The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has reached its most critical juncture: the Super 8 stage. Following a high-octane group phase that saw the shock exit of former champions Australia, the final eight teams have been divided into two groups of four. The Super 8 phase begins today, February 21, 2026, and will run through March 1.
The early rounds delivered drama, upsets and nerve-wracking finishes, setting the stage for an intense battle among the remaining heavyweights. With the margins getting thinner and pressure mounting, every game from here on could define the road to the final.
Super 8 Groups and format explained
The Super 8 stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup features two powerhouse groups determined by a combination of group-stage performance and pre-tournament seedings.
Group 1 is a high-stakes bracket consisting of India and South Africa, along with the West Indies and the surprise package Zimbabwe, who secured their spot by knocking out Australia in one of the biggest shocks of the tournament. Meanwhile, Group 2 brings together a formidable lineup of Pakistan, England, New Zealand, and co-hosts Sri Lanka.
In this round-robin phase, each team plays the other three in their group once. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Semi-Finals, scheduled for March 4 and 5. With only three matches per side, there is virtually no room for error. Net run rate could once again play a decisive role if teams finish level on points.
Mohammad Kaif, Yuzvendra Chahal and others reveal their top four picks
As anticipation builds ahead of the Super 8 clashes, former cricketers and experts have shared their predictions for the semifinalists — and while some names are common, there are a few bold calls.
In a chat on Star Sports, former India batter Mohammad Kaif backed India, South Africa, England and New Zealand to progress to the final four. Kaif’s picks reflect a blend of current form and tournament pedigree, with emphasis on balanced squads capable of handling pressure in crunch situations.
India’s highest wicket-taking spinner in T20Is, Yuzvendra Chahal, echoed Kaif’s choices. Chahal also selected India, South Africa, England and New Zealand as his semifinalists, underlining the belief that these four teams possess both depth and experience to navigate the Super 8 stage successfully. However, not everyone agreed.
Former India pacer Varun Aaron made arguably the boldest prediction. He went with India, West Indies, England and Pakistan — notably leaving out both South Africa and New Zealand. Aaron’s selection of the West Indies hints at faith in their explosive T20 brand of cricket, especially in subcontinental conditions.
Meanwhile, former India coach Sanjay Bangar offered an interesting combination, backing Pakistan, India, South Africa and Sri Lanka to reach the last four. Bangar’s inclusion of Sri Lanka suggests confidence in the hosts leveraging home advantage during the decisive phase.
