From qualification rules to confirmed teams and Super 8 schedule, here's a quick guide to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026's next round
India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said the bold approach of Jemimah Rodrigues helped her find the perfect rhythm after a tepid beginning to the innings, which played a defining role in her side's thrilling 17-run victory over Australia in the third and final T20I here on Saturday. Mandhana played a match-setting 82 and, alongside Jemimah who contributed 59, forged a 121-run partnership that propelled India to 176 for 6 before the bowlers stifled Australia for 159 for 9. "When she came in, I think I was 16-ball 15 (runs) and still getting my timing and she came in, got three or four boundaries, got the momentum going and I could take some time," Mandhana said in the post-match presentation. "Those small things don't really get noticed, but I feel when she (Jemimah) came in and got those quick 2-3 boundaries, it calmed me down as well. So, credit to her for coming in and playing that sort of a knock," said Mandhana about her innings, which helped India win its first T20I series Down
When asked about what Team India's biggest worry is ahead of the clash, Surya had a direct and one-word answer to the question - 'None.'
Surya mentioned that the team wants Abhishek to play with a set template, and the southpaw is just trying to deliver that
Zimbabwe assistant coach Dion Ebrahim said his side has ticked all the right boxes in preparation and is comfortable being labelled the underdogs ahead of their Super 8 clash against India, adding that the key would be to not get overwhelmed by the occasion. Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets to top Group B. They will face reigning champions India, two-time champions West Indies and 2024 finalists South Africa in the Super 8. "I think rankings and every other measurement will state us as the underdogs which is perfectly fine. I think when we came into the World Cup this year, we were definitely the underdogs in the group and it's a place we like to operate in," Ebrahim said. "I think Sikandar touched on it a few days ago; that the benefit of being the underdogs is that we go into those games or that particular game with no pressure really because all the pressure sits with the India team in India in conditions which they are familiar with, a format which they have been ...
India captain Suryakumar Yadav said his team has ticked almost all the boxes in the group stage, expressing satisfaction with the collective batting effort as it heads into the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup. India's top order found it tough against off-spinner Aryan Dutt before Shivam Dube struck a 31-ball 66 to power them to 193 for six. In reply, India restricted the Netherlands to 176 for seven in 20 overs to seal a 17-run win, their fourth successive victory in the tournament, and finish atop Group A. "We have ticked a lot of boxes. Even when you win, you learn a lot of things, and we did today," Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation. "We wanted to bat first, went on to score 190. There was a bit of dew, a little challenging for the bowlers but all in all, very happy." India were 69 for three in nine overs before Dube counter-attacked in the middle overs. Suryakumar said such contributions were crucial, especially if the team finds itself in similar situations la
India go through to the Super 8 of the tournament with 4 wins in as many games and will now face South Africa in their 1st Super 8 encounter on February 22 in Ahmedabad.
There are also minor concerns around India's approach against spin, with Namibia and Pakistan managing to slow the scoring at times.
Dutch spinner Ayan Dutt cleaned up his off stump on the night in the first over itself that saw him continue his poor run of form for the Men in Blue.
India have been dominant in all three of their matches so far, yet they have not fully unleashed the explosive style of play they are capable of.
All eyes will be on Abhishek Sharma, who has built a reputation as one of the most explosive batters in recent times but has yet to make a major impact in this tournament.
From the Super 8 format to the remaining Group fixtures, here's all you need to know about the teams that have qualified for the next round of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
India hammered Pakistan by 61 runs to enter the Super 8 of ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Axar Patel said the win came from clear roles, calm minds and smart spin plans.
Ishan Kishan on Sunday said his improved play on the off-side was behind his match winning effort against arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. Kishan's 77 off 40 balls on a tough pitch made the difference as India closed out a comfortable 61-run over the opposition. It seemed has batting on a different surface. Kishan, who has shown sizzling since his India comeback, was pleased with his performance in a 'special' game. He usually gets plenty of runs on the leg side but on Sunday his off side play was effective too. "I think the wicket wasn't that easy in the beginning. You just have to believe and focus on your strength. Wanted to make them run as much as possible to my side. I worked a lot on my off-side play. "I was just trying to keep it simple. I had that in mind that we need to put 160-170 runs and it will be a good total for us. India versus Pakistan is always a special game not only for us but for our country as well. "Winning this game against Pakistan will give us
Brief scores: India 175/7 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 77; Saim Ayub 3/25). Pakistan all out 114 in 18 overs (Usman Khan 44; Jasprit Bumrah 2/17, Axar Patel 2/19, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/17).
India vs Pakistan, Colombo weather live updates: Rain continues to stay away from the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
IND vs PAK HIGHLIGHTS: India bundle out Pakistan at 114 as the Men in Blue extend their lead in T20 World Cup to 8-1.
The latest episode follows three similar occasions during the Asia Cup 2025, where Suryakumar had refrained from engaging in the customary handshake with his Pakistan counterpart
India hold a slight edge, and pundits back them, but as Sourav Ganguly warns, in an India-Pak clash one explosive partnership can change everything. Nothing is certain in cricket
India posted a competitive 175 for 7 against Pakistan in their ICC T20 World Cup clash in Colombo today. Check out how to watch IND vs PAK match live across the globe here