The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has officially transitioned into the high-stakes Super 8 stage today, 21 February 2026. Following a group stage defined by the shock early exit of former champions Australia, the remaining eight teams are now battling across India and Sri Lanka for a spot in the semi-finals.
Super 8 Opening Fixtures
The second round of the tournament commenced this morning in Colombo. The schedule for the opening 48 hours of the Super 8s is as follows:
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb 2026 | New Zealand vs. Pakistan | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| 22 Feb 2026 | England vs. Sri Lanka | Pallekele Stadium, Kandy | 2:30 PM |
| 22 Feb 2026 | India vs. South Africa | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
Tournament Progress & Standings
India enters the Super 8s as the heavy favourite after a dominant 4-0 run in the group stage. Pakistan secured the final Super 8 spot just days ago with a decisive victory over Namibia, while the West Indies also advanced following a strong showing in Group C.
Qualified Super 8 Teams:
- Group 1: India, South Africa, West Indies, Afghanistan
- Group 2: Pakistan, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka
Road to the Final
The Super 8 stage will conclude in early March, leading into the knockout rounds. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the following venues for the tournament’s climax:
- Semi-Final 1: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Semi-Final 2: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Grand Final: 08 March 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Expert Analysis
Cricket analysts have noted that while India remains unbeaten, their middle-order consistency will be tested against South Africa’s pace attack tomorrow. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s “no-nonsense” approach is being cited as a major threat in the spin-friendly conditions of Colombo. The early departure of Australia remains the biggest talking point of the tournament, with captain Mitchell Marsh describing the dressing room as “bitterly disappointed” following their failure to progress past the initial league stage.