Who Qualifies for Super 8? Complete T20 World Cup 2026 Scenario Guide

The race for the Super 8 stage in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is reaching a dramatic climax. With five teams already through, several sides across Groups A, B and D are battling for the final three qualification spots.

Australia face a potential early exit, Pakistan’s fate hangs in the balance, and Zimbabwe are in a strong position. Meanwhile, Afghanistan and UAE need favorable results to keep their hopes alive.

Below is a complete breakdown of the qualification scenarios.

Teams Already Qualified for Super 8

• West Indies

• India

• South Africa

• England

• Sri Lanka

T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Qualification Rules

• Two teams from each of the four groups advance.

• The top two teams in each group’s points table qualify.

• Net Run Rate (NRR) becomes decisive if teams are tied on points.

With five teams confirmed, 10 teams across three groups are fighting for the remaining three spots.

Group A Qualification Scenario

Qualified: India

Eliminated: Namibia

Pakistan Super 8 Qualification Scenario

Pakistan sit third in Group A with:

• 2 wins from 3 matches

• 4 points

• Net Run Rate: -0.403

They are level on points with USA but trail in NRR.

How Pakistan Can Qualify

• If Pakistan beat Namibia → They move to 6 points and qualify.

• If Pakistan lose → They are eliminated.

Their qualification is simple: Win and go through.

USA Super 8 Qualification Scenario

USA have:

• 2 wins from 4 matches

• 4 points

• Net Run Rate: 0.788

They have completed all group matches.

How USA Can Qualify

• USA qualify if Namibia defeat Pakistan.

• If Pakistan win, USA are eliminated.

Their fate depends entirely on Pakistan’s result.

Netherlands Super 8 Qualification Scenario

Netherlands stand fourth with:

• 1 win from 3 matches

• 2 points

• Net Run Rate: -1.352

How Netherlands Can Qualify

They need:

• Namibia to beat Pakistan

• Netherlands to defeat India by:

  • 140+ runs (if batting first), OR

  • Chase target with 17+ overs to spare

This is the toughest qualification path in Group A.

Group B Qualification Scenario

Qualified: Sri Lanka

Eliminated: Oman

Zimbabwe Super 8 Qualification Scenario

Zimbabwe are second with:

• 2 wins from 2 matches

• 4 points

• Net Run Rate: 1.984

How Zimbabwe Can Qualify

• Win either against Ireland or Sri Lanka → Qualification confirmed.

• Lose both → NRR will decide.

Zimbabwe remain in a commanding position.

Australia Super 8 Qualification Scenario

Australia have:

• 1 win from 2 matches

• 2 points

• Net Run Rate: 1.1

How Australia Can Qualify

Australia must:

• Beat Oman

• Hope Zimbabwe lose both remaining matches

If that happens, qualification will be decided by NRR.

Australia need both results and a strong win margin.

Ireland Super 8 Qualification Scenario

Ireland have:

• 1 win from 3 matches

• 2 points

• Net Run Rate: 0.15

How Ireland Can Qualify

Ireland must:

• Beat Zimbabwe

• Hope Sri Lanka defeat Zimbabwe

Qualification will then depend on NRR.

Ireland’s path is narrow but mathematically possible.

Group D Qualification Scenario

Qualified: South Africa

Eliminated: None

New Zealand Super 8 Qualification Scenario

New Zealand sit second with:

• 2 wins from 3 matches

• 4 points

• Net Run Rate: 0.701

How New Zealand Can Qualify

• Beat Canada → Confirm qualification.

• Lose → NRR could decide against Afghanistan and UAE.

They control their own destiny.

Afghanistan Super 8 Qualification Scenario

Afghanistan have:

• 1 win from 3 matches

• 2 points

• Net Run Rate: -0.215

How Afghanistan Can Qualify

They must:

• Beat Canada

• Hope Canada defeat New Zealand

NRR would then determine qualification.

Margins of victory will be crucial.

UAE Super 8 Qualification Scenario

UAE have:

• 1 win from 3 matches

• 2 points

• Net Run Rate: -0.797

How UAE Can Qualify

They need:

• Canada to beat New Zealand

• UAE to beat South Africa

Qualification will depend on NRR comparison.

Canada Super 8 Qualification Scenario

Canada are bottom with:

• 2 losses from 2 matches

• 0 points

• Net Run Rate: -1.526

How Canada Can Qualify

Canada must:

• Beat New Zealand

• Then lose to Afghanistan

A three-way tie on points could push qualification to NRR.

Their scenario is complex but still alive.

Key Talking Points in Super 8 Race

• Pakistan’s qualification is in their own hands.

• Australia need Zimbabwe to collapse.

• Zimbabwe are best placed in Group B.

• New Zealand only need one win.

• Afghanistan and UAE require upsets.

• Canada must first beat New Zealand to stay alive.

The Super 8 battle in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is shaping into a dramatic finish, with net run rate potentially playing a decisive role in multiple groups.