The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has reached the semifinals, with South Africa facing New Zealand on March 4 in Kolkata and defending champions India taking on England on March 5 in Mumbai. India qualified with a five-wicket win over West Indies, chasing 196 in a chase highlighted by Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97. South Africa remains undefeated, while England won all their Super Eights matches.
The semifinals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India, are scheduled for March 4 and 5, following four weeks of competition. On March 4 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, South Africa plays New Zealand at 7pm IST (13:30 GMT). On March 5 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India faces England at the same local time. Winners advance to the final on March 8 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad at 13:30 GMT. If Pakistan had qualified, the final would have been in Colombo, but their Super 8 exit keeps it in India.
Both semifinals have reserve days (March 5 and 6 at 09:30 GMT), with efforts to complete on schedule by reducing overs if needed (minimum 10 overs per team). Additional time: 90 minutes for semis on scheduled days, 120 on reserves; 120 minutes for final.
Team Form and Qualification:
South Africa topped Group 1 unbeaten, beating Canada (57 runs), Afghanistan (super over), UAE (6 wkts), India (76 runs), West Indies (9 wkts), Zimbabwe (5 wkts). They also defeated New Zealand by 7 wkts in groups. Led by Aiden Markram, with Quinton de Kock building form, Lungi Ngidi excelling with off-pace, Kagiso Rabada finding rhythm, and all-rounder Corbin Bosch.
New Zealand advanced from Group 2 via net run-rate after rain vs Pakistan, wins over Sri Lanka (61 runs), Afghanistan (5 wkts), UAE (10 wkts), Canada (7 wkts), but losses to England (4 wkts) and South Africa. Mitchell Santner captains, Finn Allen key opener.
India (top-ranked T20 side) qualified from Group 1 despite loss to South Africa, with wins over West Indies (5 wkts, Samson 97*), Zimbabwe (72 runs), USA (29 runs), Namibia (93 runs), Pakistan (61 runs), Netherlands (17 runs).
England dominated Group 2 Super Eights (wins over Sri Lanka 51 runs, Pakistan 2 wkts, New Zealand 4 wkts), plus group wins vs Nepal (4 runs), Scotland (5 wkts), Italy (24 runs), but lost to West Indies (30 runs). Australia exited early, losing to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
Betting odds: India +125, South Africa +225, England +450, New Zealand +550. Gautam Gambhir says India needs special effort vs England; Glenn McGrath warns not to take them lightly. Coverage: Al Jazeera Sport live from 10:00 GMT; BBC ball-by-ball for UK.
