India and the West Indies are playing a virtual quarter-final on March 1 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The winner of the clash will go straight forward to the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals. In addition, both teams are currently on 2 points each in Super 8 Group 1. On the other hand, South Africa has already qualified, and Zimbabwe is out.
If the match is washed out or abandoned because of rain, the game will end with no result, and both teams will get 1 point each under ICC rules. It will take the teams to 3 points each. When the points are equal, the net run rate becomes the tiebreaker and is used to decide who moves forward.
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The current scenario is that the West Indies is with a +1.791 net run rate and India with -.100. It simply means that the West Indies has a better run rate. So, if the rain comes or the match is abandoned, West Indies will advance to the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Why Is India Facing This Do‑or‑Die Scenario?
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 super 8 journey has been tough from the very start. The loss against South Africa put India in this situation. However, after winning against Zimbabwe, India kept the hopes alive, but their net run rate stayed negative because of the major loss against South Africa. On the other hand, the West Indies fostered their NRR with a win in the early stages of the Super 8.
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There are only two spots from the group to move forward to the semi-final, and South Africa has already captured one. India must beat the West Indies to reach the semi-finals. A win will confirm their spot in the semis, and a loss or washout will end their campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026.