Pakistan confirmed their place in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia in Colombo. The comprehensive win ensured their progression from Group A and completed the Super Eight line-up.
India and Pakistan advanced from Group A, while Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe qualified from Group B. West Indies and England progressed from Group C, and South Africa joined New Zealand from Group D.
Super Eight Format Explained
The Super Eight stage will feature two groups of four teams each. Group 1 comprises India, Zimbabwe, West Indies and South Africa. Group 2 includes England, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Each team will play the other three teams in its group once, beginning the round with zero points. Net run rate from the first phase will not be carried forward, ensuring a fresh start for all eight sides.
Semi-Final Qualification and Schedule
Pakistan will begin their Super Eight campaign against New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. At the conclusion of this stage, the top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.
The semi-final venues are subject to Pakistan’s qualification status. If Pakistan qualify, they will feature in the first semi-final in Colombo on March 4. If they fail to advance, that fixture will instead be held in Kolkata.
The second semi-final is scheduled for March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India will compete in that match if they secure qualification.
Final Venue Conditions
The venue for the final will also depend on Pakistan’s progression. Should Pakistan reach the final, it will be staged in Colombo. Otherwise, Ahmedabad will host the title decider. A reserve day has been allocated for both semi-finals and the final to account for any weather interruptions.
Automatic Qualification for 2028 T20 World Cup
Teams that have progressed to the Super Eight stage have also secured automatic qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Australia qualify automatically as co-hosts, despite not reaching the Super Eight.
The remaining automatic qualification spots will be determined based on the ICC’s T20I rankings as of March 9, 2026. The final eight places in the 20-team tournament will be decided through regional qualifying competitions.
