The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage kicks off today, 21 February 2026 – and cricket fans worldwide are buzzing. After 40 intense group-stage matches, the top eight teams enter this high-pressure round-robin phase split between India and Sri Lanka. Every point counts. Every over matters. The “Group of Death” in India features four unbeaten powerhouses, while Sri Lanka hosts a tactical battleground packed with spin masters and explosive batters.
This ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage is unique: pre-seeded groups mean no re-seeding after group stage. Zimbabwe replaces eliminated Australia in Group 1. If Pakistan reaches knockouts, the first semi-final and final move to Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium under the neutral-venue rule. The final is set for 8 March at Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad) unless the rule triggers.
India, the defending champions and co-hosts, enter as overwhelming favourites on familiar soil. But Zimbabwe’s fairy-tale run (knocking out Australia), West Indies’ power-hitting, South Africa’s pace battery, and Pakistan’s in-form stars like Sahibzada Farhan (tournament’s leading run-scorer) make this the most open Super 8 ever.
Here’s your complete, easy-to-follow guide to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage – full schedule, pitch reports, team-by-team breakdowns, updated player stats (as of 20 Feb), weather alerts, and clear qualification paths. All times IST. All data from official ICC sources and group-stage results.
1. Super 8 Groups, Format & Qualification Context
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage uses pre-assigned seeding rather than final group standings. This created the blockbuster “Group of Death”.
Group 1 (hosted entirely in India):
- India (Group A winners, 8 pts, unbeaten)
- South Africa (Group D winners, 8 pts, unbeaten)
- West Indies (Group C winners, 8 pts, unbeaten)
- Zimbabwe (Group B winners, 7 pts – replaced seeded Australia after AUS elimination)
Group 2 (hosted entirely in Sri Lanka):
- Pakistan (Group A runners-up, 6 pts)
- Sri Lanka (Group B runners-up, 6 pts)
- England (Group C runners-up, 6 pts)
- New Zealand (Group D runners-up, 6 pts)
Why Zimbabwe in Group 1? Australia, the pre-seeded team, crashed out after losses to Zimbabwe (23 runs) and Sri Lanka (8 wickets). Zimbabwe’s shock wins earned them the spot.
Format – Simple & Brutal
- Each team plays the other three in its group once (3 matches per team).
- 2 points for a win, 1 point each for no-result (rain).
- No points carry over from group stage.
- Top 2 from each group advance to semi-finals (4 & 5 March).
- Semi-finals: Winner Group 1 vs Runner-up Group 2; Winner Group 2 vs Runner-up Group 1.
- Final: 8 March.
Neutral Venue Clause
If Pakistan qualifies for knockouts, the first semi-final and final shift to R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (neutral venue agreement).
Group Stage Highlights (as of 20 Feb)
India topped Group A unbeaten with a 61-run win over Pakistan.
Zimbabwe stunned Australia twice (effectively) and topped Group B with 7 pts (rain-abandoned vs Ireland).
West Indies dominated Group C, beating England by 30 runs.
South Africa survived a double Super Over vs Afghanistan to stay perfect in Group D.
Australia, Afghanistan, and several associates were eliminated – making this Super 8 the strongest ever.
Comparison Table – Group Stage Records of Super 8 Teams
| Team | Group | Played | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | A | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +3.05 |
| South Africa | D | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +2.10 |
| West Indies | C | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +1.82 |
| Zimbabwe | B | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | +1.45 |
| Pakistan | A | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | +0.90 |
| Sri Lanka | B | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | +2.46 |
| England | C | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | +1.20 |
| New Zealand | D | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | +0.75 |
This setup guarantees fireworks from day one in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage.
2. Full Super 8 Match Schedule with Timings & Venue Breakdown
Here is the complete ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 schedule (all times Indian Standard Time – IST).
Full Super 8 Match Schedule Table
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb | New Zealand vs Pakistan | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 7:00 PM | 2 |
| 22 Feb | Sri Lanka vs England | Pallekele Stadium, Kandy | 3:00 PM | 2 |
| 22 Feb | India vs South Africa | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM | 1 |
| 23 Feb | Zimbabwe vs West Indies | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 7:00 PM | 1 |
| 24 Feb | England vs Pakistan | Pallekele Stadium, Kandy | 7:00 PM | 2 |
| 25 Feb | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 7:00 PM | 2 |
| 26 Feb | West Indies vs South Africa | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 3:00 PM | 1 |
| 26 Feb | India vs Zimbabwe | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 7:00 PM | 1 |
| 27 Feb | England vs New Zealand | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 7:00 PM | 2 |
| 28 Feb | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | Pallekele Stadium, Kandy | 7:00 PM | 2 |
| 1 Mar | Zimbabwe vs South Africa | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 3:00 PM | 1 |
| 1 Mar | India vs West Indies | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7:00 PM | 1 |
Match-by-Match Quick Preview (why each is huge)
21 Feb – New Zealand vs Pakistan (Colombo, 7 PM)
Opener on a slow, spin-friendly track. Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq (8 wkts in group stage) vs NZ’s experience. Farhan’s form makes Pakistan slight favourites.
22 Feb – Sri Lanka vs England (Kandy, 3 PM)
Co-hosts with home crowd vs two-time champions. Kandy’s bouncy pitch suits SL pacers Pathirana and ENG power-hitters.
22 Feb – India vs South Africa (Ahmedabad, 7 PM)
Blockbuster! Defending champs vs 2024 runners-up. Flat track, dew – chasing likely. Ishan Kishan (176 runs @202 SR) vs Markram (178 runs).
23 Feb – Zimbabwe vs West Indies (Mumbai, 7 PM)
ZIM’s Muzarabani (9 wkts) vs WI’s six-hitting machine (Hetmyer, Powell, Rutherford – Sherfane avg 126). High-scoring expected.
24 Feb – England vs Pakistan (Kandy, 7 PM)
Spin vs spin battle. Pakistan need points to stay alive.
25 Feb – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (Colombo, 7 PM)
Slow track – SL spinners Hasaranga vs NZ batters.
26 Feb – West Indies vs South Africa (Ahmedabad, 3 PM)
Day game, less dew. Pace vs pace.
26 Feb – India vs Zimbabwe (Chennai, 7 PM)
Chepauk spin trap. Varun Chakaravarthy (9 wkts @5.16) will dominate.
27 Feb – England vs New Zealand (Colombo, 7 PM)
Must-win for both to chase top-2.
28 Feb – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (Kandy, 7 PM)
Huge for qualification. SL home advantage.
1 Mar – Zimbabwe vs South Africa (Delhi, 3 PM)
ZIM dark horses vs SA pace.
1 Mar – India vs West Indies (Kolkata, 7 PM)
Final Group 1 clash – likely decider for top spot.
Each fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage carries direct qualification weight. No room for error.
3. Super 8 Venues & Pitch Reports – India vs Sri Lanka Conditions 2026
Group 1 Venues – India (Batting-friendly but spin rising)
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
World’s largest cricket stadium (capacity 132,000). Recent group matches saw 213 & 193. Average 1st innings ~192. Flat, true bounce, short boundaries. Heavy dew in evening – chasing preferred. Toss: Bowl first. Favours India & WI power-hitters.
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
High-scoring, quick outfield. Early swing for pacers under lights. Excellent for stroke-play throughout.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (“Chepauk”)
Slowest, most spin-friendly. Grip for finger spinners in middle overs. Low bounce. Bat first preferred.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Balanced – early carry for pacers, slows later. Tactical spin heaven.
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Reliable batting surface, good stroke play.
Group 2 Venues – Sri Lanka (Variable, rain-affected)
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Slow, two-paced black-soil track. Average 1st innings 143–167. Spinners paradise. Grip & turn. Bat first to avoid deterioration.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
Best batting surface in SL. Recent 225/5. Early bounce for pacers, then slows. High-scoring powerplay potential.
Venue Comparison Table
| Venue | Avg 1st Innings | Spin Grip | Dew Factor | Toss Preference | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | ~192 | Low | High | Bowl first | Power-hitters |
| Mumbai | High | Medium | Medium | Bowl first | Stroke-play |
| Chennai | Low-Medium | Very High | Low | Bat first | Finger spinners |
| Kolkata | Balanced | Medium-High | Medium | Depends | Balanced |
| Delhi | High | Low | Low | Bat first | Batters |
| Colombo RPS | 143–167 | Very High | Low | Bat first | Spinners |
| Kandy | High | Medium | Medium | Bowl first | All-rounders |
Toss strategy summary: Ahmedabad & Kandy – bowl first (dew). Colombo – bat first.
These conditions will heavily influence the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage outcomes.
4. In-Depth Team Analysis – Group 1
India
Unbeaten, home advantage, world-class spin (Varun 9 wkts @5.16). Ishan Kishan 176 runs @202 SR. Weakness: occasional opening wobbles. Likely XI strong. Qualification probability: 95%+ for top-2.
South Africa
Pace battery (Rabada, Nortje). Markram 178 runs. Vulnerable to quality spin. 80% chance top-2.
West Indies
Power depth (Rutherford avg 126). Shepherd 5/20 best figures. Death bowling leaks possible. Dark horse for 2nd spot.
Zimbabwe
Muzarabani 9 wkts @5.92. Momentum from AUS upset. Can spoil. 40% chance top-2.
Predicted Group 1 Standings
- India
- South Africa
- West Indies
- Zimbabwe
5. In-Depth Team Analysis – Group 2
Pakistan
Farhan 220 runs. Usman Tariq mystery spin. Inconsistent but dangerous.
Sri Lanka
Nissanka 199, Mendis 182 (3 fifties). Hasaranga & Pathirana. Home momentum.
England
Brook (c), Salt, Curran all-round. High-intent.
New Zealand
Balanced, subcontinent experience.
Predicted Group 2 Standings
- Sri Lanka / Pakistan
- England / New Zealand (tight)
6. Player Stats & Key Performers After Group Stage
Most Runs Table
| Player | Team | Runs | Avg | HS | SR | 100 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | PAK | 220 | 73.33 | 100* | 164.17 | 1 | 1 |
| Pathum Nissanka | SL | 199 | 66.33 | 100* | 156.69 | 1 | 1 |
| Kusal Mendis | SL | 182 | 60.67 | 61 | 124.65 | 0 | 3 |
| Aiden Markram | SA | 178 | 59.33 | 86* | 187.36 | 0 | 2 |
| Ishan Kishan | IND | 176 | 44.00 | 77 | 202.29 | 0 | 2 |
Most Wickets Table
| Player | Team | Wkts | Avg | Econ | BBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadley van Schalkwyk* | USA | 13 | 7.76 | 6.80 | 4/25 |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | IND | 9 | 6.88 | 5.16 | 3/7 |
| Blessing Muzarabani | ZIM | 9 | 7.88 | 5.92 | 4/17 |
| … (full list as provided) |
Spin dominance clear. Farhan’s consistency and Varun’s economy will shine in Super 8.
7. Weather Updates & Impact on ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage
Sri Lanka (High rain risk)
Colombo opener (21 Feb): 74–87% rain chance, thunderstorms possible. No reserve days – 1 pt each if <5 overs. Kandy unsettled. DLS will decide shortened games.
India
Clear, warm (31–32°C day, pleasant evenings). Full matches expected.
Risk Table
High risk: 21 Feb Colombo, 25 Feb Colombo, 27 Feb Colombo.
Low risk: All India venues.
Rain in Sri Lanka could dramatically change Group 2 standings.
8. Predictions, Qualification Scenarios & Path to the Title
Tournament Winner Odds (21 Feb)
India ~47.6% favourite
South Africa 20%
England 14.3%
Others lower.
Group 1: India & South Africa advance (India top).
Group 2: Pakistan/Sri Lanka & England likely.
Semi-Finals Possibilities
IND vs ENG or PAK; SA vs SL/NZ.
Tactical Keys
- Spin on wearing pitches (Varun, Hasaranga, Tariq, Muzarabani)
- Dew management in Ahmedabad/Kandy
- Powerplay aggression
Expert Verdict
India retain title on home soil – but Zimbabwe or West Indies could cause chaos. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage will deliver unforgettable cricket starting tonight in Colombo.
Bookmark this page, share with fellow fans, and follow every ball of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage. The road to 8 March glory starts now!
For live updates, visit icc-cricket.com.
ESPNcricinfo for stats.
FAQs for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage
1. When does the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage start and end? The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage begins today on 21 February 2026 with New Zealand vs Pakistan in Colombo and concludes on 1 March 2026. All 12 matches are played in a round-robin format across India (Group 1) and Sri Lanka (Group 2).
2. What are the two groups in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage? Group 1 (India venues – “Group of Death”): India, South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe. Group 2 (Sri Lanka venues): Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, and New Zealand. The groups were pre-seeded and Zimbabwe replaced eliminated Australia.
3. What is the full T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 schedule with timings? The complete T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 schedule starts with New Zealand vs Pakistan (21 Feb, 7:00 PM IST, Colombo). Key clashes include India vs South Africa (22 Feb, Ahmedabad, 7:00 PM IST) and India vs West Indies (1 Mar, Kolkata, 7:00 PM IST). Full table with venues and times is provided in the article.
4. Which venues host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage? Group 1 matches are hosted entirely in India at Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), Wankhede (Mumbai), MA Chidambaram (Chennai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), and Arun Jaitley (Delhi). Group 2 matches are hosted entirely in Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa (Colombo) and Pallekele (Kandy).
5. What are the pitch reports for Super 8 venues in T20 World Cup 2026? Ahmedabad and Kandy are high-scoring flat tracks with dew favouring chases. Colombo is slow, two-paced and spinner-friendly (avg 1st innings 143–167). ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage Chennai offers maximum grip for finger spinners. Complete Super 8 venues pitch report 2026 is in the guide.
6. Who are the leading run-scorers and wicket-takers before the Super 8 stage? Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) tops runs with 220. Pathum Nissanka has 199. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage Varun Chakaravarthy (India) and Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe) lead wickets with 9 each at excellent economy rates. Full tables are updated as of 20 February 2026.
7. How will weather impact matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8? ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 StageSri Lanka venues face high rain risk (Colombo opener 74–87% chance). No reserve days mean possible shared points or DLS. All India venues expect clear, warm conditions with zero precipitation probability.
8. Who are the favourites to qualify from each group in the Super 8? ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Stage From Group 1: India and South Africa are clear favourites. From Group 2: Pakistan/Sri Lanka and England/New Zealand are in tight contention. Detailed T20 World Cup 2026 predictions and scenarios are covered.
9. What is the neutral venue rule if Pakistan qualifies in the 2026 T20 World Cup? If Pakistan reaches the knockouts, the first semi-final and the final move to R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo as a neutral venue.
10. Who is predicted to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026? India remain overwhelming favourites (~47.6%) due to home advantage and unbeaten form. South Africa, England, and Pakistan are the next best placed. Full path to the 8 March final is analysed.