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India are still within the semi-finals race but it’ll be an uphill battle given South Africa and West Indies have secured big wins.
India face Zimbabwe next. (PTI Photo)
India have a battle on their hands after receiving a thrashing from South Africa. The title favourites were humbled by 76 runs in a Super 8 clash of the 2026 T20 World Cup last Sunday. The margin of defeat has left India not only chasing wins of their remaining two matches but in addition needing to enhance their net run rate (NRR), as may turn into the decisive factor if two or more teams finish level on points.
West Indies are currently the frontrunners for a semi-final berth from Group 1, due to a superb NRR of +5.350, with South Africa second on +3.800. India (-3.800) and Zimbabwe (-5.350) occupy the third and fourth spots, respectively.
Theoretically, though, all 4 teams remain within the race.
For India to qualify without complications, they should win their remaining two matches and hope South Africa beat each West Indies and Zimbabwe. Any deviation from that scenario will bring NRR and other favourable results into contention.
India can significantly boost their NRR against Zimbabwe in the event that they secure a win by a giant margin. In the event that they bat first, they may must win by no less than 77 runs to show their overall NRR positive.
In the event that they are chasing, as an example, a goal of 150, they would want to succeed in it inside 11 overs to maneuver their NRR into positive territory.
The management, nevertheless, can take heart from the incontrovertible fact that Chepauk might offer them the most effective batting surface they’ve encountered within the tournament to this point.
It is similar track that was used for the match between Afghanistan and Latest Zealand, albeit with an 11 am start. On that occasion, Latest Zealand comfortably chased down an 180-plus goal set by Afghanistan.
What could also work in India’s favour is that Zimbabwe’s spin attack – comprising Graeme Cremer, Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl – will not be as potent as among the attacks the co-hosts have faced to this point within the tournament.
Nevertheless, their tall fast bowlers – Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and the pacy Brad Evans – are greater than able to posing tough inquiries to the batters on their day.
(With PTI inputs)
February 25, 2026, 18:03 IST
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