Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has reached its decisive phase, and the latest points table leaves defending champions India with a clear equation — beat West Indies on Sunday and book a place in the semi-finals.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Group 1 witnessed a dramatic shake-up on Thursday. South Africa stormed into the last four with a commanding nine-wicket win over West Indies in Ahmedabad, chasing down 177 in just 16.1 overs. A blistering 95-run opening stand between Aiden Markram (82 not out) and Quinton de Kock (47) set the tone, while Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 45 sealed the deal as the Proteas finished at 177/1. The victory extended South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament and confirmed their semi-final berth.
India, meanwhile, kept their title defence alive with a thumping 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai. That result, coupled with South Africa’s dominance, has set up a virtual quarterfinal between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday. Both teams sit on two points from two matches, making it a straight shootout for the second semi-final spot from Group 1.
T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 1 Points Table
| P | W | L | NR | Points | NRR | |
| South Africa (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +2.890 |
| West Indies | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +1.791 |
| India | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -0.100 |
| Zimbabwe (E) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -4.475 |
While South Africa face Zimbabwe in their final Super 8 fixture, all eyes will be on Kolkata, where the winner of India vs West Indies will advance.In Group 2, co-hosts Sri Lanka became the first side to be eliminated after a 61-run loss to New Zealand. The Kiwis posted 168/7 before restricting Sri Lanka to 107/8, ending their campaign. England have already qualified with two wins from two matches, while New Zealand and Pakistan remain in contention.
T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 2 Points Table
| P | W | L | NR | Points | NRR | |
| England (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.491 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | +3.050 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -0.461 |
| Sri Lanka (E) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -2.800 |
With knockout spots on the line and net run rates in play, the race to the semi-finals is now at boiling point. Sunday’s India-West Indies clash promises to decide more than just two points — it will determine who keeps their World Cup dream alive.
