The T20 World Cup 2026 | Semi Finals
Hello, fellow Cricket Enthusiasts,
Well, we are just three games away from crowning the next champions of the T20 World Cup 2026. Four semi-finalists are set. India will meet England, and South Africa will face New Zealand.** As I said last week, I can't expect better progress in the tournament with so many associate teams competing against the big fish in the Group stage, and also in the competitive Super 8 stage. Everyone gave their best, and it was just thrilling and entertaining to watch.
Such a highly competitive tournament with everyone competing shoulder to shoulder!
*Out of 55 matches, 40 Group stage matches, and 12 Super 8 matches have already been finished, with three to go. You can see the GROUP STAGE STANDINGS from here, and here's what happened in the second round.
It's exactly what I expected after the Group stage, except England became the first in Group Two ahead of the Kiwis.
Obviously, South Africa is the most dominant team so far, unbeaten, and just dominating against every team comfortably. They won against India by 76 runs, the West Indies by 9 wickets, and Zimbabwe by 5 wickets.
In the other Group, England won all three matches. They had a tough start in the 1st round, and even in the Super 8, I don't think they are at their best. But they managed to hold their nerves in all three matches, winning in very thrilling matches.
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka from the two groups couldn't win any of the matches. Zimbabwe got really hammered by both India and Zimbabwe; anyhow, they did something remarkable at this time. On the other hand, Sri Lanka stil haven't figured out anything even after a decade later, humiliated on their home soil for part-time spinners.
The last match between India and the West Indies was just like a knockout to decide the second semi-finalist. Both teams faced a heavy defeat against South Africa, and scored 250+ runs against Zimbabwe.
The match was held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. West Indies batted first and scored 195/4 in their 20 overs. Eventhough a slow start from Hope, others managed their form and aggression just like they are known for.
The Indian batting line-up was also not in their top form, especially Abhishek, couldn't do anything in this series. Sky and Ishan also got out cheaply, but one man stood up; Sanju Samson. Eventhough with tremendous talent, he was like a sacrifice or replacement most of the time. But this time, he changed his role, anchored the inning, and won it for India. He scored an unbeaten 97 runs in 50 balls with 12 fours and 4 sixes. India won the match by 5 wickets.
- In the other group, as New Zealand and Pakistan got washed out, the last match between Pakistan became the decider. A win for Pakistan didn't matter, as the net run rate came to the decision.
The match was held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. Pakistan started the batting really well. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakar Zaman bashed Sri Lankan ballers, scoring 176 runs in 16 overs for the first wicket. Farhan scored his second century in the tournament, while Fakar scored 84 runs. Anyhow, from there, they couldn't finish it well. Sri Lankan ballers managed to restrict the last few overs to 212/8. So, from there, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to under 147 runs.
Once again, Nissanka failed. Mishara and Charith scored freely for a few overs, but got out cheaply along with Kamindu and Janith Liyanage. Sri Lanka was 101/5 in 12 overs. Pakistan almost managed it, but Pavan held one end, and Dasun Shanaka showed some fireworks. He almost finished the match. Pavan scored 58 runs, while Shanaka scored 76 in 31 balls. Anyhow, we were just short of 5 runs.
Most Runs
- Now familiar names have climbed the list. Sahibzada Farhan from Pakistan is leading the list along with Brian Bennett, Aiden Markram, Shimron Hetmyer, and SKY. Farhan's 383 runs are now the highest T20I score ina single edition. And Brian Bennet from Zimbabwe showed some real class and consistency. There are five hundreds from Nissanka, Farhan, Harry Brook, and Yuvraj Samra from Canada.
Most Wickets
- Shadley van Schalkwyk from the USA still leads the chart with Varun Chakaravarthy, Blessing Muzarabani, Lungi Ngidi, and Corbin Bosch.
This will be a huge contest. Who are you backing?
So, that's it for today!! Until next time! Enjoy!
Thank you.
Best Regards!