
The achievement has sparked celebrations among fans and earned admiration across the cricketing world.
England Survives, Australia Stunned
England scraped through Group C with six points but remain under scrutiny after inconsistent performances. While they showed resilience against Italy and Scotland, their loss to West Indies exposed vulnerabilities that could be costly later.
Australia, meanwhile, endured a disastrous campaign. Plagued by injuries and poor form, the 2021 champions managed just one win. Defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka left their fate out of their hands, confirming a premature exit that few would have predicted before the tournament.
Teams Still Hoping and Those Eliminated
Pakistan remain in control of their destiny in Group A, needing a win in their final match to secure qualification. The USA and Netherlands wait anxiously, dependent on other results.
Several teams are already out of contention, including Italy, Namibia, Oman, Canada, Afghanistan, UAE, Ireland, Nepal, and Scotland. Despite early exits, many of these sides delivered moments of brilliance that enriched the tournament.
A Tournament Living Up to the Hype
As the Super Eights approach, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has already delivered drama, breakthroughs, and unforgettable narratives. Zimbabwe’s rise, Australia’s fall, and the dominance of traditional powerhouses have combined to create a compelling cricketing spectacle.
With the pressure set to intensify, the next phase promises even greater battles as teams chase T20 World Cup glory.