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 have 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 have enjoyed a clean record so far, winning both their first two games. However, one of them will drop points on Sunday in the epic IND vs PAK encounter. The winning team will qualify for the Super 8s. The losing team, however, would then be in a must-win situation.
India have a terrific record against Pakistan in T20Is, having won 6 out of 7 T20 World Cup encounters against them. If they win again in Colombo, India will qualify, but Pakistan’s chances will take a hit. Yes, it is not that type of a tournament where one loss will eliminate a team. But in this format, anything can happen. And with Pakistan, always expect the unexpected.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group A Standings
| Position | Team | P | W | L | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +3.050 |
| 2 | Pakistan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +0.932 |
| 3 | USA | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | +0.533 |
| 4 | Netherlands | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -1.352 |
| 5 | Namibia | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -2.884 |
Qualification Scenario for India:
- Remaining games: (IND vs PAK), (IND vs NED)
India have two matches remaining. They are on four points and have an amazing Net Run Rate (NRR) of +3.050. Another win and they qualify. If Suryakumar Yadav’s team lose against Pakistan, they have a game remaining against the Netherlands. So, India can easily qualify if they beat the Dutch side on February 18.
India can also qualify if they lose against both Pakistan and the Netherlands, given India’s NRR remains better than USA and the Dutch’s.
Qualification Scenario for Pakistan:
- Remaining games: (IND vs PAK), (PAK vs NAM)
Similar to India, Pakistan have two matches remaining as well with 4 points in the bag. Faheem Ashraf’s insane cameo saved Pakistan from embarrassment in the tournament opener against the Netherlands. Now, with two matches to go, Pakistan can easily go ahead with at least one win.
The only way Pakistan cannot qualify is if they lose both their games. On top of that, the USA would need to win against Namibia as well. Then, both Pakistan and the USA will end up with 4 points each and the team with the better NRR will qualify. USA beating Namibia is a realistic result, considering Namibia have lost both their games against the Netherlands and India.
Qualification Scenario for USA & Netherlands:
- Remaining games: (USA vs NAM), (NED vs IND)
Interestingly, both the USA and the Netherlands have an outside chance as well. Both teams are on two points with one game in hand. Both of them can go up to a maximum of four points. Incidentally, both of them want either India or Pakistan to not go above 4 points.
For USA, they have a match against Namibia, a clash just before the IND vs PAK game. If the USA manage to clinch that game, they will join India and Pakistan with 4 points. Then, they can only hope one of the two heavyweights loses all the games. Same is the case with the Netherlands, who have a tougher task against them in the form of India. They would also need a favour from Pakistan. For things to clear out for the Men in Orange, they would want Pakistan to win all their games, and then the Netherlands can think about eliminating India.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group A Matches
| Match | Date | Venue | Local Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA vs Namibia (26th Match) | Feb 15 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 3:00 PM |
| India vs Pakistan (27th Match) | Feb 15 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Pakistan vs Namibia (35th Match) | Feb 18 | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo | 3:00 PM |
| India vs Netherlands (36th Match) | Feb 18 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
