India suffered an embarrassing defeat in front of a packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to kick off their Super 8 campaign. That defeat leaves them in a pickle in the race for the T20 World Cup semi-final. Suryakumar Yadav and Co remain in contention but will have to improve their net run rate which could be a massive factor.

India suffered an embarrassing defeat in front of a packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to kick off their Super 8 campaign. That defeat leaves them in a pickle in the race for the T20 World Cup semi-final. Suryakumar Yadav and Co remain in contention but will have to improve their net run rate which could be a massive factor.

Chasing 188, India were bowled out for just 111, in their worst ever defeat in T20 World Cup history. The defeat leaves India's net run-rate in a ditch, complicating their path to the semi-final.

Scenario 1: Beat WI, ZIM & South Africa Win All Games

After their loss to South Africa, India's best case scenario in the next two matches is to win them. The Men in Blue face off against Zimbabwe in Chennai, before a final Super 8 match against the West Indies in Kolkata.

Wins in both those matches will leave them on 4 points, opening a bunch of potential scenarios in Super Group 1. For an easier path, Surya and Co will hope that South Africa can continue their run and win all 3 matches, leaving India at 4 as the best placed ahead of West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Scenario 2: Beat WI, ZIM & Three-Way Tie At 4 Points

In a risky scenario, India could win both their matches and still lose out on qualification for the ICC T20 WC26 semi final. In this scenario, South Africa, India and West Indies/Zimbabwe will all finish on 4 points, with two wins each to their name. One of West Indies/Zimbabwe will finish with 0 points.

In that scenario, the NRR would decide fate. India's net run rate has taken a major hit after a heavy defeat to the Proteas. The Men in Blue will have to better it with bigger win margins against West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Scenario 3: Beat WI Or ZIM & Three-Way Tie At 2 Points

In the rarest of scenarios, India could still qualify if they manage only 1 win in their next two games. In that scenario, Suryakumar and Co will again need South Africa to win all three games and top the group at 6 points.

The results have to fall into place as such that India, West Indies and Zimbabwe have to beat one another in a circular manner. For example, if India beat Zimbabwe, then Zimbabwe has to beat West Indies, and then India can afford to lose the game to them. However, in that case again, India will need to strengthen their run rate.