🏏 ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: WI vs SA 47th Match,26 Feb 🏏 - Page 2

A South Africa win against West Indies is the best scenario for India, boosting their semi-final chances if India also wins its remaining matches. A West Indies win complicates things, forcing a three-way tie on points (with SA/WI) where India must overcome a poor Net Run Rate (NRR).

Best Scenario: South Africa Beats West Indies: If SA defeats WI, India needs to beat both Zimbabwe and West Indies to likely qualify.

Alternative: Washout in WI vs SA: If the match is abandoned, India can still advance by winning their remaining two matches.

Complicated Scenario: West Indies Beats South Africa: If WI wins, India must win their remaining games (vs Zimbabwe, vs WI) and hope to better the NRR of the other teams in a likely 3-way tie.

Why SA vs WI Matters for India:

NRR Dependence: India’s heavy loss to South Africa means their NRR is poor, making a straight points qualification (with SA beating WI) ideal.

Three-Way Tie: If WI beats SA, and all three teams (India, SA, WI) finish on 4 points, India needs massive wins against Zimbabwe and West Indies to overcome the NRR deficit.

While the West Indies have been impressive, their ability to adjust to the Ahmedabad conditions will be tested. Given South Africa's consistency and local experience, they have a slight edge.

The Caribbean unit has been unstoppable in their campaign, sweeping aside every opponent in their five outings. Their dominant triumph over Zimbabwe sent their net run rate soaring to a staggering +5.350. With momentum firmly on their side, a composed performance in the remaining games, especially versus the Proteas, could seal a semifinal spot.

South Africa have also been in good form, securing wins in all of their encounters. This sets up an exciting clash between two unbeaten sides. One factor that could work in the Proteas’ favor is their familiarity with the Ahmedabad conditions, having played four out of five matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

SA jeet jana bas

1.5 billion people are with you guys today

I'll be asleep all thru the SA vs WI match. Thank God for that! Can't handle the stress of 2 matches. I hope I wake up to the news of SA winning.

The road remains open, but qualification now depends on precision, aggression, and mathematical margins. A South Africa win over West Indies removes the risk of a three-way tie and keeps qualification straightforward. India can qualify by winning both remaining matches and finishing second behind the Proteas.4

India’s net run rate of -3.800 took a hit following their huge defeat to South Africa in their first Super 8 match. Net run rate could prove decisive for India if three teams end up tied on six points each, as the side with the superior net run rate would progress. A similar scenario occurred in the T20 World Cup 2012, when India won two of three Super 8 matches but were edged out due to an inferior net run rate.

Meanwhile, South Africa remain unbeaten in the tournament, and with a net run rate of +3.800, they look like strong contenders to advance from Group 1. The West Indies are also undefeated, and after their win over Zimbabwe, they appear well-positioned for a top-four finish.

ADVANTAGE SOUTH AFRICA IN AHMEDABAD?

For the Proteas, Ahmedabad has felt like a home away from home. Of the five games they’ve played in the tournament, four have been at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with the only exception being the match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aside from their thrilling Super Over win against Afghanistan, South Africa have delivered dominant performances at this venue.