T20 World Cup Super 8 qualification scenario, Group A: Can India eliminate Pakistan?

Catch the qualification scenario of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Group A, involving India and Pakistan.

When the schedule for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was released, India’s Group A seemed to be the most straightforward one. India, being the hosts and the best T20 team at the moment, was touted to go ahead along with arch-nemesis Pakistan. Pakistan has an underrated team, and it would be easy for them to go to the Super 8 stage. However, the job is not over yet. Lower-ranked teams have punched above their weight. All three of the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia had their moments but failed to seize them.

Group A qualification scenario

India and Pakistan had enjoyed a clean record, winning both their first two games. However, one of them had to drop points on Sunday. The winning team was to qualify for the Super 8s. The losing team, however, would then be in a must-win situation.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group A Standings

Qualification Scenario for India:

• Remaining games: (IND vs NED)

India has 1 match remaining and have already qualified. They are on 6 points and have an amazing Net Run Rate (NRR) of +3.050.

Qualification Scenario for Pakistan:

• Remaining games: (PAK vs NAM)

The only way Pakistan can qualify is if they beat Namibia on February 18. Currently, both Pakistan and the USA have points each. But the USA has a superior NRR and they have played all of their matches.

Qualification Scenario for USA & Netherlands:

• Remaining games: (NED vs IND)

Interestingly, both the USA and the Netherlands have an outside chance as well. The USA will hope that Pakistan loses to Namibia, and the Netherlands either loses to India or wins by a margin that means they have a superior NRR. The vice versa will be true for the Netherlands, which needs to beat India by a healthy margin.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group A Matches